TRIBUTES have been paid to a “trailblazer” former headmaster of a school in Thornbury, who has passed away aged 94.

Clifford “Cliff” Martin, who sadly passed away on August 31, took the helm at The Castle School when it was first founded in 1965, helping to establish its excellent reputation, and bringing it into the comprehensive era.

Family and friends came together yesterday to celebrate his life at a funeral held at Westerleigh Crematorium.

Born in Islington on June 10, 1922, Cliff had one older and two younger brothers and a younger sister.

Long before his career in education, Cliff served in the RAF ground crew for six years, a service which lasted through the Second World War, and saw him present on the communications vessel during the D-Day landings.

Cliff met Ethel Verona “Rona” Newport, his wife of 65 years, after knocking on her door as a recruit and immediately decided he wanted to marry her, despite finding out later that she was already engaged to someone else.

The couple tied the knot in Gloucester on September 15, 1945, and three years later celebrated the birth of their daughter Gillian.

Cliff began teaching maths in Gloucester, and was appointed deputy head there before he was given the top job when the Castle School was founded.

There he laid the foundations for generations to come with a clear vision for its future, showing sound judgement in recruiting the kind of people who would be able to maintain his work.  

Kate Hickman, a long-time neighbour and friend of Cliff’s, since serving as an art teacher when the school was first founded, spoke fondly of her former boss and friend.

“He was a trailblazer, taking the reins of the school right at the start,” she said.

“Even though there were not all that many pupils at the time when the school was founded, he had all the right ideals for how a school should be run, and definitely set the Castle School on its way.

“As a headmaster he was wonderful, he just did all the right things. His commitment to the staff and the students was wonderful. He got on with everyone.”

Following his departure from the school in 1978, Cliff went on to work for the local education authority and was very active in the community, both as a member of the Rotary Club and the Royal Lodge of Faith and Friendship.

After his wife was moved into Beech House care home in Thornbury, Cliff joined her and they spend several happy years together there until she passed away six years ago.

Peter Smart, current head teacher of the Castle School, said: “On behalf of everyone at Castle School my condolences to Mr Martin's family.

“In July this year we celebrated our 50th Anniversary and were delighted that Cliff was able to join us.  It was a wonderful occasion and many past and present staff were touched that he was able to be part of the celebrations.

“Castle School has been a focal point of the community for 50 years and Cliff was instrumental in establishing our successful school.  He has left a real legacy in the town.”