P. WARDLE “Dicky” RICHARDS (1894-1981)

Dicky was born in Cornwall on March 21^st 1894 and was educated at the Penzance County School for Boys; he gained an external degree from London University.  He married Enid Tregenza in 1929, retired in 1955, and died at his home in Mousehole on May 3^rd 1981.

From his arrival at K.C. in 1917 Dicky’s contributions in all fields were notable: producing plays, acting as Assistant Scoutmaster, playing tennis, editing the school magazine as well as the Jubilee History, becoming Housemaster and, finally, Second Master.  It was, however, above all his innate culture, his love and knowledge of French and English Literature and arts, and his infectious enthusiasm for nature in all its aspects (particularly ornithology) that aroused affection, interest and response from his pupils.

He was courtesy itself in his dealings with people, and with his urbane old-world charm he welcomed all people to his home – whether at Mousehole or earlier at ‘The Fig Tree’, Rough Common, always interested in K.C. and the Old Canterburian Club whose office of President he once graced.  His genial and kindly friendliness permeated the atmosphere of the school.