NINHAM, A C (Tony). Passed 1st May 2020.
If you would like to send in an obituary for the next issue of the OI Journal please send to:
oldipswichians@ipswich.school
Many thanks
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Terence Blackford OI (1957-1969) writes:
I remember Tony Ninham very well and believe that his appointment to teach French, may have been his first appointment after leaving Exeter university. Whilst he was at the School, I recall that he married, and his wife taught in the Prep.
I was no language scholar and I knew Mr. Ninham through my membership of the Debating Society, during its golden years when it enjoyed much success in national competitions under the chairmanship of Tim Briden. The programme of outside events involved some travel, normally in Tony’s car, often with the active support of Mrs. Ninham. There were also a number of debates at school, which Mr. Ninham hosted.
I live in Norwich and the Ninham family have strong links with this City. I cannot quite. remember whether Tony was an old boy of King Edwards, Norwich, or returned to teach, or possibly both. You could certainly detect a Norfolk accent.
Some of the members of the Debating Society went on to distinguished legal careers and I am sure would acknowledge that it was their experience of public speaking at school that contributed to their success, largely due to Tony’s tutelage. He was a good man and a fine example to those of us, who had the privilege of knowing him. I regret his loss and send my condolences to his family.
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Timothy Briden OI (1958-1970) writes :
(please click link below)
Tony Ninham Obit
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Chris Berridge Former Staff (1965-1968) writes:
Tony Ninham taught French at the school from 1965 to 1968. It was his first teaching post, he having studied at Durham University, and, in accordance with the practice of the time, he had spent a year at a school in Le Havre, a formative experience which he never forgot and which was the subject of frequent reminiscence.
Tony was born in Norwich in 1940, and he spent his early life there, including living through the war and its air-raids, a scary experience but one which the family’s sense of humour helped his parents, his brothers and him to survive. Awarded a scholarship to Norwich School, he gained a lifelong love of reading, especially French and biographies. He excelled at sport, and achieved distinction, being captain of rugby football, cricket, and hockey.
At Durham he was awarded the Palatinate (university sporting colours for hockey), and met Patricia (Pat) Henderson, whom he married in 1966, on the day of England’s victory in the football World Cup; it was said that a television was part of the equipment at the reception.
In 1970, Tony returned to Norwich School, where he was housemaster of the boarding house, and where he was able to generate and maintain a happy ‘family’ atmosphere, one which would have hardly been possible without Pat’s involvement and encouragement. In 1982, Tony was appointed headmaster of Smallwood Manor, the preparatory school associated with Denstone College. This was equally happy; taking over a school with about 100 boys aged 8 to 13, he oversaw the introduction of co-education and a pre-preparatory section, so that numbers rose to 200 in some years.
The last part of his life was a happy retirement in Harrogate, where Pat was able to care for him at home for most of a long final illness. He died in May 2020, a few months before the certainty that Norwich City, a team which he long supported enthusiastically, would be demoted from the Premier League, something which he would undoubtedly have regretted.
On a personal note, I was always glad to count Tony as a friend (we joined the staff at Ipswich at the same time), and a small treasure is Dr Blatchly’s photographic history, as it has a photograph of Tony taken in 1970. Unfortunately, we lost touch for a long period, but were able to regain it shortly before his death. I am sure that those who remember him would join me in wishing to extend their sympathy to Pat and his family.
