A MASTER who used green chalk on the blackboard because he supported Plymouth Argyle has been the subject of a study by a pupil at his former school — Tavistock Community College.
Wilf Rawling was described as 'an extremely formidable and demanding teacher of mathematics', and a great many people contacted the college with their memories of him following an appeal by principal John Simes for information.
Gemma Cunningham, a former sixth-form pupil, has now completed a study of Major W C Rawling in a project funded by the college trustees. It outlines the master's distinguished career and achievements — which included being a major in the Tavistock Home Guard, captain of the town's bowling club, a member of the Wesleyan Chapel choir and a long-serving member of the former Urban District Council, becoming chairman in 1953.
Mr Rawling was born in 1901 in Plymouth, and after moving to Tavistock in 1937 he and his wife Dora built a house which was the first on what later became the Uplands Estate. He became a mathematics master at Tavistock Grammar School in the same year after responding to an advert for the position which also desired someone who was a good pianist with the ability to train an orchestra or someone willing to help with the Cadet Corps.
Many pupils were terrified of the master, 'a tall imposing chap whose presence could be felt as he stormed around the classroom'. But despite his strictness all pupils felt he was a very fair man. He often launched into a description of the latest Plymouth Argyle match and the attributes of various players, much to pupils' delight. On one occasion he delayed a lesson because he could not find any green chalk — one of Argyle's colours — to write with. His style of teaching inspired pupils and led to improved examination results, with one ex-pupil stating: 'He was the finest teacher I have ever encountered'. He retired in 1962.
Mr Rawling was very involved with sport at the school, and also became the commanding officer of the Combined Cadet Force. The latter grew in efficiency and strength almost entirely due to his efforts. During the war he rose through the ranks of the Home Guard, becoming officer in command of the defences of Tavistock. He was awarded an MBE in 1952 for his valuable instruction at the CCF and, earlier, at Maidstone Officer Training Corps.
The report concludes that Mr Rawling 'was a man who would make the best of anything he turned his hand to, a model of correctness and a true citizen of Tavistock.' He died, aged 87, in 1988, but his widow survived to reach her hundredth birthday before her death three years ago.
The study can be seen on the college website at http://www.tavistockcollege.devon.sch.uk">www.tavistockcollege.devon.sch.uk. Mr Simes said it had been 'a fascinating project' and thanked everyone for their help.
ANN PARSONS