Hearn, Beverly Michael (BGS 1946-53)
I believe that he left Bideford Grammar in the summer of 1953 to begin his national service as a Signaller in The Royal Horse Artillery (mostly in Germany), where he continued to pursue his sporting endeavours (cricket, rugby and take up cross country skiing).
After his national service, he returned to take up a place at St Luke’s Teacher Training College in Exeter. His first job was in 1958 at Goosewell Primary School in Plymstock, followed by appointment as Deputy Headmaster at the brand-new Dunstone Primary school, also in Plymstock.
My younger brother and I were both born and spent our early years in Plymstock. In 1967, Dad was appointed as Headmaster of a village primary school. The roll fluctuated between 150-300 in the Cheddar Valley in Somerset. He remained at Weare Primary until his retirement in 1997.
At that time, he was a proud grandfather to three granddaughters. Retirement allowed him more time for travel and to expand his commitment to the choirs that he belonged to.
He became a widower in October 2020 and a great grandfather in May 2022. He carried on living in his house until May 2023 when he moved to a wonderful residential care home in the centre of Cheddar.
His time at Court House was the happiest since Mum passed.
His terminal diagnosis came in August 2024. He remained well and celebrated his 90th birthday throughout June 2025. By mid-July of that year, his health declined markedly and he passed peacefully on Saturday 30 August 2025. He is buried at the village church in Badgworth, Somerset.
Dad was very proud of his status as an Old Bidefordian and more generally of his North Devon heritage.
Michael Hearn, Bev’s Elder Son
