Del arrived at St Nicholas Chantry Primary school in Clevedon like a breath of fresh air. I was his year group leader from his very first day as a probationer and he was an outstanding teacher even then. Even though I had 20 years more teaching experience than him, he still managed to teach me a thing or two. He accompanied me on school camps where he was worth his weight in gold, always ready to be the last to check for lights out, even if he was a bit grumpy at getting up first thing in the morning. He quickly formed a friendship with Jo,who was my classroom assistant and I was privileged to play the organ for their wedding at St Andrews church in Clevedon. All too soon , like a comet he was on his way to influence the teaching of PE throughout North Somerset very much for the better. He returned t classroom teaching at Highdown Junior school Portishead where I know he was much loved and respected by all the children, staff, parents, sports teams and the wider school community, just as he was in Clevedon. I always regarded him as one of my proteges and I am deeply deeply saddened to think I will not see or hear from him again. I will never forget the impression he made on me, his great sense of humour, his love of education and his zest for life. Just like the comet, he left us all too soon, but what a legacy and what a wonderful set of memories he has left us with to treasure for the rest of our lives. Philip Baldwin