Michael Squance

We have been notified of the sad death of Hon OW Michael Squance who passed away on 27th September 2021, aged 86. Our thoughts go to his Son, Tony, and all those who knew him well.

His funeral will take place on Thursday 14th October at 11.00 am, held at Saint Goran Parish Church, Gorran Churchtown, PL26 6HW.

The family have asked that any donations be made to Marie Curie https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/

After leaving Cambridge in 1959, Michael arrived at Wycliffe to work as an Assistant Teacher of Physics. Between 1969 and 1982 he was Housemaster of Ward’s House and in 1986 became Second Master and Head of Science. Michael also briefly became the Head of Wycliffe, in an interim capacity, for one term, Autumn 1993.

Michael dedicated 35 years of service to Wycliffe and was one of the most well respected and liked members of staff.

There are no funeral details at the time of writing but should they be made available to us we will update this page.

On Michael’s retirement from Wycliffe in 1994, the following was written in The Wycliffe Star 1995:

THE COMMON ROOM

The HMC Magazine ‘Conference and Common Room’ runs a series entitled ‘Common Room Colossi’, eulogising the careers of schoolmasters who have distinguished themselves by long service and commitment to their schools and colleges. That Michael Squance did not appear in this series is a reflection, not of his ineligibility, but of his incredible modesty, for such an epitaph would have been anathema to him. However, in the comparative privacy of the Wycliffe family magazine we hope he may forgive us for expressing the debt that we owe to him and Joan for thirty five years of loyalty and commitment to the school and its pupils.

In 1959 Michael was appointed to Wycliffe from Trinity College Cambridge and the Royal Air Force to assist Derek Yardley Wright, who had taught him in the Sixth Form at Truro School. He busied himself in the Physics Department and soon established a reputation for firmness, fairness and thoroughness – attributes that were to prove vital in all his subsequent promotions.

From his study in Ivy Grove he would venture out for his academic work, his Colts cricket coaching and even a Senior Scout expedition to Austria. Occasionally also he would venture down to Ward’s House where he quickly developed an affinity with the Matron. By the end of his first year, indeed on the very day following the Austrian expedition, they were married and Mr and Mrs Squance took up residence in a flat in St Cyril’s Road. The rapidity of their engagement and marriage was immediately used by the Headmaster as a ‘selling point’ to recruit new members of staff!

Mike and Joan soon moved up to West End in Pearcroft Road where they looked after half a dozen junior pupils. Later they supervised Elmsleigh when John and Betty Parry took over Haywardsfield in 1965. In 1969 they were translated to Ward’s House with Mike as Housemaster, on Ken Wilden-Hart’s retirement from Ward’s to a major restoration of Merton Lodge. All this time Michael continued with his Junior Colts, his ‘ham’ radio station and the Treasurership of the Scout Group. For this last he was awarded a Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Services.

Academic promotion continued, with Mike becoming successively Head of Physics and Head of Science. At the same time he was masterminding extensive alterations to Ward’s: internal remodelling and the three storey western extension overlooking the swimming pool. That this could be built whilst pupils were still in residence says much for Mike’s patience and organisation. On John Parry’s retirement from Haywardsfield in 1980, Mike became Senior Housemaster and took on additional responsibilities in  advising and counselling new appointments to this role.

After thirteen years he finally left Ward’s House for comparative peace in 44 Regent Street but, as Head of Science, he had a new project to oversee – the major extensions to the new Science Block – with its specialist departmental demands designed to take Wycliffe Science into the next century. Mike and Joan did manage to take a sabbatical leave after leaving the House but even this was spent on building work, installing electrics in Prideaux, the house they had bought in Cornwall and which was to provide a restful haven in the fraught years that followed.

On the retirement of John Parry, Michael (No longer did we feel that we ought to be familiar !) took over the role of Second Master and moved up to Beech Leaves in Brown’s Lane. Here, although off campus, he was always on call and ready the moment a crisis arose. These were to be responsible days for he was to be the support and mentor to two new Headmasters. Finally, in Autumn Term 1993, in the inter-regnum between the departure of Tony Millard for Giggleswick and the arrival of David Prichard from Port Regis, Michael shouldered the burden of Acting Headmaster and, in the opinion of many, staff and pupils alike, this was one of the happiest and most positive terms in the recent history of the College. All felt that as this was the culmination of his career and a very welt deserved promotion, the least we all could do was to make the term a happy one. Only once in the previous thirty five years had he been tempted to go elsewhere but the wise Headmaster of the time ensured that Michael made the right choice.

When Michael retired from Wycliffe at the end of the Summer Term in 1994, he received plaudits and presentations from every branch of the College – from the Junior School, with whom he had maintained first class communication; from the pupils and parents to whom he was a living legend; from those hundreds of grateful Old Wycliffians on OW Day; from his colleagues on the Staff at their end of year barbecue and also from the Council of Governors. No one was more generally respected, loved and admired. What was his secret?

For the pupils, Michael was firm yet kind and, above all, consistent. They knew exactly where they stood; they knew that he was not a ‘soft touch’, yet at the same time they knew that they could talk to him if they had a problem. He had a great capacity to listen and to question penetratingly yet with understanding and compassion. He had an uncanny knack of piecing things together and two and two invariably made four. This capacity to know about everything that was going on, even before it happened, was part of the mystique built up over years of experience with devious adolescents.

This was assisted by great patience, clarity of thought and simplicity of expression. Michael always ran a ‘tight ship’, but with only a light touch on the rudder.

To his colleagues on the staff, Michael was a confidant amongst the finest. If anyone had a problem, whether administrative, disciplinary or personal, they always knew that they would receive a sympathetic ear and some penetrating questions. They would leave clearer in their own minds and strengthened to face the problem. He was the greatest support in a personal crisis, yet he would not pull his punches when something needed to be said. Although staff felt that Michael was on their side, they were also conscious of the unflinching loyalty that he gave to the College and those to whom he was responsible. When ‘sandwiched’ in the middle, Michael would always take the line that was in the long term interests of Wycliffe.

To the Headmasters under whom he served he was a personal support to at least three, either as Senior Housemaster or as Second Master. He had the experience and sense of continuity, as well as the judgement, that could help impatient Heads to see themselves in context, to understand and respect the peculiar foibles of Wycliffe and the way to handle the staffroom. We all presume that he was as frank and supportive behind head magisterial doors as he was outside but, of course, no one knows. For Michael was above all the epitome of loyalty and discretion; he could be trusted implicitly never to divulge what was shared in confidence. In this context it was Joan who must have taken the brunt, for with such a public man there were few others with whom he could share his own problems.

A Second Master’s job is a lonely one – the intermediary and interpreter between staff and Headmaster – and between Head and pupils. His aim was that all would see each other in a positive light, however frustrating or incalcitrant they seemed. To this end he always looked for the best in people and would spend hours interpreting their actions and words in the most positive way. In this way he managed to diffuse anger and anxiety. His skills as an administrator were legendary – whether it was devising movement orders, special time-tables, examination schedules or staff rotas. To all these multifarious and mundane tasks he applied the same care and meticulous attention that he did to personal matters.

All his roles: liaising with Prefects, Staff, Bursar, Caterer or outsiders, required time and, in this sense, Michael’s time was the property of the school. He spent an inordinate number of hours ‘on duty’ – and could still find time to support pupil activities, plays, music and competitions. To these he could bring Joan and they could enjoy the occasion together. Joan’s commitment to the College was not less, particularly in her years in the boarding house. OWs will remember her both as first line and auxiliary Matron in Ward’s and in the Sanatorium, as well as the many years that she and Betty Parry prepared the flowers for the OW Dinner and Chapel. This last was a particular focus for Michael and Joan’s activity and throughout their years they were regular attenders at services, celebrations, communions and confirmations. Their presence allowed an intimate contact with pupils that was mutually supportive and helped us all to understand that their commitment to Wycliffe was but one facet of their commitment to a deeper faith.

Will there be life after Wycliffe, in their cottage near Portmellon in the Cornwall where Michael was brought up, watching the ever-changing sea from their cliff-top eyrie? Gardening, which fortunately they both enjoy, will be an unceasing demand, even in the mild winters. Perhaps Michael will be able to spend a little more time on his golf, but it is hard to think that, after such a full existence, he could possible be idle for long. Possibly examining or OFSTED inspections might attract – there is too much talent and experience there to rust in the sea salt air. Whilst we all wish Mike and Joan a long, happy and well deserved retirement from this life, we hope that there are new challenges around the corner awaiting their attention. There could also be the odd telephone call: “Mike, excuse me ringing, but what do you think I should do about….?”

Memories from OWs and Honorary OWs:

I would like to say how sad I am to hear of the death of Mike Squance.  He was an extraordinary teacher, member of staff and someone who really supported his students.  He always helped and encouraged me and especially in my getting to University.  And on the occasions that I subsequently visited the school after leaving he always remembered who you were – much appreciated. 

– Charles MacFadden (J S 1954 – 1963)

I read your email with great sadness at the passing of Mike Squance. Mr Squance taught me Physics between 81 and 82 (I thought after that too as I was there until 85) and I remember him well. Very professional with an obvious passion for Physics and a desire to share with others his knowledge and interest. He was always respectful of others and treated us like adults. A true gentleman who I’m sure won great respect from his peers.

– Jonathan Crosser (J W 1978 – 1985)

I do remember Michael Squance well as my Physics teacher along with ‘Gruff’, Derek Yardley-Wright, who was his colleague. They had different styles of teaching the same subject and I valued them both.  It was so good to catch up with Mike ATL the OW Day in 2019 at Wycliffe, when he approached me and we reminisced a little those days back in the 1960s when I was studying Maths, Physics and Chemistry for A levels while staying at the (Old version) Ward’s House.

– Simon Holloway (W 1964 – 1968)

A firm but just man ,who I remember with much respect. Fly high Mr Squance.

– Arnold Cotton (J W 1970 – 1977)

MJS was housemaster of Wards when I arrived at Wycliffe in 1974 as a rookie teacher. He seemed a rather remote and awe-inspiring character at that time but over the years I came to appreciate his advice and support, particularly in later years when I was Director of Studies. Mike was invariably a source of honest and perceptive appreciation of people and of effective practice, a mainstay of Wycliffe at all times, and I learned a great deal from him. (Not the least important lesson was that, late in his cricket career, he preferred his batting partner to score in boundaries rather than obliging him to run between the wickets, a point he once put to me with some sincerity on a hot summer afternoon!)  It was a privilege to have worked with him.

– Philip Lee (Hon. OW & Staff Member 1974 – 1988)

He patiently taught me heat, properties of gases, electromagnetism and everything physics for two years at Senior School A-level with his colleague “Guff” Wright, and I eventually landed an “A” result thanks mainly to him.

– John Lumby (J S 1958 – 1968)

I only met Mike and Joan once, when I had a lovely afternoon tea with them in my study. They were both still so interested in everything Wycliffe was doing. I could see clearly why Mike was so respected and indeed cherished by all who knew him. A true Wycliffian whose values and dedication are still a guiding principle of Wycliffe today.

– Margie Burnet Ward (Hon. OW, Staff Member 2001 – 2015 and Head of Wycliffe 2005 – 2015)

I was doing A level Physics when Mike Squance arrived at Wycliffe. He was a breath of fresh air in a department which, by A level standards, was creaking. I was also a keen cricketer and, again, it was good to have him at the school. However, for me, his most major  contribution came after the end of the Summer Term in 1960. The circumstances take a little time to explain. How Mike got away with doing the trip, given that he had just got engaged, I do not know. Back in 1957, my brother Max and I had acquired (via a family trip to Mittersill, Austria), a pen friend named Hervig Spindler. He came over to stay in 1958 at a time when the Wycliffe Scouts were holding their summer camp and so Derek Wright (Guffy) allowed him to come. Guffy called him ‘earwig’. This episode must have stayed in Guffy’s mind and so he planned a Wycliffe Scout trip to Mittersill in 1960. Mike Squance agreed to be the accompanying adult. Without Mike, I doubt that we would have got there. As it was, we just did, even though the old Bedford van boiled three times when ascending the Arlberg pass. Then we did all sorts, including climbing the highest grass covered mountain in Europe over two very hot days. Eventually, we got back. Farewell to a good man.

– Peter Clark (P J H 1949 – 1960)

I joined the staff at Wycliffe in 1975 employed as a Physics/Maths Teacher.  From the start, Mike was my mentor, appointed by Derek Wright who was Head of Science at that time.  After Derek retired, Mike was appointed Head of Science  and Second Master in 1986 and I became Head of Physics.  As Mike’s role as Second Master became more and more involved, he gave up the post of Head of Science, and I was appointed in his stead.  Mike was temporarily Head of Wycliffe following David Prichard’s accident.  Mike retired in 1994 and he and Joan moved to their lovely house, in Cornwall.

During the previous years, my wife, Judy, had worked in the Bursar’s Office for many years, and then as Assistant Matron and Matron in Springfield. We had both been divorced and the matchmakers in the office(!) decided we were ideally suited and so it was.  She obviously knew Mike and Joan probably since she began working at Wycliffe in 1970, and more so when they took over Ward’s House. We became firm friends after their retirement, as we had been visiting Cornwall staying at a particular hotel, which is situated near St. Austell. Sometimes we would invite them both for dinner  or lunch with us at the hotel, and sometimes they would invite us for lunch at theirs. They were good times and Joan often said that good friends were hard to come by and we came into that category and it was totally reciprocated. In between visits, Judy regularly corresponded with Joan until she became more and more unwell.  Mike said she took her  last letter with her into hospital which was very touching. We attended Joan’s funeral at Caerhays Church in 2015 – it was a small church, but packed.  Many of us had travelled long distances and it was good to see people we hadn’t met for many years.  

Mike bravely soldiered on, but his was quite a large house, with a big sloping garden.  He and Joan loved to grow things and we often ate the produce from the garden on our visits.  Mike still travelled up to Wycliffe for Speech Day and the Carol Concert after Joan died, as they had both done for many years.  Sometimes, we were able to get together, but whilst we were both working, particularly Speech Day meant we had our duties which came before socialising.  We were aware that Mike was finding the house and garden too much, and he did have help at times, but it was getting more and more difficult to maintain.  In recent times, he took the big decision to move into private sheltered accommodation, and it was a mammoth task sorting out all that had to be done.  He said he was so relieved when the move was accomplished.  Sadly, because of Covid and Lockdown, we had not been able to visit Mike at all for two years.  We had several holidays cancelled because of the outbreaks of Covid, hotels cancelling bookings, etc. but Judy had been sending Mike regular emails and sometimes photos, up until beginning of September. Mike would also be in regular contact on the phone as he began to find typing etc. a long and laborious process.  

We both felt that Mike was finding life more and more difficult, particularly with his mobility.  We are due to go to Newquay at the beginning of October and planned for a long overdue reunion.  We are both very sad that this will now not happen, and that our next trip to Cornwall will be for his funeral. I shall always miss his encyclopaedic knowledge of Physics, his unfailing humour even during difficult times, his sound common sense and concern for us, and we shall both miss him so much.

– Pete Spicer (Hon. OW & Staff Member 1975 – 2003)

I am so sorry to hear that Mike Squance has died. Mike was extremely generous with his time when my parents and I decided that my time at Wycliffe should end early as I was needed at home on the farm. My Father was not well. I had done one term of my O level work and Mike provided many hours of coaching to give me a chance of getting some qualifications. I have always been most grateful for his time and effort, and was pleased with the results. I hope he was as well.

– Richard Freeman (W 1963 – 1965)

I received tuition from Mike in A-Level Physics during my final year (1986-87) in what was then called the Upper Sixth Form. His most memorable characteristic was his dry sense of humour. Following one mock A-level Physics exam (a multiple choice paper with each question having five possible answers), one member of our class scored just 17%. Mike passed him his answers, smiled wryly and said “Use a pin next time then, John?” – suggesting that he would have scored better choosing answers at random! Please pass on my condolences to his family – we may not all be a model legacy, but he came pretty close to turning lead into gold.

– Mark Pavlou (P W 1979 – 1987)

I was very fortunate to be taught Physics by Mr. Squance, but it was as house master he had an enormous impact. He quickly established a fearsome reputation for strictness. He was very fair and respected honesty for owning up for misdemeanours. This created a great atmosphere for young boys growing up, pushing the boundaries. You knew where you were with him, and he would be very helpful and supportive with any problems. He instilled a great house sprit and encouraged everyone to join in. I remember Wards winning the interschool cross country one year, my contribution was very minor, being the last person from our house to count, to cross the finishing line. On the run in, I had managed to pass a couple of runners from rival houses, and Mr Squance had worked out this had made the difference between winning and losing the house cup, and  he made special mention of it later. An invaluable lesson that we all count.

– Peter Gantlett (J W 1965 – 1973)

Mike Thompson (Head of Wycliffe Junior School 1988-1993) and I were first introduced to Wycliffe by dear Michael as he showed us round on our preliminary visit. He was always a great friend to us and he acted as a sponsor for Mike when he was ordained into the C of E. We visited Michael and Joan at their home in his beloved Cornwall. A wonderful man.

– Kate Thompson (Hon. OW & Former Staff 1987 – 1993)

As a pupil at Wycliffe from 1987-1992 I would not have really come across Mike very much, but I do remember him as the Senior Master. I have a memory that a few of us from Springfield once jumped on a train one Saturday afternoon and popped to Cheltenham (probably to the consternation of Keith Long – a Housemaster who we looked up to and indeed adored  as pupils) in the hope of bumping into some girls from CLC, only to spot Mike walking along the arcade causing us to hastily dive into a shop to hide. I remember that we also thought Mike was someone you didn’t mess around with and best not to take chances with – now I am a Deputy Head myself (poacher turned gamekeeper I feel) I realise this was a serious mark of respect.

– Andrew Baker (S 1987 – 1992)

Great Obituary, but no mention of the name my era would know him by. Who ever coined his nickname at the time could not of known how accurate and appropriate it was. (Originated from “Bernie the Bolt” off a certain TV gameshow I believe). His “Nickname” reflected all that has been said about this great Physics teacher. Firm, Straight, Safe, Secure, Dependable and Protective. I was fortunate to have “Jack” Parry as my Housemaster, but I know the respect and friendship he and “Bolt” shared. May they continue to share their friendship, golf, and stories up above with our other recently departed, “Harry”. All great Wycliffe Icons who were great influences on all of our “Era”.

– Philip Pritchard (H 1970 – 1976)

I was so sorry to learn of Mike Squance’s Passing. I was in West End, Pearcroft Road when I first went to Wycliffe and in Wards House thereafter. As has already been documented he was firm, fair and thorough in his approach to everything. This was emphasised to me after I was demoted from being a ’monitor’ having been caught smoking in a pub on Sunday lunch time! In spite of this he still allowed me to ‘baby sit’ for his son and supported me when I became head of house and subsequently head of school. My parents always kept in touch with him every Christmas and indeed went to see them when they had to go to a care home in Cirencester. I also kept in touch with him every Christmas and indeed visited him and Joan in Mevagissey about 15 years ago. I know Joan passed away and visited him when I was last in Cornwall about 5 years ago. He also told me he had since moved to sheltered accommodation where he seemed very happy.

– Sid James (W 1968 – 1972)

Really sad to hear of the passing of Mr Squance. I can’t bring myself to refer to him as Mike – as he is definitely and will always be “Mr Squance” to us. It’s hard to explain why a stern, slightly scary (!) physics teacher would hold a special place in my memories of Wycliffe… I think a large part of it because he was always consistent, always fair and always cared for the students. As someone who was in Springfield House and took physics (both for 5 years), I was lucky to have spent a lot of time with both Mr Keith Long and also Mr Squance – two wonderful gentle men who shared a lot of the above qualities.

– Mark Hawkins (P S 1986 – 1993)

How very sad to read of Mike’s passing. I last saw him a few years ago at an OW function and his handshake was as strong and reassuring as ever. Professionally, I owe him a great deal. The ‘firm but fair’ approach so many former pupils remember also applied to staff. For some reason, he appeared to recognise I could add value to the College and was constantly nudging me in the ‘right’ direction. Mike was undoubtedly a reason why I also worked at Wycliffe for so long and when I reached the dizzying heights of Second Master, it was his template of the office that I tried to emulate. Few colleagues genuinely earn the epithet ‘inspirational’ but in Mike’s case it is thoroughly deserved.

– Peter Woolley (Hon. OW & Staff Member 1986 – 2021)

Sad news.  I reiterate John Lumby’s (a compatriot of mine) comments.  Those two stalwarts of the Science Dept. took me, and  numerous others, way beyond our natural ability at Physics for which I am very grateful.  Even now I find old knowledge coming back to the frequent amazement of my own children.  I also had frequent dealings with him through the Scouts and the Ham Radio club, always knowledgeable & efficient. Rest easy Sir, you deserve it.

– Gavin Bridges-Sparkes (P J S 1958 – 1969)

Very sad indeed for all of us who spent any amount of time with him at Wycliffe, whether in the Physics lab., on the cricket pitch, or those who were privileged to have him as Housemaster at Wards (I was in Springfield and the rivalry on all the sports fields was epic!).  I’m afraid I was a lost cause in Physics, but he never gave up on me, being the empathic man that he was.  As my 6^th Form councillor, he gave me very sound, honest, and realistic advice.  It was on the Junior Colts Cricket pitch in 1969 that I got to know him best.  He encouraged me and pushed me to be more self confident on the sports field.  It has served me well. I am one of the thousands of pupils that “Bolt” has taught many encouraging and positive life lessons.  God bless Mr. Squance.

– Laurence Brown (J S 1964 – 1973)

Michael Squance was the BEST teacher I ever had – tough but fair and an outstanding communicator. Thanks to Mr. Squance I ended up with an A in Physics at A Level which helped me secure my coveted position studying geology at Imperial College that led to a wonderful career in the oil industry in Alberta, Canada.

– Michael ‘Bernie’ Rogers (P J S 1955 – 1966)

I remember Mike Squance as Bernie (I think); I’m not sure I ever knew him by his real name! He was a bit of a disciplinarian, but I’m sure this was because we were the ones who were straying and mucking about in class. Physics certainly wasn’t my star subject; he and Gruff taught in very different way but they got us through our exams. I was in Haywardsfield with Jack Parry as our Housemaster at a time before Wards had any of its extensions and refurbishments. This was the time of Harry Roberts as we referred to him, not of great train robbing fame but of strong leadership as Wycliffe’s Headmaster. Rest well Mike Squance, you are a legend for us all.

– Andrew Blurton (H 1967 – 1971)

This is very sad news. I was one of the first boarders who slept in Mr Squance’s house prior to going into Haywardsfield. He was a kind man who always had time for the pupils.

– Tim Reardon Smith (H 1953 – 1960)

Michael Squance impressed me deeply from the first moment that we met, and in the six and a half years that we worked together, I was never tempted to change my mind.  Throughout that time, I was constantly conscious of his warm contributions to the ethos of the school and to its smooth running. In all he did, he was a good man, and I would write those words with capital initial letters to give them more focus and emphasis if somehow that did not turn him into a sort of caricature, which he most certainly was not!

Tall and imposing and yet sometimes seeming almost shy, he was authoritative but not ‘bossy’, and he was warm and open but not the sort of schoolmaster of whom pupils might be tempted to try to take advantage. He was universally liked and admired, by his colleagues and by the pupils, and his relaxed personality was enormously helpful in making the acceptance of female pupils and staff in those early days of co-education at Wycliffe perfectly ‘normal’ and indeed beneficial to all concerned. In this context, it would be wrong not to mention his wife Joan, who in all ways strengthened the School’s sense of ‘family’ rather than of ‘institution’.  He was a firm but caring and enthusiastic Housemaster and an excellent Science teacher; he communicated well to adults and to youngsters, and there was an element of pastoral care in all his dealings.  As a nervous novice Head, I was aware of the fact that he wanted to smooth my path at difficult moments, and I was always totally confident of his strength and support.  Now, more than forty years since we first worked together, I remember him as a friend to all.  He was invaluable to Wycliffe. He was a Very Good Man – and never a caricature!

– Richard Poulton (Hon. OW & Head of Wycliffe 1980 – 1986)

My sons, Alan and David and I were deeply saddened when we heard that Mike Squance had passed away. Mike was Housemaster of Wards when my sons were at Wycliffe and my late husband, Mike, was a Governor. We stayed with Mike and Joan at Browns Lane after some functions at Wycliffe and more generous and kind hosts would be difficult to find.  We visited them at Prideaux which I know was Mike’s great love but his letters were full of praise for his new home. The Pope family had great respect for Mike, and send Tony and Sophia our deepest sympathy.

– Adele Pope – Widow of W. Mike Pope (W 1947 – 1951) and mother of Alan Pope (W 1976 – 1979) & David Pope (W 1977 – 1982)