Phil Ward

(1934 – 2024)

Phil was born in 1934 and started teaching at Baines at 21 years old, his first teaching appointment. He joined Baines in September 1956. He taught at Baines until December 1987 until he retired, a mere 32 years. He was a former Head of Biology.

Here is the announcment in the Poultonian of July 1956.

This is from Sue Garner, his daughter:

Just a few weeks ago, we bumped into a Baines past pupil on Fleetwood promenade, who surprisingly recognised dad aged 90 and went on to have a lovely chat with him, reminiscing about good times he had with dad as his Biology teacher.

Phil Ward, former Head of Biology and-long time teacher at Baines, passed away peacefully on Wednesday 20th November, aged 90, at Blackpool Victoria hospital. Phil had been in very good health and even went for coffee with Ian Ridley (former teacher) two days earlier so Phil's sudden death was unexpected. He was clearing leaves at home when he felt unwell, things got worse, and an emergency ambulance was called. Phil was admitted to Victoria Hospital, Blackpool where he passed away that evening, surrounded by his family.  

He leaves a widow Elaine and children Simon and Susan, both of whom attended Baines School. I sent the condolences of both the Former Pupil’s Association and the Alumni to his family at this sad time. 

Elaine, his wife and Sue and Simon would like to inform you that his funeral will take place at Carlton Crematorium on Monday December 16th at 11am.No flowers please, donations gratefully received on the day for Trinity Hospice.

 

Phil's time at Baines

Phil graduated from Sheffield University where he had gained a B Sc.  He was also a Member of the Institute of Biology. Whilst at Baines he was Head of Biology for many years. He was also a House master for Hodgson House.

In 1966 he took the Sixth Form Biology group to Kindrogan Field Centre, near Pitlochry in Scotland, a place he described in the Poultonian as one of Scotland’s most beautiful countryside. 

His is also known for taking the boys on a skiing trip every year, This is from the Poultonian

In April 1966 Phil took a party of pupils skiing in Engelberg, Switzerland. According to the Poultonian it was an eventful trip. They were delayed 30mins in Great Eccleston where one of the party had overslept and then the crossing from Folkestone to Calais was very rough with many of the pupils sea sick. They breakfasted in Calais where ‘the eggs were watery, the ham gristly and the bill was 9/- each!  [about £10 in today’s money]. After an eventful start the holiday got better and all the boys thoroughly enjoyed it.

As well as his teaching responsibilities, Phil was an Assistant Scoutmaster, with Harry Moulding the Scoutmaster in the School Scout Troop. He also led many ski trips abroad and was a proficient skier well into his retirement.

The photographs show the Baines scout group and the other is a staff photo, both taken in 1958.