Dockerblog

Monday, 23 June 2025

A Peacemaker for Troubled Times

Notable among the visitors to East Budleigh’s 2025 Scarecrow Festival on 7/8 June was a figure from the distant past. Born in the village ...

Saturday, 5 March 2011

Dame Miriam Rothschild DBE FRS

Dame Miriam Rothschild with Professor Richard Dawkins, photographed together during a visit to Oundle School Chapel in 2002 ...

Saturday, 29 November 2008

Making Oundle's War

This article is based on the talk I gave for the Oundle Festival of Literature on Remembrance Sunday 2008 about 'Oundle's War',...

Tuesday, 14 October 2008

Chronicling Oundle

Chronicling Oundle Tony Blair found it “most enlightening.” Michael Howard was impressed by its range and pleased that it benefits charity, ...

View web version

About Me

Michael Downes: Born in 1946, in Birmingham UK, of English-Scottish-Irish parentage, and brought up as a Roman Catholic. Early education may have driven me into teaching, in the belief that schools should offer a more enjoyable experience for children. Studied French at London University, specialising in 16th century literature. Then came 34 years of teaching French, along with red herrings and common sense, at Oundle School. Dabbles, and some people say meddles, in many areas. A passionate gardener, moved to Devon partly to grow ericaceous plants more easily. Other interests include family, cycling and walking. Published articles in Etudes Rabelaisiennes, (a long time ago), and some books - 'Oundle's War' (1995) - 'The Scientist in The Cottage' (2013) - a biography of Henry Carter FRS (1813-95), 'Our Little Clown' (2016) - a biography of Reg Varney - photography, reading, music, studying butterflies, chopping wood, DIY, playing on the scaffold tower, and networking for the Greater Good. Married to Anthea for over 50 years. Three children: Emily, Simeon and Rosanna, six grandchildren and two Bengal cats. I'm a cancer survivor – I hope!

View my complete profile

Powered by Blogger.