Shropshire Star

Star comment: Examples of living good lives

They say that nobody forgets a good teacher. And few could forget the remarkable and exemplary Arthur Dyball.

Published

Arthur has been Mr Dyball to generations of students at Bedstone College, where he still teaches at the tender age of 80 – some 57 years on from his first day.

He has inspired thousands of youngsters and thoroughly deserved the celebratory birthday dinner that marked the start of his eighth decade. In an age where high levels of teachers drop out of the profession, Mr Dyball has been staunch.

He has seen quantum change in his profession during his career: the notion of Sats and league tables wasn't even a twinkle in a government minister's eye when he began. And he has done so because he is passionate about education and about making a difference to people's lives.

Marion Groves is a lady who has also left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her. The much-loved 67-year-old tragically died on the day on which she'd organised a charity ball to raise £6,500 to help others via Macmillan Support and Severn Hospice.

Mrs Groves, who suffered from mesothelioma, was courageous and determined in her battle. She was also selfless in organising an event so that the lives of other patients would be more comfortable. Both she and her family provide a source of inspiration to others.

More than 150 people turned up to support Mrs Groves' brainchild, even though she passed away on the morning of the event. Rather than dwell on the exceptional generosity of Mrs Groves, her family instead paid tribute to the kindness and warmth that staff at Severn Hospital provided.

While there are different stories to tell for Mrs Groves and Dr Dyball, both are in some way connected. In their own way, they have shown us what it is to be human. Their example is one that each of us can look to when we consider how to lead good lives.

Both have created their own legacy, creating a path along which others can travel. And both have shown us the importance of strength of character, an unwillingness to give up and a refusal to let other things get the better of us.

My Dyball may be in the autumn of his teaching career and Mrs Groves is no longer with us. But both will live long in the memory of those whose lives have been made better because of them.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.