Phil Hodges

I first met Phil Hodges in 1968 when I visited the then Secondary School to jointly organise a Pottery Course for local Primary School Teachers. I was teaching at that time at Oldfield School, one of the many feeder Primary Schools to Christleton. I was also in the process of writing the script for my book “Pottery in the Primary School”, so working with Phil was a great joy. I remember looking around the school and seeing his set, and later watching, an amazing production of the musical “Oliver” by Lionel Bart. This was such a wonderful production that I vowed to try to become Headteacher at Christleton Primary School, which I did in 1972, in order to work with such an inspiring team that existed at Christleton, led by the great Les George.

Phil and I have been friends ever since, now a total of 55 years, and I have watched his career, first as an inspiring Head of Art, and then as Headteacher when Les George retired. He was the first choice of the Governors at that time because of his already huge contribution to the school. Phil influenced all his students with his enthusiasm and sense of fun. There were times when he needed to be strict, but he was always fair, and was always regarded by the majority of students as a friend. He led an amazing art department, and by his students regularly achieving national standards, he himself became known throughout Cheshire County and beyond. He was recognised for his work in education, but also for his contribution to the community in Christleton, and for his work as set designer with Peter Dornford May and Christleton Players, in their long list of artistic successes at Christleton, Eaton Hall, Chester Cathedral and Chester Castle.

Phil sadly lost his wonderful wife Pat in 2008, and supported by his children and grandchildren has gone on to contribute fully to life in the village, as well as creating and maintaining a superb garden at his home in the village, and winning many local competitions for it. His paintings and drawings adorn many houses, and his painting of St James’, completed in 2000 for the cover of our Millennium Book, can also be seen on the Village Sign on the Green. Walking around at the Village Fete, or going for tea at the Chapel you will see his work on advertising boards. I have included some of the images I have of Phil taken from his life in school, including some of the production sets, but there is so much more I could have included.

When Phil suffered a period of ill health he decided to retire as Head, and always expressed the wish to become a Bus Driver. On the day he retired we managed to persuade David Clarke, then Manager of Chester Transport, to bring a double decker bus into the playground at the High School. Phil enjoyed his wish for just a few minutes, to his great delight, and to the many school staff and friends who were in on the act.

Phil continues to live in the village, attend church, and village events, and you will regularly see him walking around the village roads and canal enjoying daily recreation. He was 90 years young this February, and received lots of cards from his former staff, students and friends. He will forever be known in the village as Phil, he doesn’t need a surname. He is so well loved and respected by all of us who have had the pleasure of knowing him, and he will always greet us with his trademark smile.