The Prescotian


"DIXON Geoffrey. On June 7th 2005 at Oak Tree Lodge Nursing Home, 410 Burton Road, Derby. Geoffrey, dearly loved husband of Maisie, also of the same nursing home, passed away peacefully, aged 100 years. Family flowers only, but donations may be made to charities of choice." [Daily Telegraph]

We present appreciations on this page made on the event of Mr.Dixon's 100th Birthday together with memories submitted after his passing away.

David Constantine	I remember Mr Dixon well and I congratulate him on reaching 100 years old. I remember one occaision when I was in the outside toilet, ostensibly relieving myself, when in fact I was puffing away on a cigarette. I had to dispense the cig into the urinal and hold my breath for what seemed an eternity until he disappeared. Needless to say I never tried that again

Des Roberts	There cannot be any "Prescotian",who has had the privilege of being both a pupil and colleague of Geoff Dixon. As a teacher of English,Geoff had the enviable talent to communicate not only his vast knowledge but also his academic and personal enthusiasm. I still recall the exciting manner with which he presented Shakespeare and Bernard Shaw. He also was able to spot the academic potential of a student,which in my case was well hidden. As a colleague,including a period as Acting Head,he afforded me support ,encouragement,and advice. On one memorable occasion he invited me into his study to discuss my intention to leave, owing to a hasty and somewhat immature reaction on my part to a criticism from another source. Sympathetically and firmly,he persuaded me to see the error of my judgement,for which I am ever grateful. Later on he entrusted to me the production of the Annual School Play,and this proved to me the most rewarding period in my long teaching career at Prescot Grammar School and Prescot School. Whenever I met him after his retirement,and indeed after my own,I always experienced a deep sense of respect. I still do. God bless you,Geoff on behalf of the hosts of former pupils and colleagues,who owe so much to your works.

John Hardy	I was taught English grammar and literature by Geoffrey Dixon all the way from 3B1 to Upper Sixth. My first report at PGS was written by Mr Dixon and concluded, "Hardy often appears rather sleepy in class." He is the epitome of an old school British schoolmaster and did a wonderful teaching and character development job on generations of PGS grads. I still feel that it is a general dexterity with the English language and literature that is the most valuable inheritance of my eight years at PGS. Happy birthday Geoffrey!

Rod Crook	Looking back I suppose that there were two main influences in my schooling at PGS (Jan 1942-July 1951). There were of course many other positives, as for example Eddie Wood, who laboured to teach me Maths, which would later become far more useful than I realised, as well as a few negative ones. However, two people stay in my mind as strong positive influences, and have done so for a lifetime. The first of these was the historian F.A. Bailey, about whom I wrote an appreciation which appears on the web site. Personally and professionally he was a most important influence. The second was Geoff Dixon. Here was a man who never had to resort to direct punishments. He controlled a class of unruly boys always on the look out for weakness, by the sheer strength of his personality. Dixon taught English, both Language and Literature, and I was destined to see a lot of him over a period of many years at PGS. He also had the uncanny knack of knowing exactly what was going on- a great gift for a School Master. Since my professional life has ended up in part very much concerned with the precise use of the language, what better start could one have? Geoff Dixon had high standards. In his hands and indeed in his mouth, the English language took on a range, wealth and importance far beyond everyday life. The words ‘what does this mean?’ became drummed into my mind and have remained there for a lifetime. Dixon also took an interest in sport and encouraged development and the realisation of potential in those he taught. He also looked after the School play for many years. I rate him very highly among the role models I had at PGS. When preparing the ‘after dinner speech’ for a PGS Reunion Dinner at when I was rapidly closing on the age of 60, I felt impelled to work hard- very hard in fact, to develop a product which I hoped might be worthy of a man I respect enormously, (and not merely for the benefit of other members of the audience). I was worried it would be sent back with the dreaded words ‘Revise’ all over it! Such was the impression he made and the effect he had. Geoff. Dixon seems about to make it to 100 years of age. I add my congratulations and best wishes. He was a fine and dedicated school teacher, and what an important profession that was. Thank you Geoff Dixon. Thanks also on behalf on the many generations you taught at PGS in a career spent only at PGS and lasting well over 40 years. If anyone deserved to be called Mr PGS it was Geoff Dixon.