I first got to know Phil when my two children, Charlotte and Alex attended Highnam School between 1986 and 1996. They both loved school and as many others have said, especially when they earned a mint! Charlotte in particular was very proud that Phil had... moreI first got to know Phil when my two children, Charlotte and Alex attended Highnam School between 1986 and 1996. They both loved school and as many others have said, especially when they earned a mint! Charlotte in particular was very proud that Phil had one of her paintings (of the Great Fire of London) on the wall of his office for a long time. Charlotte has said that Phil was one of the inspirations that led her to become a teacher herself.
I was always astonished at Phil's impressive memory for names; not only of his former pupils, years after they left the school, but also their parent's names as well as what we did for a living.
I also encountered Phil because of our shared interest in amateur dramatics. He always supported the productions put on by Highnam Players, but I would often meet him at the Kings Theatre in Gloucester, usually when the Phoenix Players were performing. We once even shared a stage together (and were dancing partners) in a production of "The Winter's Tale" put on by the Rococo Players at Cheltenham Ladies College and Berkeley Castle.
Very happy memories. less
Really good head teacher. Great character with his Polo mints and 10 pence pieces for correct answers. He knew everyone. Knew my grandparents, used to go blackberry picking in my grandads field nr Tibberton. He ran the bar with my dad at the annual... moreReally good head teacher. Great character with his Polo mints and 10 pence pieces for correct answers. He knew everyone. Knew my grandparents, used to go blackberry picking in my grandads field nr Tibberton. He ran the bar with my dad at the annual Tibberton show. On my first day at school age 4 I left my teddy at home and he walked to my house with my brother to get it for me. RIP Mr Lampert less
The old adage that there is one teacher you will remember for the rest of your life could have been penned with Mr Lampert in mind. He was a legendary headteacher whose passion and enthusiasm for all areas of learning - and his belief in each of us -... moreThe old adage that there is one teacher you will remember for the rest of your life could have been penned with Mr Lampert in mind. He was a legendary headteacher whose passion and enthusiasm for all areas of learning - and his belief in each of us - permeated throughout Highnam C of E Primary School.
He was a man of so many talents and threw himself into every area of school life. He taught me and many others how to play the recorder and treble (I can still see him tapping out 'pom pom diddly pom' on a music stand with a pencil) and I remember how proud he was when we won the Recorder Cup at Cheltenham Festival in 1984. I also remember him insisting that the football team learn how to play the recorder if they wanted to be in the school team. Not a popular decision but typical of him - he loved to challenge as well as champion.
I remember him teaching us country dancing in his white plimsolls, helping Mrs Rowlatt to coach the nature quiz team, marching around with his whistle and clipboard on sports day; but most of all I remember his story-telling. He was a great orator and his assemblies were filled with lessons and anecdotes to inspire or terrify, depending on what had happened that day.
Meeting him again, years and years after I'd left Highnam, he remembered everything about my time at school and was full of praise for the things I and other pupils had achieved since leaving. What I didn't say to him, but wish I had, was that much of that was down to him. He had made us all believe early on that we could do whatever we wanted to if we only worked hard and held ourselves to higher standards.
They don't make them like Mr Lampert anymore and I'm really sorry that he is no longer with us. I send my sincere condolences to his family (who often featured in his teachings). He will never be forgotten.
I can honestly say that I absolutely loved my time at Highnam School. I have so many happy memories and that was because of Mr Lampert (not just because of his mints) in fact these happy memories formed my decision to send my own kids to Highnam School!... moreI can honestly say that I absolutely loved my time at Highnam School. I have so many happy memories and that was because of Mr Lampert (not just because of his mints) in fact these happy memories formed my decision to send my own kids to Highnam School!
Since leaving school I have often bumped into Mr Lampert in Tesco or Trioscape and enjoyed our chats about the past and what we were up to now! His memory for names and previous events was fantastic and showed what a kind and genuine person he was.
Last summer Mr Lampert joined us at the Highnam School Fete and he was like a celebrity with so many people wanting to talk to him! It was so lovely to see and hopefully showed him how well thought of and respected he was!
Thanks for the great memories Mr Lampert you really were one of a kind and I feel lucky to have known you xxx less
A heartfelt thank you to a very great man and teacher. I have had many conversations with old school friends who shared the same amazement as me to find that, even as the years passed, he not only remembered us by name, but could also recall family and... moreA heartfelt thank you to a very great man and teacher. I have had many conversations with old school friends who shared the same amazement as me to find that, even as the years passed, he not only remembered us by name, but could also recall family and events and memories from our school days. This is truly astonishing, when you think how many he taught. It also embodies the teacher he was - someone who took the time to get to know each of us individually, and encourage our talent and accomplishments, no matter how big or small.
His legendary headmasters assemblies (and the mints!) will no doubt be etched in the minds of many Highnam pupils - oh how hard I tried to earn one of those mints! And now, looking back, what a brilliant way of engaging such young minds. I will always be grateful for the part he played in making my first experiences of school so enjoyable, and his encouragement to learn and do well.
I know I will be one of countless students who had the upmost respect for a man who inspired and encouraged so many. I hope his family can draw great comfort from the number of hearts and minds he touched during his lifetime. less
I look back fondly on my time at Highnam school with Mr Lampert as my headmaster. He always encouraged me and challenged me with my music. Under his direction, I won a medal and cup for recorder/treble. Without his encouragement I’m not sure it would... moreI look back fondly on my time at Highnam school with Mr Lampert as my headmaster. He always encouraged me and challenged me with my music. Under his direction, I won a medal and cup for recorder/treble. Without his encouragement I’m not sure it would have been possible. I remember the street was lined with pupils on his last day at Highnam school. He was an inspiration and despite the years that have passed, I still haven’t forgotten what he did for those he taught and encouraged to achieve more. less
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