Although he did not wish to have a memorial service, his life was recently celebrated by Rev Neville Beamer in front of a packed congregation at Holy Trinity Church, and last Friday, 26th September, a celebration of David’s life was held at KES involving current students and old Edwardians for an event titled In Arthur’s Bosom.
Mr Biddle first came to KES as an 11-year-old school boy in 1949 and returned to teach at the school in 1991 following his time as head of English at Henley High School.
At KES David taught personal, social, health and economic education and was responsible for Year 7 transition, which saw him visit all new Year 7 students in their primary schools before they started their new school lives at KES.
David Biddle during his time as a KES pupil.
Over 100 people attended the special event at KES on Friday which used biographical accounts, photographs and video clips to chronicle David Biddle’s life and work, and featured some of the words and music in which he delighted.
Contributors included former school friends and colleagues, former students as well as Mr Biddle’s friend Professor Stanley Wells CBE with whom he shared a passion for the acting of Laurence Olivier.
The title of the celebration refers to Act Two, Scene 3 of Shakespeare’s Henry V, a play produced by KES in 2013, and in which David Biddle played the Chorus.
When Bardolph wonders whether their beloved Falstaff has ended up in heaven or hell, Mistress Quickly makes her opinion abundantly clear: “Nay, he’s in Arthur’s bosom if ever a man went to Arthur’s bosom.”
Perry Mills, KES deputy headmaster, who co-ordinated the event, said: “This show allowed us to join together in laughter, respect and in love whilst, at the same time enjoying anecdotes and memories, and some of the things that David himself enjoyed.”
At the recent celebration of Mr Biddle’s life at Holy Trinity, Rev Beamer said David Biddle was a man whose formative years were influenced by the church at Sunday School from the age of four.
He loved his schooldays at Broad Street and KES and referred to his teachers as “remarkable people” and they undoubtedly influenced his choice of career in later life.
And finally, David Biddle loved the stage. He was enthralled with school plays and pantomimes and turned in an excellent performance as Fagin at The Loft Theatre.
Bennet Carr, KES headmaster, said: “Our celebration at KES captured David’s infectious enthusiasm, his compassion for others and his intense loyalty to the school.
“It served as a reminder that we were all privileged to know him and that the town and school has lost one of its very best.”
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