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Jack Cosnet -RIP
More sad news I`m afraid lads,

Just read the mail at "PubPals". - Posted by Stuart Seale.

"Jack's funeral has been arranged for 11.15a.m on Wednesday, 16th February 2011, at The Church of The Ascension, Claude Avenue Bath. There should be plenty of room in the Church for all to pay their respects. After the Church service there will be a committal for family and close friends at Haycombe, followed by a gathering at Newton Mill (I think) but more details should be published in the Chronicle next Thursday, 10 February.

Just a small correction/modification to my note above. The committal will now be at the Church and there will be no ceremony at all at the crematorium.
I expect Harry Mower, Mark Pawson and Derek Treays will be attending. Fres Naylor is unable to make it."

I know it`s short notice, but it`s the first I heard about it. Regards.
Feb. 12, 2011  (Edited Feb. 19, 2011)
 
Picture of Steve Coffin
Steve Coffin

Hi All

Thank you Bill for posting the news of Jack Cosnett passing away. Jack was a legend, a salt of the earth teacher who gained respect from all those he taught metalwork and tech drawing. I loved Jack's classes with his no nonsense approach to teaching and his sense of humour. He was from an era when craft teachers wore a brown coat and smoked a pipe !!

Odd thing was that on leaving school and becoming a gas-fitter apprentice I was to discover that Jack was a legend there as well because for many years he taught gas-fitters his plumbing skills!!!

When my son was 11 and about to start senior school I went to the "open" day with him. On entering a classroom who was stood there but none other than Jack Cosnett. He welcomed me amd son with "Oh God no, not another one!!" We had a long chat and a laugh over my schooldays and he assured my son he would keep an eye out for him! Jack was not too happy about the Comprehensive system and told me that on one of his first lessons in the system he seen a lad sat at the back of the class who instead of copying notes of the blackboard as instucted was staring into space. With his usual bluntness Jack inquired why he was not copying the notes as asked. The lad said that he could not read the notes on the board. Jack invited him to sit nearer the front so he could read the notes. "No", the lad replied, " I cannot read". It was then Jack said that he remembered he was not teaching a bunch of lads that had passed the 11 plus and he did not have to give consideration to whether a boy could read or write.

Jack Cosnett was one of the best, a great teacher and a friend. God bless Jack.

 

Below are the obituary entries in the Bath Chronicle. Unfortunately I shall not be able to attend the funeral as I shall be in the air flying back to the UK A shame as I would certainly have been there to pay my respects to a real likeable character.

 

COSNETT Desmond Jack Funeral Arrangements, Wednesday 16th February 2011 at 11.15 am. The Church of the Ascension, Claude Avenue, Bath. Family flowers, donations to British Red Cross c/o Co-operative funeralcare, Pulteney Road, Bath, BA2 4HP (cheques payable to charity only please)

 

COSNETT Desmond Jack 1920 - 2011 Passed away suddenly, but peacefully at home On 28th January, 2011, A Red Cross member for many years. Also retired teacher, Bath Technical College, Bath Technical School and latterly of Culverhay School. Beloved Husband of Barbara. Will be greatly missed by family and friends. Funeral service will take place at 11.15a.m on Wednesday, 16th February, at The Church of The Ascension, Claude Avenue Bath.

 

Cheers

 

Steve

Feb. 12, 2011  (Edited Feb. 12, 2011)
 
Obituary in the Chronicle.

Teacher and Red Cross stalwart dies at 90

"A teacher who was a stalwart of the British Red Cross has died at his home in Bath, aged 90. Jack Cosnett was a lifelong resident of the city, having been born in Bath in 1920. He was married to his beloved wife Barbara for 66 years and devoted his life to the wellbeing of young people.

Mr Cosnett, pictured, who lived at Oldfield Park, was also a keen gardener and a model engineer who found engineering fascinating. He was educated at the old Bath Technical School – now City of Bath College – which he left to work for his father's plumbing business. He moved on to another local contractor, and took evening classes to obtain extra qualifications.

During the Second World War, he served in the Royal Air Force as a coppersmith and sheet metalworker at various air bases in the UK before overseas service in India. It was through his war service that Mr Cosnett became a member of the Burma Star Association. After the war, he taught plumbing and pipe-fitting at what was then Bath Technical College on a part-time basis, eventually becoming full-time.

He was then headhunted and joined the staff of City of Bath Technical Grammar School, teaching metalwork, enjoying sharing his knowledge with his pupils. After the school amalgamated with Westhill School in the comprehensive reform which established Culverhay School, he became head of the first year.

Stuart Seale, whose father taught alongside Mr Cosnett, said: "Jack was firm but fair and held the respect of pupils and staff alike. He always had the best interests of his students at heart, with a special understanding and empathy for those with problems." At school he ran a Red Cross cadet unit which won a number of national competitions. He and his wife would both give up their summer holiday to help run holidays for disabled children, giving their parents some respite."

Feb. 13, 2011 
 
Picture of Stuart Stickler
Stuart Stickler
As you say Bill, sad news, at least Jack led a full and long life. I remember him as one of the fairest and most inspirational of our teachers, I can't ever remember him putting a pupil down, even my disasterous attempts at technical drawing were encouraged, and I still have, and use the garden trowel I made in metalwork class. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend Jack's funeral, too short notice.
 
R.I.P. Jack, gone but not forgotten.
Feb. 13, 2011 
 
Picture of John Stickland
John Stickland
Truly sad news, the passing of Jack, a teacher that was inspirational, dedicated and just.
I feel that it was he and others of his era that guided and helped us young 'uns to become the rounded and reasonably well educated individuals that we all are today. Gave freely their knowledge and experience to serve us in our future lives, a rare quality these days!
It is with great gratitude and sadness that we must say farewell to an old friend.
Sticky.
Feb. 14, 2011 
 
Picture of Graham
Graham
Another good one gone. Although I gave up Technical Drawing when options came up (14 years?) I recall him teaching in the room next to Peter Coard's on the far end of the top floor at Weymouth House. Isometric drawings, 2H pencils (keep it sharp boy!) and calculating scales. A fine teacher. I did not know of his other 'life'. (I have never heard of the Tech being called a 'Technical Grammar' either! It was called a 'Technical High' in 1962 at a 6th Form Conference at B.H.)
I will be unable to attend due a prior commitment (why does that happen when we are retired?) but hope that St.Peter will look kindly on him.
Feb. 14, 2011  (Edited Feb. 14, 2011)
 
Picture of Ken Eynon
Ken Eynon
Hi All, Sorry to hear about Jack Cosnett. Not sure that I had him as a teacher. But if I live as long as Jack did then it is a great innings.
I've been so busy that I have not had much time to visit this site. Must say that some of the comments are all class, and I mean that in a serious way.
I came to the site as Windows Live buzzed me that  one Anthony Eccles has a birthday tomorrow 17th Feb. So Anthony from this side of the world, Happy Birthday and hope you have a great day and year.  Cheers Ken
Feb. 16, 2011 
 
Hello Ken, et al.
How have you been coping with the raain in Oz? hope all is well with you and yours.

Tony, if you can drag yourself away from Wikimapia for a moment, I'd also like to wish you happy 63rd birthday too.

I don't know if anyone from this site managed to get to Bath and Jacks funeral today, but I know he will have remembered his many moments at school and the recent reunions he attended. A good innings - yes, and a lot of respect from all of us lads who like me, enjoyed every minute getting my hands dirty in metalwork. I still use the old tech drawing skills to good end results, and have still got my old Helix set of instruments. I remember him every time I get them out of their box.

Hope everyone is in good fettle and ready for the spring. I'm looking forward to  a bit more excercise soon  ... Ha Ha ... Regards.
 
Feb. 16, 2011 
 
Picture of Stuart Stickler
Stuart Stickler
And a very Happy Birthday from me and Shirl as well Tony, have a great day and hope to see you in the not too distant future.
 
Stu
Feb. 17, 2011 
 
Picture of Graham
Graham
Have a good one Anthony! Keep trying and you will be getting that Old Age Pension like me!!
Feb. 17, 2011 
 
Picture of Anthony Eccles
Anthony Eccles
Thanks everyone for your good wishes, I seem to remember this from last year when I spoke to Ken about his birthday being on the 18th in fact as he is is twelve hours in front of us so we celebrate at the same time if you see what I mean.
One of my best "presents" today was a visit to the RUH in Bath for some prostate biopsy,s, it turned out to be not that bad so if any of you lads have to have the same thing done take it from me its Ok but a bit sore afterwards.
Sad news about Jack but anyone who gets to ninty and can still put a few pints away and puff on his pipe as he did on the last reunion has had a good life, cant remember if I posted the picture that I took of Harry and him on that night.
Once again thanks for all your wishes and a very happy birthday Ken for later in the day or even tomorrow.

Feb. 17, 2011  (Edited Feb. 17, 2011)
 
Picture of John Stickland
John Stickland
Hi Anth.
Happy birthday and best wishes from all of us in the Cotswolds.
Sorry I'm a bit late, but like Ken, things have been a bit chaotic of late.
I didn't realise that closing down a company could be such hard work!!!!!
I was pleased to hear that your visit to the RUH was not such an ordeal as you expected and hope the results of the biopsy are encouraging.
All the best wishes to you and yours.
Sticky.
Feb. 17, 2011 
 
Picture of Stuart Stickler
Stuart Stickler
Happy Birthday Ken, kept that quiet, have a great day.
 
Stu
Feb. 18, 2011 
 
Picture of Ken Eynon
Ken Eynon
Thanks all for the birthday wishes. Big 65 today and a true pensioner, although I did qualify 5 years ago because of my military service.  We have experienced heavy rains in my area but nothing like Queensland and West Australia. My daughter's place in Melbourne has been flooded 4 times since Sept last, but that is just through the roof. Her stormwater guttering cannot cope, and they have to punch holes in the ceiling to stop it falling in. Cheers Ken
Feb. 18, 2011 
 
Picture of Graham
Graham
Hang in there Ken! Life begins... whenever you like! Happy Birthday. Those Champagne corks are handy for stopping your daughter's drainage problems!
Feb. 18, 2011 
 
Picture of John Stickland
John Stickland
Happy birthday Ken. Enjoy being a pensioner, now you can be as outrageous as you like and no one will criticise, it's almost expected! Good fun. Pleased to hear that you were not too adversely affected by the inclement weather in Aus.
All the best.
Sticky.
Feb. 19, 2011 
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