Tribute paid to former Taunton headteacher David Speight

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A former headteacher of The Castle School in Taunton has died at the age of 89, writes Phil Hill.

David Speight passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, at Mountbatten Nursing Home.

Mr Speight was a passionate advocate for state education, working first as a science teacher in Nottinghamshire and a deputy head in Buckinghamshire, before taking up his headship in Somerset in 1975.

When Mr Speight joined the staff at The Castle School, it was a secondary modern, with 600 pupils on roll.

In September 1978 the school turned comprehensive and by the time Mr Speight retired in 1995, numbers had risen to over one thousand.

Together with his dedicated staff, Mr Speight helped transform the school into a high-achieving comprehensive, with a formidable reputation - not only for its exam results, but also for sport, music and drama.

Originally from Mansfield, Notts, Mr Speight was the first in his family to attend university, graduating from the University of Durham with a chemistry degree.

He married his wife Jocey in 1963 and the couple celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary shortly before Mr Speight's death. He is survived by his three daughters and five grandchildren.

A keen sportsman, Mr Speight played table tennis, then cricket and football for school and university teams. He went on to play cricket for Taunton and was a keen follower of Somerset County Cricket Club. He also enjoyed squash and golf, then bowls and boules in later years.

Music was a big part of Mr Speight's life. A member of Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir for more than 25 years, he performed in concerts all over the UK, including at The Royal Albert Hall.

One of the first members of Taunton Vale Rotary club, he was President from 2001-2002, helping to raise thousands of pounds for local charities.

His family say he also enjoyed caravanning, foreign travel and walking their dog.

In recent years Mr Speight had suffered ill health, but ended his days happily at Mountbatten Nursing Home - just weeks before his 90th birthday.

His wife Jocey said: "We all miss David very much, but take comfort from the fact that he lived life to the full and died peacefully.

"We would like to thank the staff at Mountbatten for their wonderful care and kindness."

His funeral is at Temple Methodist Church, Taunton, on Wednesday, July 23, at 1.30pm.

Donations in his memory can be made to Cancer Research UK, via Quantock Funeral Directors.