Shaping Lives: The Legacy of Don Walker

Don Walker was rightly idolised by his students. Having been appointed as Head of Geography he went on to hold in turn the posts of Careers Master, Head of Sixth Form and Deputy Head. He inspired the Don Walker Bursary Award, which annually supports two students who otherwise would not have been able to continue their education into the Sixth Form.

His knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, his subject was infectious as was his desire for every pupil to achieve their full potential. This was achieved by the highest of standards he set us such as the drawing of meticulous maps, where no detail was spared, and with his pet phrase `noses to the grindstone'.

At a time, in the late 1950s, when it was accepted that students going to University usually chose the one nearest to their home, he encouraged me to spread my wings and head for Swansea to live in a different environment and culture. Yet we remained in touch with me visiting him during University vacations and later, when I was teaching, school holidays. 

Much later when I arranged reunions for my year group he was always a most willing guest. I also organised a reunion for old boys whom Don had taught and who had read Geography at University. Of these I located four who had become professors, in as far afield as Canada, New Zealand and the USA, and seven as senior lecturers in Britain.  It was an event worthy of Don and where we expressed our gratitude and affection. 

In 2011, on one of my visits to his home, we discussed his desire to leave a legacy at Dame Allan's.

We went to speak to John Hind, the then school Principal, who suggested an annual bursary for two Year 11 students allowing them to continue their education into Sixth Form. I was delighted to be able to help towards increasing the value of this bursary in the school's first ever Giving Day in May 2024.

I believe over 70 students have benefited with most of them advancing to University - a fitting tribute to Don. He was an inspiration and role model to many, many Dame Allan's pupils when he was a teacher and now as a benefactor to bursary holders.  To me he was what Dame Allan's School is all about.