Eccentric former deputy head was a true champion

IPSWICH: An eccentric character and conscientious campaigner who spent 22 years as a deputy head teacher in the town has died aged 69.

IPSWICH: An eccentric character and conscientious campaigner who spent 22 years as a deputy head teacher in the town has died aged 69.

Richard Whittington, known as Dick, moved to Ipswich with wife Hanne in 1976 to become deputy head at Dale Hall Primary, where he remained until 1998.

He quickly became involved in amateur dramatics and with several voluntary groups around town, being appointed vice chairman of the Ipswich Carnival and vice chairman of the YMCA.

He was also keenly engaged in events such as Maritime Ipswich in 1987 and helped convert a Thames barge for use by disabled children.

Mr and Mrs Whittington lived in Chantry with their three children Mark, Lena and John, who now lives in Surrey.

“For all those years in Ipswich he was a very popular deputy, organising school plays - and starring in the odd one or two. He stepped in as headteacher on occasions. The parents even organised a petition saying they wanted dad to become the permanent head after his second stint,” said John.

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