Tributes to Suffolk New College teacher Bertram ‘Bob’ Dumper

Warm tributes have been paid to an “exceptional” teacher who helped set-up Suffolk New College.

Bertram Dumper, known as Bob, died last month at the age of 89 after a battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born in Alton, Hampshire, he joined what was then The School of Commerce and Social Studies, Ipswich in 1954.

The school, together with Tower Ramparts and the School of Art, formed the nucleus of the further education college built in 1959 for the town.

His wife of 60 years, Joyce said: “Bob Dumper grasped this vision with avidity and enthusiasm.

“His brilliant teaching of English brought academic success for his students, setting them on paths they, till then, had not dared to think possible.”

Mr Dumper taught at the then Ipswich Civic College until his retirement in 1991.

Principal of Suffolk New College, as it was named in 2007, Dave Muller said: “He will be remembered as an exceptional teacher of English literature and as a colleague who has impacted positively on numerous generations of students.”

Mr Dumper, who was involved in the college’s drama productions, was also there to witness and play a part in the creation of The Aldeburgh Festival.

“Bob Dumper died, as he had lived, with one maxim always prevailing – that every human being is worthwhile,” Mrs Dumper added.