Ted Buckland

Ted Buckland

Ted Buckland joined Rickstones School in 1986 as the Technology Department's Engineering Workshop Technician some three months after he retired from Casser Engineering in Harlow, having become restless with retirement!

Like many of his generation, he celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this month, upon leaving school he served an apprenticeship in tool making, qualified and went on to be a Master Toolmaker and taught many others their trade - a highly skilled and specialist craft.

He has been an asset to the school in many ways; his ability to adapt his numerous skills not only in metal and woodworking but with plastics as well, has benefited many areas of the school over the past 18 years.

Staff and pupils, past and present, have much to thank Ted for: he has built scenery for many school productions including the set for ‘Romeo and Juliet'.

The Modern Languages Department appreciated his skills when he constructed an entire French Village in miniature, which included the post office, cafe, and market stalls.This greatly enhanced Rickstones' student's ability in the use of the French language for it enabled them to role-play specific activities.Visiting primary school children also marvelled at the realism of the set and also enjoyed the role-play it created.

Ted has bought a richness of talent, experience and wisdom to Rickstones, and the vacuum he leaves behind, a testament to his value.

Ted lives with his wife, Ruth at 25 Speedwells Close, Witham.His reason for retiring: ‘he felt that he should spend more time with Ruth'.

Technology Department's Engineering Workshop Technician, Ted Buckland is retiring after 18 years at Rickstones. Ted recently celebrated his 80th birthday.