Mr Collett was not a native of Wickhamford, but his long residence here (he came here in the 20s) and his many years on the staff of Blackminster School, had made him known to a wide circle of people in the Vale. He was born in Staffordshire and, as a young man, he emigrated to Australia. On the outbreak of the First World War, he returned to England in order to join up with the Royal Artillery. He saw action in France and later had to be invalided back, having been gassed. It was this injury which made the doctors recommend that he take up market gardening, and so he came to settle in Wickhamford. Here he met his bride, Marjorie Pethard, and they were married in 1925 at Wickhamford Church. When Mr Collett began teaching he was the first Handicraft teacher in this area, and he and the Domestic Science teacher had to share a classroom (box and cox fashion) as they travelled between the schools at Broadway, Badsey and Shipston. After Blackminster School was built he joined the staff there, where he remained until his retirement. Always an active man, he enjoyed a busy retirement, working in his shed in the garden, and many of his friends can show evidence of his skill, particularly in woodwork. There is evidence inside the Parish Church too of his workmanship. We send his widow our deepest sympathy in her bereavement and assure here that she will be in our prayers. May he rest in peace.
