FORMER headteacher and president of Fordingbridge Rotary Club Sid Willcocks died peacefully at Salisbury Hospice on March 20, aged 70.

Born in 1944 in Stockport, Mr Willcocks' early years were spent in rural Kent, and he was educated at Dover Grammar School.

He considered following in his father’s footsteps as a teacher, but at first worked for several months aboard the cross-channel ferries, developing a lifelong passion for the language and culture of France.

Eventually he did decide to train as a teacher at Sevenoaks College, before taking up a post in Lincolnshire. There he found his true calling in life.

Mr Willcocks' first headship saw him preside over 19 children at Bromesberrow Primary School in Herefordshire, before he moved to the larger St Martin’s Junior School in Salisbury.

His next challenge was not just the stewardship of a school but its founding, as he was appointed headteacher at the Epiphany Church of England School when it was just a blueprint.

Some 19 years of dedication were rewarded with a school with a fine reputation. He loved everything about it, and was never more proud than when wearing the green and yellow jumper.

He chaired the Bournemouth Schools’ Music Association and gave many years of service to the National Association of Headteachers and to Rotary where he was the president of the Fordingbridge Rotary Club.

He loved all genres of music from seeing the Beatles live to his passion for musicals, which he often brought to stage in school productions, and his ability to play any tune by ear was renowned.

His happy and fun filled marriage to fellow teacher Sue, whom he met in Nettleham, lasted 41 years, and they had three children.

Mr Willcocks' family received a letter from the current headteacher of the Epiphany School, who wrote that "Sid’s vision for promoting the ‘whole child' and his willingness to hold firm to his educational beliefs made him a special headteacher".

One of his favourite sayings, which he lived by, was "if it’s not good for the children, it’s not good for the school".

He will be fondly remembered by his former colleagues and students, family and friends. He leaves his wife, children and four grandchildren.

A musical celebration of his life was held at Hyde Church, near Fordingbridge, where he had been the organist, attended by more than 200 people.

Another service in his memory will be held at the Holy Epiphany Church, Bournemouth, on June 7 at 3pm. The Epiphany School is also planning to plant a tree in his memory in the school grounds.