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Obituary
Professor
John Allen OBE
Member of ISTD Grand Council
My
association with John Allen was solely through the Council for Dance Education
& Training, on which Council I served for the full period of his long office
as Chairman of that body. I knew, of course, of his work with the Central
School of Speech and Drama and I'd heard of his value as HMI from a close
friend, Headmistress of a primary school (a post World War II 'resurrection')
in an impoverished area of London. There his inspirational encouragement
inspired staff and pupils alike and he gained respect and, indeed, affection
from all concerned. Any visit from him was more than welcomed.
John
Allen was a gentle man and a gentleman. With wisdom, tolerance and understanding
he was able to tease out the finer nuances of debate and to present a balanced
view without ever destroying the sometimes less than clear contribution
from a CDET member. I know from the number of discussions I had with him
outside formal Council meetings that he was saddened as he observed the
sometimes censorious pronouncement made by one organisation of another
as represented on Council. He preferred to guide and enable honest self-assessment
leading to gradually enhanced standards of organisation and performance
and hence to ongoing progress and fulfilment. John was never guilty of
putting another down.
An
intellect of quality, a voice which automatically engaged attention and
a benign expression engendering a sense of security in the listener - that
was John Allen. When we walked together into the memorial service to Peter
Pearson (former General Secretary to the ISTD over many years) and to which
he, Dame Beryl Grey and I were to make contribution, he asked was I nervous.
"...Yes". "So am I, Olive, but I've been able to walk across the Yorkshire
Moors giving voice to my comments which has so helped me." Thus he energised
me for my contribution.
There
are undoubtedly others who know far more of this great life than do I.
I can only write what I know and feel. One has to be glad to have known
him, to have shared opinion with him - and so to hope that something rubbed
off onto oneself.
Olive
W Newson
Member of ISTD Grand Council
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