Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
The Paddy Haddow thread
Thought it only right to dedicate a thread to arguably the best teacher Haringey ever had...
Paddy Haddow was a giant of a PE teacher that used teach at Fortismere school ( formerly known as Creighton school) ) for lots of the seventies and eighties. He was a real enigma of a teacher who who managed to command respect and fear miraculously at the same time. His school trips were legendary and on the island of Spetses where he usually spent his summers with school kids in tow, he was highly regarded by the locals who would regale tales of his bravado, stamina and kindness.
He sadly died far too early of cancer but lived life to the full and left one child.
Any pictures or memories would be welcome
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by 33cg8u01xezsq on
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Park Ranger, I was taught PE by Paddy Haddow and played in both Creighton's and Fortismere's school football team. I often think about him and the impression he left on me and today he came into my mind so I Googled his name and found this thread. He was a giant of a man both physically and in character and I can only hope that other teachers have followed in his footsteps.
I even had the privilege to attend his 'retirement' party at the school in the early 2000s which led to many ex pupils from my year getting together to organise a reunion, which about 100 people attended! He was SUCH a dude. RIP Paddy Haddow.
Respect to you for starting this thread. It needs more input and contribution as he deserved it.
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Permalink Reply by Tina on
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My husband played Football with Paddy one of the nicest men ever made it's a tragedy he died so young and left a lovely wife and young children.
It's so brilliant that he is remembered fondly by so many people so long after his tragic death what must be 12 or so years ago.
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I knew Paddy at college and we played football together later.He was a prominent member of the PE set at college,which included some truly legendary characters.
Field trips were enlivened by his presence(even then)and it was on one such trip -possibly to Llanberris - when he taught me a wonderful drinking game.I believe it is known as drinking to the health of 'Cardinal Puff'.
I never mastered it but had fun trying.
I was aware of Paddy's immense abilities and knew he would be a great teacher and educator.His early death was a tragedy.
So,I'd like to drink to the celestial health of my good friend Paddy.
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People in this side of the borough may not have known Paddy, as its been a long time since Harringay locals have been able to get into Fortismere School, but you are right Paddy Haddow was an amazing teacher. My sons were not particularly 'sporty' but that didn't matter as lessons with Paddy were full of energy.
He took me to task during one parents evening as I was anxious to hear how my sons were doing in academic subjects and not really interested at all in how they were doing in PE ; this must be the bane of every PE teacher. Paddy quickly set me straight and was forthright in the value of sport not just during school but for life. He really cared about the kids and gave so much and I know so many were devastated when he died.
Paddy Haddow, a very very special teacher.
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A few years ago I met a former pupil of Fortismere.He admitted candidly that he had been subject to a certain amount of bullying at school.Interestingly,he told me that Paddy alone (although the student in question would not have been all that sporting) took it seriously and dealt firmly with it.Probably as head of house but he had the capacity to do the right thing most if not all of the time.
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Permalink Reply by Finsbury Park Ranger on
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A friend came accross this thread yesterday and emailed me saying well done for setting it up. How many teachers get googled 25 years later I wonder. :)
I also wonder if anyone knew him in the sixties ? He told me once I left fortismere that he travelled the states in a van with friends and just when their luck was down they tried their last bit of cash in a casino and hit a minor jackpot, which kept the party rolling. Would love to hear from his fellow travellers.
That must have been one hell of a trip. I think he was a bit of a hippy back in the day. Albeit a giant strong one.
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What a great thread. Paddy was so inspirational and the reason I have been teaching PE for the last 22 years.
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Permalink Reply by MuswellHiller on
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Just joined HO to add my comment after Paddy Haddow came to mind, he does from time to time, and thanks to FPR to starting this thread
It didn't seem fair that someone like him should succumb to illness and leave us so early. In my time at Creighton he would take us on lunchtime runs, encourage me in cross country running, take us to Pendarren in Wales as part of the school trip, encourage weight training in the evenings, circuit training, more running and so on..
He once told me a story on 400m runners that black out as they cross the line - a long distant sprint - really got me trying to emulate it, never did. Little things like made all the difference combined with his presence. (while we tried in the gym to master whatever it was he had instructed, he was there passing the time lifting weights looking on)
He was as others said well enthusiastic, well balanced in equal measures, forthright, caring and I felt free spirited. A big thanks to him for doing what he did.
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Permalink Reply by Chris Allen on
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Hi all,
Paddy was and still is a larger than life character. I am still involved in sport 30 years after leaving school and often think of the big man. His spirit will live with me forever. I was fortunate to have him as a teacher and even more fortunate to have him as a friend.
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I attended PE college with Paddy.He was a truly memorable character.And I am grateful to have known him.There was another surpassingly gifted man in our group.His name was Chris Sey.How lucky I was to share a classroom with those two.
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Did go to college with a guy called Glenn Hyams also?
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The name is familiar. He wasn't in my year but the name seems to ring a bell.Was/is he a PE teacher?
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