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 george smyth on
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Yes,its coming back now.I believe I ran into Glenn a couple of years ago,can't recall where.I seem to recall he went on a football scholarship stateside and did he move into the pro game from there? Say hi from George.If it's the right bloke he'll recall me.
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Permalink Reply by Chris Allen on
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Will do.
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Just looking up Paddy, as I often do, and found this. I've not seen it before but it's lovely to read everyone's comments.
I first met Paddy in a year team meeting at Fortismere in about 1988. I was put with him as a probationary teacher to share a tutor group. He didn't want anyone with him and I wanted my own form but when we met in the meeting, I think we both realised that it might not be so bad after all! We were together from that 1st term until he died. We were married in 1996 and had Harry in 1998.
Harry will be 19 in a couple of weeks and is studying chemical engineering. He did really well at school (5 A levels - A* A* A A B) and loves sport. He did lots of music at school (my influence, I guess) but has always preferred sport. He is a lot like Paddy both in looks and personality and we've always talked about his dad, even though he was only 2 when he died. I think Paddy would be very proud of him.
In my 1st term, Paddy asked if I'd been skiing before (which I hadn't) so he said I'd better go on 2 ski trips with school that year... and every year after that. In fact we went skiing at Christmas, February and Easter, Spetses in June and for the 6 weeks holidays and somewhere else warm in October. Not a bad life! (Our honeymoon had to be one that included water skiing in the package!). I also went with Paddy on as many trips as I was allowed to Pendarren House, until someone complained that I was away too much.
Harry went interrailing for 6 weeks when he'd finished his A levels and is off to Paris when he finishes at Christmas so he's following in his dad's footsteps.
I know how many people thought the world of Paddy and it was so nice to find this thread. I'm not big on social media or sharing my personal information with others but this, I feel, is different and a nice way to remember a great man.
Thank you.
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Hi Janet.
Best wishes to you and Harry.At college Paddy was a great man for field trips, a natural wit and raconteur. A larger-than-life character to be sure.
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Hello George,
Thank you for your reply. I agree, Paddy had a fantastic sense of humour and life was "one long holiday". I guess with all the rules and regulations (health & safety, etc.) some of those trips, especially the school ones, would probably not take place now. Thankfully, we all had the benefit of them back in the good ol' days.
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Hi Janet,
Sounds like things have gone well, all things considered.Everyone I know still misses Paddy greatly, he still influences me now.
We are having a year group get together next week in Muswell Hill, if you are interested contact me on through Fortismere Alumni, Miriam has my details.
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Hello Chris,
Nice to hear from you. I live in the Peak District now so unfortunately won't be able to get to your get together next week but thank you for asking.
I took Harry to see the Paddy Haddow sports hall after he'd finished his GCSEs a couple of years ago. We saw Panos, Andy Ward and Brenda Walters (?) and had a tour of the school. The music department has its own building (I used to teach in a glorified shed which has now been demolished) but it was nice to know that the PE changing rooms were exactly the same as they were 20 years ago - with the same smell! It's hard to get in the school now - there's a man on the gate in a little box and the entrance is much posher. We had a wander round Muesli Hill too which brought back memories - busking carols outside Sainsbury's.
Enjoy your get together and it's nice to know that people still think about Paddy, although I had no doubt that they would. He's a hard person to forget once you've met him.
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Hi Janet,
I go to the Peaks a lot, I live near Lichfield, Staffs, but my in laws live in Chesterfield, so go up often. Less than an hour away. You never now, might bump in to each other.My email address is Chris.allen@btcactivewear.co.uk if you want to keep in touch. X
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Hi,
I knew Paddy as a friend for many years and played football with him for Wood Green 'Old Boys' FC. I also knew his sister Anne and their family. Pat was a nice guy and he could be sharp witted as well as funny. He had a serious side also but his broad smile was what he will be remembered for. We spent many evenings together in company at 'The Seven Oaks' on White Hart Lane, Wood Green, and the 'Old Boys' clubhouse. I travelled down from the midlands where I live to attend the church service after his death. A very sad day. I am proud to say we were friends and I knew him well. He will always be remembered.
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Hi,
Paddy, his parents and sister, lived in the flats in Winkfield Road, between Lordship Lane and Dunbar Road. I cant remember which block but from memory on the top floor. There used to be a pub on the corner called 'The Seven Oaks', opposite 'pond park', which is now converted to flats. We spent many hours in there socialising with friends. His memory will long remain with me. A truly good man and friend.
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