Welcome to your local community website...
Former Holtspur head returns to show off his puppetry skills
It will inspire anybody who thinks they'd like a crack at a second career later in life.
In 2005 Adrian Broadway was the head teacher of Holtspur School. He loved his job, but he'd done it for 17 years, was in his early 50s, and wanted an outlet for his musical and creative talents.
So he quit - shortly after the school was hailed "outstanding" by Ofsted - and set up as puppeteer, magician and musician. He now tours schools across the country doing shows he's written which support the curriculum and in which he plays up to 20 musical instruments.
At Holtspur School on Friday(27) the 57 year old entertained younger pupils with his George and the Dragon show designed to improve creative skills in writing, listening and speaking, by, for example, encouraging children to talk about how George changes from a young boy afraid to kiss the girls to a brave man who slays a beast. He has ten shows which cover science, history, music and literacy.
His income is less, but his hours are much less, and work feels like a hobby now anyway, he said.
"When your own children are off your hands you don't need so much financially. I took a bit of a gamble I suppose." He added: "I had never taken a chance in my life, never been round the world in a gap year, and financially I was secure."
He enjoyed being a head teacher but found that in the end the budgets, league tables and health and safety issues "got in the way" of what he wanted to do. Although he loved aspects of the job "I could never see my creative ideas through because there was always something else to think about."
He and his wife still live in the same house in Thame, and still enjoy the same standard of living.
His trip back to Holtspur School brought back pleasant memories of his time there, and a chance to catch up with some of his former staff.
We'd like to hear from you. Send your stories, pics and videos
Leave a comment