Memorial bench to former Rutland Sixth Form College teacher is reinstated in Oakham

A memorial bench to a ‘popular and outstanding teacher’ has been reinstated in Rutland.

Dr Terry Whelan was a teacher at Rutland Sixth Form College in Oakham, described as a “brilliant first-class chemist and a popular and outstanding teacher”. He died suddenly in 1987.

After his death a bench was placed at the college by students and tutors but when the site was cleared in more recent years the bench was lost.

This came to light when Dr Whelan’s sister, Marg Matthews, contacted Rutland County Council in September 2019 and Coun Adam Lowe decided to look into it further.

Coun Lowe approached Rutland Community Hub in Lands’ End Way to ask if a new bench could be placed in one of their gardens.

Lindsay Henshaw-Dann at the centre agreed and a reception was held for the small gathering.

A new teak bench with brass plate, with the same wording that was used some 33 years ago, was donated through contributions by two former students. The plate reads: ‘In memory of Dr Terry Whelan colleague and friend Rutland Sixth Form College 1978-1987’.

The rededication on a bright sunny Monday afternoon was officiated by the high sheriff of Rutland, Margaret Miles with the mayor of Oakham David Romney assisting with the unveil. Dr Whelan’s sister, Marg and her husband Dave, travelled from York for the reception.

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