Daniel Hugh Griffith
1926 - 2003

Hugh Griffith

Hugh Griffith (DHG) became Headmaster of Aymestrey in January 1966, and with Gill continued at the helm until the school closed in 1998.

Many people have paid tribute to his kindness, commitment and dedication to the boys; to his wise council; his old fashioned honesty and manners; his sense of humour and ability to make learning fun; his leadership by example and through the pursuit of excellence; and many Old Boys have attributed their self-reliance to their time at Aymestrey.

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The Celebration of his life held at Aymestrey on 26th April 2003, attended by around 250 people, included a number of Old Boys and their families, while many others expressed regret at being unable to attend.

His ashes are interred in the churchyard at Crown East.

(Marcus Cash)

Hugh used his sense of humour and enthusiasm to encourage both pupils and staff to give of their best.  He was a leader by example.  He did not believe in corporal punishment but he had no trouble in keeping good order and discipline.  The boys respected him and a quiet word was all that was needed.
Hugh was a skilled teacher - he taught me how to teach - how to play billiards and snooker and drive large lawn mowers and mend the fuses in the cellars when the electricity cut out
John Chandler (Staff 1971-2)

_Hugh was an enthusiastic sportsman, playing a number of different sports extremely well.  Even after he had to give up the more energetic activities he still delighted in hitting golf balls over the lime tree from outside the front door; and showing off his trick shots on the billiard table.

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Other memories include the ever-present pipe, his amusing stories, and, during the summer, the many hours spent sitting on the mower keeping the grass looking good.

DHG and Fred, 1967 (John Richards)

Before Aymestrey
Hugh and Gill came to Aymestrey from Daglingworth Manor School, Cirencester, which they started in 1957 – their concern for the wellbeing of the school in transition being demonstrated by their spending the Autumn Term 1965 handing over to the new Headmaster. 

Hugh started teaching at Heath Mount Prep School in Hertfordshire in 1949, returning there in 1954 after reading History at St Catherine’s, Oxford.  Before that he had been commissioned in 1945 in the Green Jackets in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps (60th) attached to the London Irish Regiment; and there was a brief emigration to Australia following his demobilization - he subsequently worked his passage home as cabin boy.

This appeared in the Heath Mount Chronicle of 1957:

“Hugh Griffith will be remembered by all for his many and diverse talents.  Throughout his time here he was content to teach the junior forms – a task which only another schoolmaster can really appreciate, and one which he carried out with great success and enthusiasm.  All games came alike to Hugh and he was ever ready to instruct and take part in the cricket, soccer and rugger of the various teams.  Half-holidays would find him battling at table tennis or billiards and when outdoor exercise was impossible, he would initiate a hectic type of Eton cum Harrow football in the gym!  Regularly at 6 pm on Sunday evenings in the winter he would be presiding over his especial pet – The School Debating Society – and … these debates, thanks to his perseverance and enthusiasm, have become a most popular feature of our school life.”

After Aymestrey closed Hugh became involved in the local Probus club; led the U3A history group; and was Chairman of the Worcester U3A for a couple of years.