Gervase Phinn: Learning to inspire

I had not seen Professor Cowell, who went on to become the Vice-Chancellor at Nottingham Trent University, since 1970 when I received my degree.

It was so good to see him again. I recall his seminars and tutorials with great affection for he was an outstanding teacher and inspired all his students with his good humour, commitment, enthusiasm and deep knowledge.

I recall babysitting for Dr Cowell and his wife and reading stories to his little boy. Simon is now in his 50s.

I remember once telling the six- year-old a story about the little chameleon that was desperate to know who he was and who made him.

"You know", I said, "chameleons are sorts of lizards."

"I know that," the child said.

"And they can change colour to disguise themselves."

"I know that, too. I think the word you're thinking of is 'camouflage'," he said pertly.

On another occasion, I told the story of Sandy, the snail who was delighted when a little brother snail appeared on the scene.

"Snails are hermaphrodite," little Simon informed me.

Another inspirational teacher I met that week was Professor Richard Whitfield, who I have heard speak on a number of occasions.

His reflections on human nature are illuminated by his research and life as an educator and social policy analyst.

He writes about the importance of love and affection on the lives of children and how important it is to build up self-esteem in the young and have high expectations of them.

"From birth, our need for nurture, and, particularly, for reliable, loving and meaningful connections with ourselves and others, and the environment, are paramount, alongside the growth of our unique reflective capability.

"Cherishing those gifts, we can sense and go at least some way towards achieving purpose from our particular presence."

Richard's latest collection of poems Lifelines. Poems for Pocket and Pillow, is a delight.

In clear and powerful verse, he speaks of key life issues and addresses our inherent human nature, our spiritual imagination, intuition and thinking and, not least, the quest for and practice of love in relationships.

Should I walk in front,

You might not be able to follow.

Should I walk behind,

You might be scared to lead.

So I will walk beside you

Whenever I can,

Hoping you will feel my friendship.

Lifelines, Poems for Pocket and Pillow by Richard Whitfield, Bracken Bank Books, 2.50.

YP MAG 13/11/10