Clarendon School - Mr Roger Elliott 1922 - 1971
Courtesy of Watford Observer 1971
Mr Roger Elliott was Head of Music and Band Master at Clarendon Secondary Modern School in South Oxhey from September 1952 until his death in November 1971.
This page was added on 20/10/2016.
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An inspirational teacher, especially to us less academically motivated students. I still remember the morning his untimely death was announced to us at SJA lower school, and the memorial service at the upper school.
Mr Elliott was a great teacher he wrote the words for The Clarendon School song 1952 I think it was so long ago but he gave me and many students the love of music he also had great wit and could be funny and because of that no one messed about in his class. He had a brother also in the music world. My years was from 1952-56
I too have just found this page.
Mr Elliot gave me my love of Opera.
I remember him playing over and over Carmen
and saying to us. Where’s the mistake come on you must hear it.
Of course we never did.
I have now seen and listened to many Operas and think of him often. Truly inspirational and infinite patience.
To answer David Vale, no, we were not involved with a music shop in the town but a large majority of the family were/are still professional musicians. It’s good to read such lovely comments about my father – Mr. Roger Elliott.
Anne Taylor nee Elliott.
Mr Elliott was unforgettable. Once during assembly he stopped in the middle of a hymn and shouted words to the effects of ‘come on, you’re praising God, you can do better than that! Open your mouths and sing’. I was very startled at a grown up showing emotion and being brave enough to interrupt the headmaster. He also generated in me a love of Gilbert and Sullivan operas.
Sue Lake (Early sixties) Living in Muirfield Road.
I also remember Mr Elliott, I was so sad when I heard he had died. I was at Clarendon from 1959 – 1964, it was a wonderful school.
Like the previous comment, I have just come across this page. I was at Clarendon from 1957. Mr Elliot was a true inspirational teacher, he gave me my love of classical music. There was a music shop in Watford called Elliot’s and I always assumed Mr Elliot was part of that family. He was truly an inspirational teacher. Shortly after leaving Clarendon my family moved from Prestwick Road down to Oakland’s Avenue on the other side of the golf course not far from where Mr Elliot also lived. I remember him with great fondness and inspiration.
The most wonderful man I’ve ever known he gave me a chance and I relished it.
I have just stumbled across this page. I am delighted to see an article on Mr Roger Elliott. He was a most inspirational teacher and his death affected me deeply. As a shy and unconfident 13 year old I looked up to Mr Elliott as a mentor and have never forgotten his patience and kindness.