A LONG-STANDING teacher at a Harrow high school has been immortalised on the side of the school's gym in a mural which depicts the golf fan alongside some of the greatest sports stars of all time.
Bob Longman, who announced his retirement from teaching at Hatch End High School after 37 loyal years, spent much of his time at the school as a P.E teacher but in the last 15 years has been both head of lower school and upper school.
To celebrate his sporting ties students at the school have painted the popular teacher, posing as a golfer, next to the likes of track stars Usain Bolt and Dame Kelly Holmes, football legend Bobby Moore, Rugby World Cup winner Johnny Wilkinson, F1 star Lewis Hamilton and basketball's Michael Jordan.
The school has also erected a plaque on the side of the wall dedicating the gym to Mr Longman, who has also been instrumental over the years in the school's notorious annual musical productions.
Speaking after the unveiling in his final week at the school, before it broke for the summer holidays, Mr Longman, 61, said: “In my time here something like 11,000 students have come through the school and there have been a host of highlights in that time. I would have to say that seeing three Middlesex County Cup successes in our football teams are up there with the best memories and getting to see former students like footballer Jerome Thomas succeeding in the Premiership as well.
“I have also hugely enjoyed being involved in our fantastic school productions over the years, whether it be behind the scenes or on stage and I will definitely be coming back to help out where I can.
“The mural is a lovely and unexpected tribute but I am not quite sure my sporting achievements can rank alongside the likes of Bobby Moore and Usain Bolt. Playing off 20 in golf and playing for West Ham youth and Watford reserves is about as good as it got for me but I will be using my retirement to try and improve my golf.
“I have met some fantastic friends here and the majority of pupils have been a joy to teach, so I will definitely be around when and where I can in the future.”
