Alan Sharp
I wrote this book because, like many others, I found George Young an inspiration. It seemed it would be valuable to share his story, using his own words, wherever possible. He was a man of many and varied talents. An exceptionally gifted teacher at Colchester Royal Grammar School - the book’s appendix consists of 36 individuals’ memories of his impact on them. They became his friends for as many as 60 years after leaving school and helped raise funds for a fine building as a memorial to him. Yet his influence and contribution extended far beyond the school. He had a distinguished career as an officer with the Green Howards during the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross. Even after his retirement from teaching he continued to perform on the theatre and Music Hall stages until after his 90th birthday, receiving a national award at the age of 91 as the oldest regular amateur performer in the country. His huge contribution to the theatrical life of Colchester as an actor and director with local drama groups included raising funds to assist with the establishment of the Mercury Theatre. Open any page in this book for a fascinating insight into George’s character and wisdom, his wit and his accomplishments. It feels right to have a remarkable life such as his recorded for posterity.
