Tom Dawson (44-52) was born on 22 March 1934 in Hartlepool. Tom arrived at Pocklington school in 1944 and stayed until 1952.

During his time at the school he was a keen sportsman, representing the school at a variety of sports, including rugby and athletics. The highlight of his athletics career was achieving 2nd in the shot put in the Yorkshire School Championship of July 1951.

In his final year at Pocklington, Tom was selected to continue his education with a student exchange programme. In September 1952, he travelled by boat to America where he attended The Gunnery School in Washington, Connecticut (later renamed The Fredrick Gunn School, after its founder). Again, Tom enjoyed sport – american football, ice hockey, baseball. From his stories he also enjoyed his time away from the college, visiting New York to attend social events at the Waldorf Astoria hotel and watching the Rocketts at Radio City.

He returned to England in August 1953, aged 19 and joined the Durham Light Infantry to do his two years of National Service. During this time, he travelled to Egypt and enjoyed living in a tent in the desert.

Aged 16 whilst at school, Tom met his childhood sweetheart, Olwyn in Hartlepool. They married in July 1957 and had two children, Amanda and David (75-78). They had a long and happy 68 years together, until Olwyn passed away in April 2018.

Returning to England after his national service, Tom started his working career in the timber industry back in his hometown of Hartlepool and played rugby for Hartlepool Rovers.

Tom’s career took the family across the length of the country, from Hartlepool to Hillingdon (West London) to Mellor (near Blackburn) to Saltburn (in the Northeast) to Shoreham (on the south coast). Finally arriving in Farnham, Surrey in 1972, where the family put down roots.

Tom was now working for Crosby Doors and was appointed as Managing Director in the mid-70s. Olwyn worked at the Citizens Advice Bureau and for Cruise Bereavement Counselling. Olwyn was awarded the OBE in the 2000 New Year Honours; an achievement which was only possible due to the support she received from Tom.

After leaving Crosby’s, Tom then changed industry and worked as Managing Director importing marble and granite. In this role, Tom travelled on business trips around the globe, including India, China, Italy and South Africa, sourcing materials.

After retirement, Tom enjoyed life by the sea at the family caravan in Devon, spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He continued to enjoy watching rugby, usually with a beer or two. He always enjoyed sharing stories of his happy days at Pocklington. Tom was a proud Old Pocklingtonian.

David Dawson (75-78)