A FORMER Housemaster of Rugby School has had his memoirs written by three current students at the school.
Bryan Richards, 86, from Bilton, has lived a varied and interesting life.
In his early years he studied at Cambridge University, did National Service with the RAF, and earned an international rugby cap for Wales.
After he lost his sight at the turn of the century, he rediscovered his love for sport through blind golf.
Bryan became a member of Blind Veterans UK in 2001 – and it was the charity’s Community Support Worker for Rugby Anne Carpenter who discovered his amazing life story and his desire to document it.
Anne said: “After struggling to find a volunteer to help Bryan write up his memoirs, I approached Rugby school who were incredibly receptive and we came up with the idea of getting some current students to write up his story as one of their community projects.”
Over the course of the next few months, Anne picked up Florrie, Freddie and Rachel every Friday night and took them to Bryan’s house to document his story – which they have now presented to Bryan.
Bryan said: “I wanted to document my memoirs for my grandchildren but my sight was getting in the way and making it extremely difficult.
“I’m over the moon to have done it in conjunction with the charity that has supported me so much, my old school – and of course Florrie, Freddie and Rachel.
“It was a brilliant experience working with them to produce this document and I’d like to thank Blind Veterans UK and Rugby School for making it happen.”
Blind Veterans UK helps vision-impaired ex-service men and women rebuild their lives after sight loss through rehabilitation, training, advice and emotional support. The charity has a community team in Warwickshire who provide training, equipment and social events. Visit www.blindveterans.org.uk for more information.
