Staff Member 1957-1996 & Hon. OW
We’re very sad to announce that David Reginald Helson, known to most Wycliffians as Reg Helson (Staff member 1957-1996 & Hon. OW) passed away peacefully on 19th March, aged 93. He is survived by his wife Edna. Our thoughts and best wishes are with her and all those who knew him well.
Reg retired from Wycliffe in 1996, after an amazing thirty-nine years on the staff of the Junior School. He’ll be remembered for his Geography teaching, his Rugby, his many school trips – particularly those to Pembrokeshire and Devon – his years as Housemaster of Pennwood (1977-1989) and, latterly, his teaching of Mathematics.
A SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING FOR DAVID REGINALD HELSON
1933-2026
WEDNESDAY 15th JULY 2.00PM
All Old Wycliffians and Honorary Old Wycliffians are invited
If you are planning to attend please RSVP by June 30th to
Martin Dunn (Reg’s Stepson and OW J S 1970-1977) via:
Wednesday July 15th 2.00pm
Wycliffe College Chapel Wycliffe College, Stonehouse, GL10 2JQ
Followed by refreshments in Wycliffe Hall
As this is a celebration of Reg’s life please dress as you feel appropriate.
The family look forward to seeing you there.
Important Arrival Details
Parking will be available via the Gate 3 car park located just off the roundabout (see attached map).
PLEASE DO NOT WALK ACROSS CAMPUS, instead,
Exit the Gate 3 car park and make your way on foot along Bath Road to enter Chapel via the roadside entrance.
Stonehouse Railway Station is just a few minutes’ walk from Chapel.
For those with mobility issues there are two small car parking areas closer to the Chapel that can be used.
MEMORIAL BENCH DONATIONS
OWs Willy Weir (J SH 1959-1967) and Michael Hine (P J S 1957-1965) are keen to install a bench, in memory of Reg, at the Prep School, for current and future generations of pupils and staff to use and enjoy.
They are looking to raise money to purchase a good quality bench and ask anyone wishing to donate to please contact Willy directly, via:
If you would like to have your memories of Reg posted on this webpage, please feel free to email them to TWS@wycliffe.co.uk
Memories from OWs:
Reg was my first experience of life away from home, whilst I was a boarder at Penwood in the late 80’s. He was a brilliant mixture of persistently strict and kind – to wake us up in the mornings he would perambulate from dorm to dorm with a handheld radio playing, which if he was lucky wouldn’t necessitate a return visit. I kept in touch with him for a while after he retired and I would visit him and Edna at their home where he would take great pride in his geraniums. He was a gentle soul and a great role model.
– Zac Curtis (J W 1988-1995)
Sad, he was my first form master and still would cut it today as a teacher. Great sense of humour and fairness. As a kid you sense the good ones.
– Nicolas Dadswell (J S 1982-1987)
Cast your minds back Old Wycliffians, close your eyes and say this in your head…”What do you think this is? Butlins??” Can you still hear his voice?? I say it to my kids 40 years later. RIP sir.
– Rob Bartlett (J S 1987-1997)
Reg (right) with Roger Kirby, taking a break during a school trip in the New Forest, 1964
