Above: Mr Wildsmith at Dame Allan's Schools
Mr Wildsmith is retiring from Dame Allan’s after more than 30 years at the Schools - he will be a huge miss! During the years, he took on roles as a Biology Teacher, Head of the Boys’ School, Director of Co-Curriculum, and CCF Contingent Commander, shaping thousands of young minds and inspiring countless adventures. We spoke to him about his time at the Schools and his plans for the future:
I started at Dame Allan’s in September 1991, when the Schools looked quite different! One of my first memories is going into the small Sixth Form biology lab (which was based where the drama studios are now) to set up my first A Level practical lesson.
It is so hard to pick highlights from my time here, but if you really made me choose I’d say the first World Challenge Expedition to Uganda In 1997. I am really proud of all of the Outdoor Education and fieldwork activities I’ve ever done.
Another big highlight for me was the Opening Parade for the Combined Cadet Force in 2016, with the RM Corps of Drums playing on the front driveway. And finally, the launch of our Rowing Club in 2024; being officially recognised as the DA Boat Club by British Rowing, and then seeing crews begin to develop and win races at local regattas.
There are a lot of things that I will miss about Dame Allan’s, but most of all I will miss the people and the relationships - that is what makes the Schools so very special.
Now that I have some spare time on my hands, I have quite a lot planned for my retirement!
In July, I’ll be teaching my first course as a First Aid and Outdoor Incident Management instructor. Then I hope to do more expedition leading, get my fitness back, paddle the River Spey, and have more flexible time to look after my ageing parents in Yorkshire.
I’ll also be continuing with a large £5m project to rebuild a Christian outdoor centre in the Eden Valley, Cumbria, and I plan to get a motorbike again - I got rid of my last one in 2007 - and have some adventures on it with my Tynedale motorcycle pal.
Mr Wildsmith’s ‘Words of Wisdom’ for Dame Allan’s Pupils
- You can do much more than you think - be determined, don’t be soft, cultivate grit and courage, do stuff not because it’s easy but because it’s hard. I don’t believe the line that says you can do anything if you believe in yourself; but I do think grafting can get you a long way!
- Don’t be taken in by the impression others want to give you, what you read in the media, or hear in gossip and sensational statements. Always look for a person’s character - are they truthful, authentic and consistent? Skills and knowledge we can give people, but a flawed character is never to be admired.
- Prioritise relationships. Time you invest in others will never be wasted. Value others and accept that you have faults as well as they do. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude.