William Pobjoy, John Lennon’s headmaster at Quarry Bank School signed this testimonial for a student in one of his remaining classes as he faced his retirement years. Mitch Poole, a former member of my Facebook group sent me Mr. Pobjoy’s signature for my collection. That was so kind of him to do that. Pobjoy was one of the few teachers that John Lennon had, who he spoke fondly of in a public forum.
Mr. Poole gave me permission to post this testimonial on several occasions for which I am very grateful. Mitch was so kind as he realized that I also collect the signatures of people who played a role in the lives of the Beatles, and he kindly donated this to me knowing that I probably am going to donate all of the signatures to a Beatles museum!
Thank you, Mitch! Your kindness will never be forgotten!
William Pobjoy
Mitch Poole’s testimonial, signed by William Pobjoy, shortly before Pobjoy’s retirement. You will notice that it also was signed in the year that John Lennon was murdered in New York:
Buzz
John Lennon
Books about John Lennon
An absolute pleasure. A Headasters go Pobjoy was okay. My mate Jem and I asked him to talk about John and he invited us into his office. He showed us the form John had completed to get his own testimonial (completed in John’s own hand!). He then showed us a photocopied letter sent to an ex pupil from the school from John reminiscing about some of the teachers who had taught him. He went on to talk about the time John came to the school gates with Yoko when he was showing her around. Pobjoy went out to see him and asked him to come in (he didn’t). I wasn’t sure about this story, but now know it to be true. I was so lucky to go to that school, I had a great time!
Hello Mitch:
Best Wishes to you!
It is a pleasure to be able to converse with you again, Mitch, I sincerely miss most of the people from my former Facebook group but not having Instant Messenger anymore I lost contact with many of the “good” people like yourself, that I met there. Your testimonial highlights that not only were you a good student but a good person as well. I will always be grateful to you for your kindness and generosity in being able to share a personal item such as a testimonial with an individual you had never met who wants to help preserve the history and legacy of the band that began in Liverpool who went on to conquer the world!
A lovely letter and a kind gesture by Mr. Poole. I wonder if Mr. Popjoy wrote any reflections about the John’s death. It must have been even more painful for him than most.