"Sir" rewarded for youth work

By SIMON FINLAY

    THE former" headmaster of Dover Grammar and the district's latest OBE holder admits he was 'astonished' when he heard the news of his gong.

ASTONISHED: Reg Colman

    Reg Colman, who served 21 years as head, was awarded the medal in the new year honours list for his dedication to young folk but has no idea who nominated him.
    Mr Colman, 75, who was appointed to the top job at the prestigious school in 1968, said: "I was absolutely astonished when I got the letter. I don't know who nominated me."

    Mr Colman was forced to bite his tongue for three weeks about his good news and share it only with wife Marjorie at their home in Great Mongeham.
    He has been involved in youth schemes like the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and helped to form the Kent European Youth Association.
    Mr Colman, who was born in Croydon, south London, added: "Young people are the leaders of the future."

    "I thoroughly enjoy what I do. You have to have confidence in young people."

    He retired in 1990 after succeeding Dr Michael Hinton as the school's fourth headmaster after coming to Dover from Dulwich College.
    He was a graduate of Jesus College, Cambridge, and the couple have three grown up children.
    Other gongs went to actress Miriam Margoyles (OBE) and secretary at Dover District Council Maureen Read who was awarded an MBE.
    Mrs Read, who has a grown up daughter and son and lives at Leyburne Road, is due to retire in May.
    She enjoys playing tennis and badminton in her spare time.