Oral Reminiscences – Bob Wallis

I moved to Helmdon from Somerset in 1979 with my wife, Gay, and young children, Jenny and John. They went to the village school and then to Magdalen College School in Brackley. Since then they have flown the nest, leaving an attic full of belongings. For thirty years I was a secondary school teacher and Geography was my main subject. I also taught History and Athletics in earlier schools.

In 1996 I accepted redundancy and took a factory job in Bicester, making food ingredients. I have been an amateur water colour painter since the 1980’s and have now decided to paint, exhibit and accept commissions on a full-time basis. Early childhood trips into the Peak District from my home town, Nottingham, fostered a great love of the countryside. Luckily my work has been in places close to the country. Now I can get out there and paint it, and hopefully, making a living from it.