Writing this 40 years into my teaching career, those very early times come flooding back....and those were most definitely influenced by Stephen Cross. Both Steve and Nick Henshall were two remarkably unique individuals who fortune put my way and gave me a (definitely) weird but wonderful start to the profession I love.  Steve first made an impression on me when I heard a blood-curdling scream and rushed to the door of the History staff room fearing some terrible misfortune or accident (we were at the top of the 'Tower' block at SGS, after all!) - only to behold Steve grabbing himself by the throat as he dragged himself from his classroom. He was re-enacting Darnley's murder! Then there was the annual opening of the windows to bellow out 'It's a BOY!!!' on the birth of Edward VI......The desks of his classroom were always in perfect alignment - and were kept that way one summer leaving day when the departing Sixth Form transported the entire room on to the field, keeping perfect format. Steve, not perturbed at all, proceeded to teach his lessons there, surrounded by sheep - which they had also added. 

Fun and frolics. Hysteria & horror stories. It was a wonderful, idiosyncratic, unique and captivating way to learn how to teach the subject we were all so passionate about. Stephen epitomised the latter.

Thank you.

But my fondest memory was when he and Nick came to visit me in Stepping Hill hospital after the birth of my first child. Two total bachelors wandered into the ward, looking so out of place but, oh so dear to me. I will never ever forget that and the way Steve loved whizzing both the children up and down the corridors when they were little, making daft noises which just made them giggle.

Time is so cruel in many ways. This period of time at SGS was a golden one for me - and I believe for him too - in so many ways. And yet time divided us too. It is years since I saw him or heard from him. Why does time do this? Well, today, I am thinking over everything and want you to know, Steve, how very dearly I hold you and your memories in my heart. 

Bless you.