Ken Brookman taught at Radley from 1953 to 1965 and is remembered as a forceful teacher of Physics and an inspirational coach of Athletics. At the mention of Athletics we shall always picture the slightly sinister figure in black overcoat and yellow scarf snarling "smile" to some poor wretch doing his best in the biting March wind. Many will remember "construction" , an activity (or was it a punishment?) which, supervised by Ken, involved filling and transporting wheelbarrows full of cinders to make a new piece of track. After what appeared to be months of boy-slave-labour, large earth-moving machinery arrived at Radley to eradicate our efforts in minutes and start work on the new running track. He was also responsible for the introduction of weight and circuit training at Radley and gave every encouragement and advice to the rugger and rowing authorities.

In 1955 Ken founded the Film Society - no passive society this, but one which made some outstanding films. The "139th Psalm" won the Oliver Bell trophy for the best serious amateur film and was shown all over the world; "Eight Oars to Henley", their first film, was shown on I.T.V.; "Radley 1962" is a vivid and exciting documentary. These are but three of their productions.

Ken Brookman became Head Teacher of the Alec Hunter High School, Braintree where he remained for over 20 years. During this time he co-founded the Braintree Athletics Club, coaching and helping many young javelin throwers to national and international success including Fatima Whitbread. In addition to his sporting achievements, he wrote a successful book, 'Coping with the Comprehensive', was a regional union representative and a consultant to Margaret Thatcher's government.

A successful O.R. javelin thrower, Roger Lane writes:

March 1954: athletics standards. A shivering, gawky fourteen year old waits in the queue for his first ever javelin throw: Ken officiates. "Next". The spear goes beyond the standard, and the thrower begins to run off back to his House. "Wait there, Lane", orders Ken. "Show me that wasn't a fluke, and I'll pick you for the team on Saturday". That was how I started javelin throwing, and Ken was still my coach when I was picked for another team, representing Great Britain for the first time in 1960. His technical knowledge was vast, his enthusiasm infectious and stimulating. Just as important, his patient reassurance during the bad times - injury hit, confidence sapped - was outstanding: no need for a sports psychologist with a coach, motivator and counsellor rolled into one. Ken was generous enough to continue coaching me during my years at Oxford, and soon found himself being consulted by other throwers, then runners and jumpers as well. In 1960 he was persuaded to become the official coach at Iffley Road.

Of the countless occasions I had coaching tips from him, one particularly sticks in the mind. White City stadium, big competition, things going badly, not a clue what was wrong. Over the loud-speakers comes Ken's voice (he was one of the official announcers but hadn't arrived in time for the start.) The crowd is puzzled by the unusually detailed technical analysis of my last throw and the passionate emphasis on the corrective action needed to improve in the next round. The alchemy works. Several thousand listen in amazement as coach congratulates thrower before normal announcements are resumed.

Thanks, Ken, from one Radley athlete among so many who were led to share your joy in athletics and enabled to exceed their wildest dreams thanks to your expertise, dedication and inimitable flair.

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