Chris Moncaster writes:

Thanks for putting together an informative site.

Mr Burley was my zoology teacher and careers advisor at Newquay School circa 1972. He was also the head of the 6th Form.

Despite my often unruly behaviour he wrote me a glowing reference for the Royal Air Force.

Thanks to him I achieved my 3 science A levels (Including a B in his subject) and was offered a University Cadetship and subsequent commission by the RAF. I served as a navigator for over 25 years achieving the rank of wing commander.

He had an early insight into the effect DDT/DDE pesticides on the wild bird population (particularly birds of prey) and brought this to my attention. (I was a keen birdwatcher).This grounding served me well in the ecology unit of my university degree.

I now teach science at Truro School.

Mr Burley’s confidence in me and his choice of words for the reference were pivotal in shaping my life. I am indebted to him.

Only of late did I learn that he was the author of Wycliffe and other books.

Yours

Chris Moncaster.