The Last London Gangster

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He added: “I loved football but he wouldn’t let us watch Match of the Day. We slept in the same room as the television, so we’d be in bed and he’d make us turn towards the wall so we could hear it but not see it.” The teacher believed in the ability of sport to change lives and taught Ian Wright how to channel all his energy into being a cool-headed and composed striker in front of goal. A competitive footballer himself up until his 40s, Mr. Pigden became a mentor to Wright on and off the pitch — teaching him to read and write in his own spare time and how to play football as well. When we walk in there’s a box of Celebrations in the middle of the table. Wright doesn’t indulge in the complimentary chocolates and is keen to press on through the next round of media obligations. As you can see I’m very much alive,” replies his teacher stretching out his hand. “And I’m so glad you’ve done so well with yourself.” Wright covers his face with his hat and begins to sob, reunited with the father-figure who had believed in him when others overlooked Wright as nothing more than a troubled and angry child.

He didn’t take the usual route into the game and, aged 19, was working a manual labour job, playing non-league football and sending hand-written letters to all the clubs around London, looking for someone — anyone — to take a chance and give him his break. That’s all it is,” he says, as our time begins to run out. “The fact is: he never, ever lost patience with me — of course, I made him angry sometimes. But the fact is, he never, ever, ever lost patience with me even when I went through a bad stage from 16 to 20, 21. At that time I was still in an around the area where he was working with the school. It was really hard at that time to see him.DOROTHY GRIFFITHS (née MUSSELL) Passed away peacefully on Friday April 17th, 2020 aged 89 years. A much loved Sister, Aunt and Great Aunt who will be greatly and sadly missed. Private cremation. We also exclude, as far as legally possible, all terms and warranties or promises implied by law or by statutes. But it was seeing his former pupil play for England that he described as the proudest moment of his life. NIGEL ALISTAIR WITTS Unexpectedly passed away, at home on April 21st, 2020, aged 73 years. Much loved Dad to Maria and Sam, Brother to Judy and Beverly and the late Sandra and Margaret. A loving Grandad to Laura, Alex, Aimee and Poppy. Will be sadly missed. A private family Cremation is to take place. Bayley Brothers Funeral Directors, 17 - 19 Cotterell Street, Hereford, HR4 0HH. Tel: 01432 272465.

Mr. Pigden’s own life had been quite remarkable. A PE teacher following his time spent as a pilot during the Second World War, Sydney Pigden lost his only child during infancy, his own parents passed away when he was just 15-years-old, and would also later lose his wife at a young age too. He says that he still struggles to watch the video clip in full, especially since Mr. Pigden’s passing late last year. But he is adamant that he is honoured not only to have shared so many happy memories with the man, but that his story — of how one teacher can have such a profound impact on the course of a person’s entire life — is known to so many millions around the world. If the Parties agree on a resolution of the dispute at mediation, the agreement shall be reduced to writing and, once signed by the duly authorised representatives of both Parties, shall be final and binding on them. By giving us your personal data, you agree to this arrangement. We will do what we reasonably can to keep your data secure. He was a guiding light all the way through my career, as people saw in the video when I was reunited with him. I dedicated my book to him and I think that was the least I could do for somebody that literally turned my life around, in respect to teaching me how to be a decent human being.”Provide information, products and services that you request, or (with your consent) which we think may interest you He could have easily gone past - because he had seen me out there before - he could easily have just carried on going and doing what he was doing because he was busy. Wright says that fans coming up to him, as much as recalling the title win with Arsenal in 1998, the FA Cup finals or any goal for England, still bring up the video clip of him being reunited with Mr. Pigden. Having that authority figure, that one teacher or mentor or coach who sees the inner worth of you, is relatable to almost everybody no matter what walk of life they come from. Just like Ian Wright’s contribution to football, it seems Mr. Pigden’s own legacy will not be soon forgotten. His student has made sure of it.

We don't exclude legal responsibility for death or personal injury owing to our negligence, or legal responsibility for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or for anything else where exclusion is not allowed by the law. I was naughty. When I couldn’t quite grasp what I was supposed to be doing, that’s when I would be disruptive.”Hello Ian,” smiles Mr. Pigden. “Long time no see.” Wright immediately removes his hat, a sincere and unconscious mark of respect, before admitting that he had been told his teacher had passed away years beforehand. “I can’t believe this, someone said you were dead,” the footballer says.

He was rough with my mum and rough with all of us kids. And I don’t know why, but he didn’t like me in particular. The pair never had another child – as his Scottish wife Aileen died in 1968, leaving the Sydenham-born local a widower aged just 46. The burgundy plaque reads: “In memory of Sydney Charles Pigden for his dedicated service to the Lewisham community: WWII spitfire pilot, teacher at Turnham School, Secretary Lewisham Primary Schools Football Association and sports coach and mentor.”

It was a keep calm and carry on ­attitude of a man who came of age in the Second World War. His father was a milkman and, with money tight, Sydney was forced to leave school aged 14. His parents died the following year. LILIAN THOMAS It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our precious Mum on April 11th at Hereford County Hospital, aged 86. Devoted Mother to Adrian and Wendy, Mother in Law to Karen and Chris, dearly loved Nanny to Anne, Kate, Matthew and Lauren, loving Sister to Noreen and much loved Friend to so many. Due to the current circumstances a private family service will be held at Fownhope Church, and a celebration of Lilian’s life will take place at a later date. Further enquiries to Cathedral Funeral Services 01432 340777 On #InternationalTeachersDay I wanted to share this clip of Ian Wright talking about an inspiring teacher.