Wednesday February 26th was the funeral of former pupil Andy Cleal.
OSA Secretary, Jeff Lewis, has written this personal tribute.
Andrew James Cleal was at Sandbach School from 1974 to 1981, and those staff and pupils who were there at the time will undoubtedly all have fond and varied memories of this enigmatic and unique student. Andy was articulate, witty, outspoken at times, artistic and maybe a little (some may say a lot) non-conformist! But above all else he was one of life’s good guys!
At school I remember him for his love of punk rock, John Peel, art and books. Many will recall him in a number of school plays including the Government Inspector in 1981.
In the 6th form I recall him walking around school with his black art canvas bag, and Andy’s talent for art led him to study Art & Design. He went on to be a professional photographer. I used to admire his pictures on Facebook, which combined his skill as a photographer with his love of nature.
When I met Andy years later at an annual dinner and again in London at the RAF Reception, despite having been through some tough times, he still had the twinkle and mischievous air. He retrained in his 40s to become a criminal lawyer, “defending the down and outs” as he said to me. For Andy though I don’t think it was just a job, it was something he passionately believed in, standing up for those who needed help. We told each other we would chat again, sadly we never did!
My sympathy and prayers go out to his family and friends, many themselves old boys of the school. A couple of years ago Andy shared the following on FaceBook next to some pictures (with the typo!) The combination of words and image capture his commitment to his job and people, his skill as an artist, his love of nature and his literary gifting. For me it is a fitting memory of someone I wished I had known better before he so sadly died.
After getting back from the nick at 02.30, what better way to re-focus than pop up my local mountain. Descent more challenging than ascent. On the top I experienced for the first time in years absolute silence in a landscape that goes for miles in all directions. No planes. No birds. No dogs barking in distant farmyards. The only “noise” the blood in my ears. The only sensory imput, the January sun warming my face. Remarkable. I may pop back.
RIP Andy
Jeff Lewis
OSA Secretary
