As many of our community are aware Chris Gully was a member of the College for over 22 years and a much respected Head of Science. Many students passed through his classroom, many staff developed their career alongside him, many parents will also know him well both as their own teacher and then of their children.
All have an appreciation for his excellent teaching, and his absolute passion for inspiring students to the further study of Science. In April 2019 the world lost Chris’s physical presence but he will have positively influenced countless lives, particularly in his years here at Heathfield.
Following his passing the College commissioned a hand-crafted memorial in the style of a DNA Helix following discussions with the family and persevered through lockdowns to ensure it was handmade by a local craftsman. Encased in this beautiful cabinet made from wood from science desks removed from Labs 1-3 when they were refurbished last summer, the memorial is every inch a product of the College, even the plaque inside is renovated from the heritage wooden flooring engraved by our own technicians. As such it seems fitting that Chris’s memorial is mounted on the science corridor, encased by the science department he knew and loved, for students past, current and future to know, respect and be inspired by.
In an unveiling ceremony held privately at College a message from Chris’s family was read out underlining how important the College and his passion for teaching science was to him. “as a family we are over the moon that this passion has been recognised by the school and a memorial will be in his name. the DNA Helix for us sums up Chris’ love of teaching, helping others to feel the passion and excitement of learning Science, helping others to feel the passion of teaching Science. Heathfield, Science, learning passion were all in his blood!”
Teachers from across the College met, exchanged stories of Chris and raised a glass to him and his contribution to the College.
This summer will also mark the second year of the Chris Gully Award given to a student who shows a real passion for Science at the Annual Honours Awards Evening.
His legacy continues.
