Tributes to Ipswich blue plaque founder Neil Salmon

More than 100 people came together last weekend to remember Neil Salmon, who died earlier this year aged 91.

The Ipswich teacher would come to set up the town's blue plaque scheme, as well as knowing two of the country's leading art figures in Sir Trevor Nunn and illustrator Sir Quentin Blake, from whom he received Christmas cards.

Neil’s family have been deeply touched by the countless messages they have received from his former pupils, for Neil spent his entire working life teaching English at the school.

 “What an inspirational man, and what a full life,” wrote one former student. "He brought so much to life for me, both in the film world and in literature.”

Another wrote: “It is no exaggeration to say that Neil was my biggest inspiration and supporter at Northgate. Without him I wouldn’t have led the life I have.”

Neil was born in Hadleigh on January 8, 1933, to Victor Salmon, a bus conductor, and his wife, Grace.

Family life for the Salmons was marked by tragedy, for Neil’s only brother, Timothy, died from pneumonia at the age of two. Neil was just seven.

Neil was born on January 8, 1933. (Image: Frank Salmon)

Neil pictured with his mother, Grace. (Image: Frank Salmon)

Neil Salmon with pictured at Cambridge beside his proud parents. (Image: Frank Salmon)

Now an only child, for the rest of his life Neil would come to be known for his boundless energy; he was determined to make the most of every opportunity he had, and never wasted a moment.

Neil was educated at Sudbury Grammar School and went on to complete National Service in the RAF, before taking up a state scholarship to study English at Downing College, Cambridge. Here, he became great friends with the artist Sir Quentin Blake, who never failed to send the family one of his designed Christmas cards.

By this time, Neil had become reacquainted with Joyce Forrest. The pair had met for the first time as children, when Joyce was evacuated to Hadleigh from east London during the Second World War.

Their two families maintained the connection, and Neil and Joyce would occasionally meet as teenagers in London, attending concerts at the Albert Hall or football matches.

Several years had passed by the time they met again, quite by chance, in Switzerland. Joyce was holidaying with friends while Neil had been awarded an overseas trip for an academic prize at school.

The pair passed one another in the street in Interlaken – and did a double take when they recognised each other. They began corresponding, and romance soon blossomed.

Neil and Joyce tied the knot soon after he graduated, on August 3, 1957. They would welcome three children, Tom, Frank and Kay.

Neil and Joyce's wedding day in 1957. (Image: Frank Salmon) Neil and Joyce in Dösenersee, Austria, 1954. (Image: Frank Salmon) Quentin Blake visiting Lavenham with the Salmon family. (Image: Frank Salmon)

Neil completed his teacher training at Cambridge and found his first placement at Northgate Grammar School for Boys in Ipswich.

When it came to apply for a permanent job, the headmaster, suggested he remain at Northgate, with no need for an interview.

Neil would remain at the school for 29 years, including its transition to a comprehensive in 1976.

This time became part of the “golden age” for English teaching at the school, said Neil’s son, Dr Frank Salmon.

Neil was passionate about ensuring that all students from all walks of life had access to culture, whether they loved literature, film, music, or all three, as he did himself.

While he enjoyed classical music and arthouse cinema himself, he never looked down on others’ tastes, and encouraged his students in their interests.

One pupil recalled Neil hearing that the Indian composer and musician Ravi Shankar was coming to play at an Indian restaurant in town, during the 1960s.

Thinking that this might appeal to his students, Neil decided to take the whole class to hear him play.

Neil also taught Sir Trevor Nunn, who he encouraged to follow in his footsteps at Cambridge, would become Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company and, later, the National Theatre. Neil and Sir Trevor would remain lifelong friends.

Northgate Grammar School for Boys staff, 1967. Neil can be seen in the in light jacket towards back right. (Image: Frank Salmon) Neil and Joyce pictured with Sir Trevor Nunn, when he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 1997. (Image: Frank Salmon)

Outside work, Neil was at the heart of the town’s cultural life. He had been a member of the Ipswich Film Society since 1964, Chairing the group from 1977 to 2007. After his retirement from teaching in 1986, he would see around 40 films each yea, which he would give a score, trying to find gems for the society to discuss.

Neil was also a member of the Ipswich Chamber Music Society from 1965 until his death in May. He would occasionally contribute concert reviews for the East Anglian Daily Times and the then-Evening Star.

The Salmon family at Christmas, 1987. (Image: Frank Salmon) Neil pictured on his 91st birthday. (Image: Frank Salmon) Neil pictured in February 2001 at the Blue Plaque launch, standing with Don Edwards, Jack Chapman and Brian Jepson. (Image: Frank Salmon)

Additionally, Neil was a founding member of the Ipswich Film Theatre Advisory Committee, and a member of Ipswich Borough Council’s public sculpture sub-committee, assisting with the placement of the iconic Giles and Cardinal Wolsey statues in the centre of town.

He was also the editor of the Ipswich Society Newsletter for 23 years and instigator of the town's Blue Plaques scheme.

Neil was, said Frank, a gentle and polite man, who rarely raised his voice. He acted as a surrogate parent to many of the children he taught, some of whom were still visiting him up until his death.

Neil passed away on May 3, aged 91. He is survived by his three children and three grandchildren.