FORMER headmaster of Holsworthy Primary School, Richard Sullivan, celebrated his 80th birthday on Monday, February 1, with his beloved Hartland Chamber Orchestra.

Richard was born and grew up in Bristol. At 11 years old he started to have cello lessons with a professional musician called Arthur Alexander — known as Alex, and whom remained a very close friend to the family. Richard later joined the Bristol Youth Orchestra where Alex was the conductor, and often joined him to play at the Bath Pump Rooms. He achieved his LTCL at the age of 19, and following two years of teacher training, went to Dartington College of Arts for his final year. During this time, he met Lynne who was studying piano and singing. When they left Dartington, they lived in Kent for a year.

In 1962, Lynne and Richard moved to Entebbe (Uganda) with their six-week-old daughter Clare. He had secured a headship of a large school, and during this time, Lynne taught piano to students, and Richard incorporated music within his role to the children in his school. His youngest daughter Caroline was born in 1968, and in 1970 they returned to Britain.

Richard continued to work as a headmaster in north Devon and latterly, Holsworthy. During this time, he taught both of his daughters and his two eldest granddaughters. He resumed playing the cello at the age of 50, and his and Lynne’s retirement has since revolved around music, orchestras and choirs as well as being very devoted to their ever-growing family.

At the present time, Richard plays for the Hartland Chamber Orchestra, and North Devon Sinfonia, which in 2016 won a national amateur competition and played at the Albert Hall and Hyde Park. He is a very dedicated musician, and every morning spends at least two hours practising.