Clive Ernest Bowden

Clive studied at Loughborough College from 1944-1946 where he obtained a Handicraft Certificate, and associated with this, completed a final examination to attain a Teachers Certificate from Nottingham University College.

In December 2009, at the Centenary Honorary Degree celebrations, Loughborough University, retrospectively awarded all the members of his cohort a Bachelor of Arts certificate. This was in recognition of studies at one of the University's former colleges.

With special skills in woodwork and metalwork, Clive went on to teach at various schools finishing with a post in Shaftesbury, Dorset. He retired from teaching in 1978, but continued to use his craft skills, over a number of years, in various forms of self-employed work.

In his personal life he was accomplished in archery, small bore rifle shooting and many aspects of the crafts he had learned, including furniture making and small models such as aircraft. He particularly enjoyed cycling, and also playing tennis [having been inspired by watching Dan Maskell at Loughborough during his time there].

In 1994, around 40 of the “class of 44” had a reunion to celebrate 50 years on. To our knowledge only one of these still survives, Mr Tony Burnett, who was Clive’s lifelong friend and best man.

Sadly, in more recent years, failing eyesight and health robbed him of the ability to continue with the pastimes he enjoyed and after a short period in hospital, and following a severe stroke whilst there, he passed away on 2^nd April 2024; just a few days short of what would have been his 74^th wedding anniversary to Ruth, whom he met during his time at Loughborough.