Radio season Teachers in Africa

	Self-belief and a love of poetry came out of lessons with Mr Baines

'On a wing and a prayer' is a piece of advice - and a verbal flourish - that I'll forever associate with my old English teacher, the estimable Mr E Baines: sheep farmer, local councillor, bookshop owner and defender of Britain's smallest county.

It was his way of saying 'trust in your own abilities' and because of him, I did.

In my memory, even the rhythm of his footsteps conveyed authority.

Famed for his apoplectic temper, the head of English at SHS walked with a straight back and a studied pomposity that befitted a man dedicated to the pursuit of learning.

"Half of all knowledge is knowing where to find it," the antique book aficionado liked to point out.

Sarcasm aimed at those of us unsure of what we might find in a library or an early attempt to make us appreciate that we stand on the shoulders of giants?

Either way, I can safely say Mr Baines loomed large in my life - and his influence continues to do so.

From him I learned to love poetry.

I learnt about compasses and perfect worlds, about star-crossed lovers and the great ages of the arts and the sciences.

I like to think of him as a man following his poetic muse or, at least determined to enlighten his subjects in the ways of truth and beauty.

Oh and he knew how to build a good bonfire.

Did you know? It is estimated that nearly a million children a year lose their teacher to HIV/AIDS UNICEF 2000

So there stands Mr Baines - possibly romanticised, impossibly erudite and essentially an early hero of mine.

He knew how to inspire and to kindle the spark that never goes out.

He might have preferred 'the odd comment' as he put it to my resolute silence, but I know he believed in me.

In summer 96 he wrote: "I propose to leave her in peace to let her pen speak for her."

Well, it speaks now and it says 'Mr Baines, I salute you'.

Do you have fond memories of a teacher from your formative years? Do you have a favourite teacher, one who really inspired you? Why not tell us about them? Simply send us your memories via the form on the right and we'll publish a selection of your contributions.

More favourite teachers

By Alex Jakana

By Chakuchanya Harawa

By Freddie Boswell