Bedale's farewell to teacher, minister artist Rev Andrew Woodhouse

His family and friends have paid tribute to a humorous, fun loving family man, he died aged 83.

At his funeral at St Gregory’s Church in Bedale a Eulogy was read from the family.

Born in Suffolk his father was a minister. His lifelong passion for art was discovered at nursery school, and outstanding treble voice was revealed at Wakefield’s Silcoates School.

Transferring to Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Wakefield, he was awarded a scholarship to Leeds Collage of Art. There he met many famous artists and Harry Thrubron the great innovator of Art teaching, Andrew also assisted international sculptor Hubert (Nibbs) Dalwood.

Winning The Northern Artist of the year, and Young Contemporaries Award, he moved onto Goldsmiths in London gaining a Distinction in Art Teaching.

In Leeds Andrew met and married Jenny and they moved to Aberdeen where Andrew was Lecturer in Fine Art at Robert Gordan’s College of Art, later moving back to become Head of Art at St. Michaels College, Leeds where daughters Annabel and Hayley were born.

Andrew moved into Primary Education at Wainfleet C of E School in Lincolnshire and after obtaining a Diploma in Primary Education at Nottingham University in 1972 he was appointed Head of the Junior School at Bedale also becoming organist and choir master at St. Gregory’s until training for the ministry in 1978.

During this happy time Jenny, founded ‘Pathfinders’ for young people with visits and overnight accommodation at Marrick Priory and the Tuesday Club with guest speakers. Andrew formed ‘The New Beginning’ performing plays with songs about faith. A ‘Children’s Day’ in Bedale attracted more than a hundred children on the parkland with entertainment including a baton waving band from South Shields.

Andrew had three Headships. Topcliffe Primary; Ripon Cathedral Primary and Bedale Primary.

At Topcliffe Andrew trained for the Priesthood on the Northern Ordination Course at Manchester and was invited to be Priest in Charge of Thornton Watlass attached to St. Gregory’s, Bedale.

At Bedale Primary School he established a charity called ‘The Children’s Centre’ inviting children from inner cities to visit Bedale with their teachers to spend time in the country.

Children stayed overnight in the school hall with their teachers and many bonds were formed between participating schools.

On retirement Andrew was invited to minister to St. Mary’s Thornton Watlass. Jenny became very ill with Myeloma and tragically in 2002, aged only 56, lost the fight, they had been married for nearly thirty eight years.

Andrew was very grateful for the opportunity to seal his working career serving God in such a beautiful place, amongst lovely friends who supported him during this very sad time.

After some time Andrew met Heather, love blossomed and eventually they were married in 2007, a constant companion, caring and supporting Andrew in his ministry.

Andrew wrote that he was blessed in his life by having two lovely daughters Annabel and Hayley and such delightful grandchildren Agatha, Gabriel, Elizabeth and Timothy, but they feel they were blessed.

He loved colour and had a colourful fulfilled life, often expressed in his dress sense and style. Andrew was extremely entertaining, everyone enjoyed his sense of humour and child-like comedy. A love of music shone through, he played many instruments including the church organ, and wrote many plays, music for pupils and a Christmas Carol. Andrew adored a family gathering, playing his grand piano with great gusto, filling the house with joy.

He took part in the Generation Game and Deal Or No Deal and was an extra in Heartbeat.

His sense of adventure led him to organize ‘Andrew’s Adventures’ beginning as coach holidays they became legendary with his ‘yellow and red cards’ awarded at dinner and the crowning of ‘Miss Urquhart.’ His family said: “Some of you have been kind enough to share your stories, Remembering him perhaps as your favourite teacher, friend, comedian, author, musician, and a clergyman. His ability to love this world, nature and his family shows in every picture, book and painting. We knew you as our daft, mad, talented, kind, generous, loveable, always wonderful Papa. We will miss you.”