Watford teacher Keith Sampey reunites with former students

Keith Sampey’s exhibition was held at Alban Wood Infant School and Nursery, The Brow, Watford on May 13 and 14 from 11am to 2pm.

Keith Sampey (left) with his former students. (Image: Naomi Sampey)

The father of two, 74, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and in February was told he had six to nine months to live.

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Keith Sampey speaking to his former students. (Image: Naomi Sampey)

Keith, who led the school once known as Alban Wood Junior School from 1989 to 2005, called on his former students to visit and the response has been overwhelming.

Many people attended the show over the two days. (Image: Naomi Sampey)

One of his ex-pupils, Eden Kulig, 32 and a Harrow Labour councillor, said: “As a child you take it for granted, but he was a really good head teacher.”

Eden Kulig and Keith Sampey (Image: Kimberley Hackett)

She recalled one of her favourite memories of Mr Sampey.

“He told us aliens called ‘sloof lirpa’ had landed in St Albans and our school was chosen to meet them and we were going to get McDonalds on the way.

Former students signed a book for Keith Sampey to keep. (Image: Kimberley Hackett)

“We were so excited, but then he reminded us it was April 1 and ‘sloof lipra’ is April Fools spelt backwards. He was always telling us practical jokes,” she said. 

Keith Sampey with John Horsfield, one of the governors who appointed Keith. (Image: Naomi Sampey)

A former colleague of Keith’s described how he made the school “a happy place to work in”.

Rosemary Moore, 74 who was a teacher at the school in the 90s and lives in Kings Langley said: “His sense of humour filtered down to the staff.”

Keith Sampey and Rosemary Moore (Image: Kimberley Hackett)

She added: “Before it was fashionable to save the environment Keith held a beautiful assembly where he had a big globe and wrapped a bandage round it and talked about looking after earth.

“The children were all listening; you could hear a pin drop.”

Keith Sampey had an emotional reunion with many of his ex-pupils (Image: Naomi Sampey)

This exhibition, part of Keith’s “bucket list” moved to Watford from Hampstead to allow more people to see him.

He said he was grateful to see so many former students, many of whom brought their children along and there was much reminiscing about the community feel the school offered.

Keith (left) even got to meet some of his former student's children. (Image: Naomi Sampey)

Keith added: “I haven’t seen them for years; you can imagine how emotional it was for me.

There was a lot of laughter throughout the two-day show. (Image: Kimberley Hackett)

“It was lovely, but I’m not sure I have got the emotional energy for anymore.

“Plus, my daughters would like to have the paintings back on their walls.”