John Keast Tribute Book by RE Council

Colin Hallmark

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:23:25 UTC

It has been a real pleasure to work with you over the past few years John. Your support, energy, and clear direction have made my job (and that of the rest of the team at 3:nine and PB) so much easier, not to mention truly enjoyable. I’m sure you’ll miss those early Sunday mornings at BBC Truro though – how else will you fill your time?! With thanks and warm wishes for the future. Colin

Yousif Al-Khoei OBE

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:23:48 UTC

John has been an exemplary leader in the field of Religious Education devoting a large part of his life towards the strengthening of the subject. In fact, over the years he has achieved a great deal, building dialogue, developing trust and relationships between the Department of Education and the Religious Education Council of England and Wales. I have no doubt in saying that he has shown distinction and perseverance in his work. He has noble characteristics of patience, kindness and compassion essential for such skilled work in building the membership of the REC from strength to strength from diverse religions and beliefs

Mark Chater

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:24:04 UTC

When I think of John Keast, the qualities that instantly come to mind are: charity, warmth, humility, stability, patience, persistence and grace under fire. That is just the short list! The RE community has been profoundly fortunate to have had the leadership of John in his various guises as an author, adviser, civil servant, RE Council Chair and RE advocate. John, we will miss you very much, but now we can complete our good fortune by learning from your qualities as best we can. With gratitude and appreciation, Mark

Jane Brooke

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:24:20 UTC

John, Thank you for helping to steer the RE ship through choppy waters and keeping it afloat ! Enjoy retirement , Jane Brooke

Maurice Coles

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:24:54 UTC

One of my favourite lines when working with young people is to ask: ‘by the time of your life’s end, when you reflect, what will you say you have achieved.’ Ask that question of John Keast and you will get a very modest answer. The reality is however that throughout his professional life John’s achievements are myriad. He has had a major impact upon the thinking of politicians, of universities, of local authorities of SACREs and most important of all, upon young people. His tireless persuasive efforts have helped RE and cohesion to become real and genuine experience for our young people. He has effected this with good grace, humour and much kindness all tempered however with deep insight and critical intelligence. There will be no rest for the likes of John. He must now lead on a new scheme: The Older RE Ambassadors-in this I will gladly follow him anywhere !! With respect and love, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

Bob Jackson

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:28:22 UTC

For many years John Keast has been an outstanding contributor to religious education in the UK. His knowledge and experience of the field are both wide and deep, and his personal qualities have made him a wonderful bridge builder, able to link students, teachers, teacher trainers, researchers, politicians and others in fruitful and creative ways. His diplomatic skills have also been of considerable value in the many debates concerning the subject over the years. I have had the privilege of working closely with John on Council of Europe projects and have collaborated in a more distanced way during his time as Chair of Religious Education Council. I have been very impressed with the Council’s work, and there is no exactly equivalent body – bringing together professionals and faith and belief organisations – in any other country. John’s leadership has been crucial to the development of the RE Council as an effective voice in the politics and pedagogy of the subject.

Thank you John for your wonderful contribution.

Bob

Sandra Teacher

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:28:41 UTC

Dear John On behalf of both the Jewish community and myself personally, I would like to thank you for your friendship, trust and advice over the past 10 years. You have provided invaluable support and worked to promote harmony and respect between all the different faiths and beliefs, whilst managing to make each person who works with you feel valued and special. Wishing you all the best for the future. Sandra Teacher Board of Deputies of British Jews

Brian Gates

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:29:05 UTC

John you have undertaken the role of chair of the REC with both strategic vision and practical sense. You brought to it a great wealth of experience from your own background work as adviser regionally with your LEA, and with the QCA and the Department for Education nationally. Throughout you were consistently faithful to your Free Church interests. Travel from the south-west was an added challenge, but your home base and local commitments were continuing reminders to others that the REC and the RE community it serves are comprehensively nation-wide and inclusive in scope. More personally I am grateful to you for the energy and wisdom you brought to the REC board and full council over many years even before you added all the chairing responsibilities. Retire happily and well! Brian Gates

Karenza Passmore

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:29:33 UTC

You were a driving force at school, an inspiration during my degree and you have continued to be both of these in many ways throughout my professional career. Without you I'd have been teaching PE or English! Your contributions will take more than a book to note but here is a personal and heartfelt" thank you" for all that you have done personally, and professionally, to change my life for the good. with much love, as ever.

Andrew Copson

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:30:00 UTC

Dear John, Warm wishes from everyone working on education at the British Humanist Association, past and present. We've all appreciated your support of inclusive RE, reflected in your time as chair and generally. You're a credit to the subject! Thanks!

Tony Blair Faith Foundation

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:46:37 UTC

Dear John Best wishes for your next projects and endeavours . We at Face to Faith have felt that Religious Education was in the safest of hands with you leading on the safeguarding of Religious Education along with the rest of the fabulous team at the REC over the past few years. Your tenacity and passion for the future of this subject, and ultimately the religious literacy of our young people, is inspirational. We at the Foundation are proud to have worked with you and the REC supporting your efforts to secure a future for this important subject within the curriculum and raising its profile with school management, government and more widely.

Thank you for your advice and guidance in the early years of Face to Faith and for presenting at one of our conferences. With best wishes from your friends at Face to Faith

Munisha

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:48:34 UTC

Dear John, Thank you so much for all your work for the REC and for your good humour throughout. Thank you also for your many years of work for RE, and in particular for your support of our work at Clear Vision. I remember you from my earliest days here in 1998 - and here we both are STILL, 16 years later! Between us I know we have made a great deal of difference to huge numbers of young people. We couldn't have done our bit without your bit. With appreciation and thanks, Munisha The Clear Vision Trust

Aliya Azam

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:48:55 UTC

John has always taken great care to attend diligently and encourages discussions in the field of RE. He has been absolutely at the forefront of the developed relationship between the REC and the DfE, enabling the partnership of RE related work. His charm and warmth of personality has resulted in many fruitful relationships with various organisations that contribute to sustained contributions to the core of work produced by the REC, and this charisma and deep integrity is one of the highest skills of a leader. I shall always remember John as a person who made logical, articulate and balanced statements on behalf of a vast number of organisations who are members of the REC. John will continue to make an outstanding contribution to life and years to come, as he has in the world of RE.

Dave Francis

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:49:12 UTC

John: you have been a major influence on me and on the whole RE community since your days as Adviser for RE in Cornwall. At the REC you have been a superb admiral of the Good Ship RE and have steered us through some extremely choppy waters. That RE survives and has a strong and committed community of defenders is in no small way due to your determined, balanced and diplomatic leadership. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you – we will miss your well-measured wisdom! Dave Francis

Mary Myatt

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:49:29 UTC

My memories of John: Introducing the short course for RE in Suffolk in 1994 - very exciting! Giving the keynote tribute to remember and honour Geoff Hundleby, former Suffolk RE Adviser Presenting at AREIAC conferences Working with him on the 'Outstanding RE' courses for Osiris A warm, deep thinking colleague and I always made a point of drawing on his wisdom and experience. Very best Mary

Trevor Cooling

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:51:10 UTC

John I know that I am one of many who have vivid memories of your address to an AREIAC conference at which you introduced the image of "the good ship RE". For the life of me I cannot now remember the year or the venue, but I can visualise the event such was the power of the metaphor. There was another powerful metaphor that you introduced in an article that you wrote that had a profound impact on me - namely the idea of RE having failed if it produced "clever devils". You have made a mark with your ability to capture an educational vision in succint pictures. But perhaps even more I shall treasure your work for the image that I have of you as the pilot with his hand on the tiller of RE maintaining a steady course whatever the buffeting from the storms of change and controversy. You are the most remarkably calm and focussed person! It has been a privilege to have been part of the RE enterprise with you and a joy to have worked closely with you in the last few years as an REC officer. I wish you well as you have more time to enjoy your family, your beloved Cornwall and whatever other ventures you get involved in in the coming years. Trevor

Sarah Smalley

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:51:53 UTC

An alphabet of John A true friend Buoyant captain of the good ship RE Committed Diplomatic Early riser (for those long miles on the train) Forbearing Generous of spirit Hardworking Idealistic Judicious calmer of strife Kind London bus expert (John's little known speciality!) Methodical Never gives up if there's a glimmer of hope OBE – so thoroughly deserved Principled Quick to support and slow to judge Realistic Sincere Tactful Upbeat Visionary Willing to give anyone a fair hearing Xtra special Chair of the REC Youthful in energy and determination Zen: john@myzen.co.uk – we will miss you so much! To John, with very much gratitude and appreciation for the amount you've given to all of us in the REC - very, very best wishes for a long, happy and somewhat calmer life ahead.

Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:52:18 UTC

I have only been a member of the REC for a year, but it was quickly evident how central John was to its successful working - whether in co-ordinating the very different voices within it, harmonising the inevitable differences, and presenting the REC's case to government. There may well be a smooth transition to his successor (another mark of his diplomatic efficiency), but he will still be missed. Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain Chair, Accord Coalition for inclusive education

Anne Krisman

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:52:31 UTC

For John Keast You have achieved so much, with integrity, clarity and warmth. Thanks for all you have done as Chair of the RE Council. Anne Krisman (JTA)

Sophie Agrotis

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:52:43 UTC

John, It has been a real pleasure working you, and seeing you steer the RE Council over the two years. You have been approachable, and quick to answer any questions I have had, and have given me great guidance alongside Sarah. I have always been impressed and awed seeing you speak about RE and the business of the Council, and feel that you have a unique and insightful perspective on so many issues, prompting people to look at things in different ways and work collaboratively and effectively. The next steward of 'the good ship RE' most definitely has a challenge filling your shoes! I wish you all the best for the future.

Chris Hudson

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:53:11 UTC

For such a time as this - a period in our history when 'Faith' has been so often misunderstood, misrepresented and ignored... John's passionate defence of Religious Education has sounded out like the voices of the Hebrew prophets of old. In difficult times he has campaigned, argued and lobbied on behalf of our subject with grace and clarity- and will, I suspect, see the fruits of his labours as more and more schools, parents, pundits and politicians wake up to see what RE can do for our pupils. Thank you, John. Chris Hudson, on behalf of Barnabas in Schools

Helen Harrison

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:53:23 UTC

I first met John when he came to address a conference of Primary RE teachers in Lancashire in 2002. I was still teaching in a secondary school but had been invited to eat with a small group the night before. I, of course, knew of John through his work at the QCA. My first impression meeting face to face was of a dignified, intelligent and professional man whose commitment to Religious Education was outstanding. Having had the privilege in more recent times of working alongside John at the RE Council, first impressions were accurate, and enduring in this case. RE in England and Wales owes a massive debt to John. His vision, political knowhow and tireless effort in supporting the subject have ensured that the ‘Good ship RE’ is sea worthy to sail ‘all who serve on her’ into a horizon of hope for the future. Thank you so much John.

Jay Lakhani

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 11:53:39 UTC

I have known John for over 15 years. He is one of these wonderful personalities you come across, perhaps once in a lifetime! His contribution in the field of Religious Education is second to none. The religious education council is about to lose a great champion. With tremendous integrity he represented not only Christianity but people of all and no faith. Our best wishes go with him and his family for a peaceful and joyous retirement Jay Lakhani Director Hindu Academy

Nemu Chandaria OBE

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:16:51 UTC

The Institute of Jainology has participated in the RE Council for over 7 years, through representatives who have worked with Prof. Brian Gates, OBE, until May 2011 when he relinquished the Chair and with Mr John Keast, OBE, since then.

John was actively involved in matters of the Council before he was elected as Chair. His experience in the field of Education in the UK has been outstanding and appreciated by all. Our representatives, especially Dr Harshad Sanghrajka, found John as an inspiring leader and very efficient in managing Board meetings and matters. Over a number of years, John has initiated many activities in the Council, not least the demand from Government to recognise the importance of RE in schools. This initiative led to very high level meetings in the Department for Education and the creation of the APPG for RE.

John created and encouraged many sub-committees of the Board and led them to participate actively in their own fields and also to contribute ideas to others. He always received and appreciated new ideas from Board members.

The Directors of the Institute of Jainology feel that when John Keast retires as Chair, the RE Council will face a big loss, but wishes him well in whatever he plans to pursue next.

With Best wishes

Nemu Chandaria, OBE

Institute of Jainology

Alan Brine

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:28:58 UTC

The thought of the REC without John Keast is almost beyond imagining. Where will we be without his sanity, wisdom and sheer common sense? John's contribution to the world of RE has been, and I am sure will continue to be, enormous. In most recent years John has provided superb leadership of the RE community in England and Wales through a period of great difficulty. A guiding light through the Govian nightmare! His good humour and skilful handling of the 'herd of cats' that is the RE community have been attributes that few could match. To use his well-honed metaphor - he has steered the good ship RE with grace and patience. She will sail on conscious of how much of a debt is owed!

Best wishes John,

Alan.

Rosemary Rivett

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:29:14 UTC

John In all the time I have known you, your commitment, energy and clear vision for all things to do with RE and the role and work of the REC have been an inspiration. You leave us in good heart about the future, and I wish you every happiness in your very well-earned retirement. Best wishes Rosemary Rivett

Joyce Miller

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:29:34 UTC

It is difficult to find words to express adequately the contribution that you have made to the REC, particularly but not only over the last three years, or to comment on the significance of your – and therefore the REC’s - many achievements. There have been so many major steps forward – the strong and vibrant committees that are taking forward the work of the strategic plan, the RE Review (what a massive undertaking!), the APPG inquiries, the Young Ambassadors and the RE Quality Mark, to name but a few. It is extraordinary that so much is achieved by an organisation with so few employees and that so many people give willingly of their time and expertise. That happens, not only because of their commitment but because they have confidence in you and your leadership. There are, I think, two key qualities that you possess that have made all this possible: your unending courtesy and your courage, and they combine to make you a highly respected and very popular Chair. The REC is a much stronger organisation for your work, with far greater political impact than would have been thought possible not so very long ago. You will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. Many people will regret that you’re not continuing – me, especially! Joyce Miller

Lydia Revett

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:30:28 UTC

With our grateful thanks for all you have achieved for RE during your time as REC Chair, John, from the members of the Federation of RE Centres – all good wishes for the future. Many thanks Lydia

Lat Blaylock

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:30:43 UTC

Sometimes in our working lives we have the good fortune to share professional tasks with people who also become our friends. This has happened a lot to John Keast, because he is naturally a friendly man. I first met him 20 years ago, and can recall the occasion, an AGM – not perhaps the most fascinating day, but made memorable by John. As I began to work with him, alongside the Education Department, the QCA, the RE Council, RE Today and the National Association of Teachers of RE I grew to know and value his amazing skills. RE needs insightful diplomats, and committed negotiators: John is both. Whether working with government ministers (not all of them very alert to what was going on), keeping the RE community together, promoting parity with other subjects or reminding us all that teachers and pupils matter more than politicians and structures, John has shown me what matters, and how to make it count, time after time. He is a wonderful strategist. I’ve been privileged to share a platform with him often, and always enjoy his speeches: accurate analysis, seasoned with good humour (I have nicked several of his jokes for myself). The RE community owes him a huge debt of gratitude for his untiring advocacy, his determined pursuit of influence and funds for RE’s cause, his gentle and persistent work for us all. I think he has succeeded so often because of the friendliness, along with all his other talents: people like working with John, and hundreds will miss him.

Derek Humphrey

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:37:22 UTC

Dear John I write to express the sincere thanks of all at Hockerill for your valued leadership of the Religious Education Council over the years. Your ability to see through the rhetoric of politicians and identify and build on what they truly believe is the reason that the standing of the REC as a national force for promoting the education of the spiritual side of our children is at an all time high. Additionally your ability to help all the faith groups in the REC to show a unity of purpose, whether when negotiating with Government, or with other national bodies, has made the REC a stronger more resilient body on the national stage. For this legacy we thank you. With all good wishes for your retirement. Derek J Humphrey Secretary

Malcolm Deboo

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:37:41 UTC

Dear John The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe has been informed that you are stepping down as the Chair of the Religious Education Council of England and Wales at the forthcoming AGM. On behalf of the ZTFE, I thank you for carrying the REC baton for the last three years, which has been a challenging period for RE. May your successor continue your good practise of inclusivity in RE! Best wishes Malcolm M Deboo ZTFE President

Denise Cush

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:37:53 UTC

Many thanks John for all you have done for the RE Community through your leadership of the RE Council. You have done a marvellous job of keeping us focused on what we are all there for, to improve the quality of religious education for children and young people. You’ve kept us going in difficult times and reminded us of the importance of our task. With all best wishes for the future. Denise Cush, Professor of Religion and Education, Bath Spa University. (representing TRS-UK, the university Theology and Religious Studies sector).

John Gay

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:38:06 UTC

When reflecting on John’s enormous contribution to education, Shakespeare’s famous line ‘one man in his time plays many parts’ immediately sprung to mind. RE teacher and then adviser in Cornwall, QCA’s RE adviser and then principal curriculum manager additionally for RE’s associated subjects such as citizenship and PSHE, the DfE’s adviser for RE, the link person between the DfE and the RE Council, Deputy Chair and then Chair of the Council, Chair of Christian Education, a trustee of Culham and of St Gabriel’s who steered the two trusts together – to name but a few of the parts played. And these do not include all his family and St Austell involvements which have been very considerable. John has always carried out his professional roles with a measured, understated but well recognized authority which has enabled him to effectively lead the RE community on its journey through the valleys and over the hills and mountains in all weathers and facing up to whatever is thrown at it next [note that I have gone for a land-based metaphor rather than trespassing into John’s favourite nautical one!] The journey has not been an entirely easy one and whilst John has had a clear and eminently sensible route map, diversions applying the art of the possible to what he must sometimes have felt was like the herding of cats were often necessary. But the fact that, despite the inevitable set-backs, so much has been achieved for RE in recent years is due very much to John’s determination and his style of leadership. At a personal level I have always enjoyed working with John and benefitted so much from his wise analysis of situations and advice on ways forward. Thank you John! John Gay

Monawar Hussain

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:40:01 UTC

Dear John, Thank you for all that you have done for Religious Education in the UK and beyond. Your love, passion and commitment to RE has been a great inspiration for so many us - thank you! Wishing you every blessing and good wish for your retirement.

Monawar

Dr Hojjat Ramzy

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:40:16 UTC

Dear John, Thank you for all your help during several years of hard work in the Religious Education Council of England and Wales. It is no exaggeration to say that your contribution to the REC was immense. At every level, from making tea to raising hundreds of thousands of pounds, you gave your all without hesitation. Whenever you were needed you were there. These are the qualities of a great leader, and you possessed them all. You are an inspiration to all. I salute you and thank you for all your great work in promoting unity of faiths and helping all to live in peace and understanding together. Without you the REC would not have reached the platform it enjoys today. May Almighty God bless you in all your future endeavours and grant you great success. Dr Hojjat Ramzy On behalf of Muslim Council of Britain

Janet Orchard

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:40:29 UTC

Dear John, In theory, whatever the organisation, while some are missed more than others when they leave, ultimately no-one is indispensable. In practice, you present a serious challenge to that assumption! A secure and positive future for RE, in an RE world without John Keast, is very hard indeed to imagine; you are leaving us with the very highest standards of professional service, personal qualities of patience, determination, energy, diplomatic skill and tact, to live up to in our future actions. Without you, the RE Review would not have happened and would not resulted in such a successful outcome. I am immensely and unconditionally grateful and indebted to you for everything you gave to that project and all the others you have worked on, over all the years that you have championed RE nationally. With all good wishes to you and Anne for a very happy, richly deserved retirement, Janet (RE Review Project Manager 2012-2013)

Deborah Weston

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:40:42 UTC

I can remember first hearing of the phenomenon that is John Keast when visiting QCA in 1996 just after his interview for the Principal Manager for RE post. I was wondering who this man could be who had come out on top in a process that included several people who I knew to be outstanding RE leaders. I soon came to understand the reason why the managers at QCA had been so impressed. The skills and qualities I have witnessed in him since that time are numerous but include the ability to teach and explain, to analyse and explore, to challenge and provoke and to facilitate and lead others. Perhaps the capability I admire most in him is his ability to walk with an air of calm into a room full of people in the knowledge that some have come prepared to disagree passionately with him and then proceed to disarm them with a combination of intellectual argument and a level of reasonableness that other mortals can only dream of including in their skill set. It has been a privilege for me to work with John for so many years; in the QCA, NATRE, CE, CStG and the REC and I hope to continue to be able to call him a friend and colleague for many years to come. Deborah Weston (REC Company Secretary and NATRE Executive Officer April 2014)

Phil Leivers

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:40:56 UTC

John, I would like to thank you for all you have done for RE in your numerous roles but particularly as Chair of the REC. As a Board member I have valued your strategic leadership, wisdom and encouragement in promoting RE. There are many notable developments but i think the political work and the APPG is really significant. Personally i have valued your vision to bring the RE community closer together and i will endeavour to pursue this. Best wishes for your retirement. Phil Leivers.

The Buddhist Society

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:41:12 UTC

With great gratitude for your leadership and all the wonderful work you have undertaken to assist us all, we hope you enjoy a very happy and fruitful retirement and best wishes for all your future endeavours.

From all of us at The Buddhist Society.

Julie Grove

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:41:28 UTC

John has been a wonderful advocate for religious education all his professional life and the REC has been blessed to have his dedicated leadership over these past few years. For 25 years, from his days as RE Adviser in Cornwall and a colleague in AREIAC, to his valued current membership of the Free Church Education Committee, I can testify to his wisdom and enthusiasm. Always with patience and good humour, John has worked tirelessly for the subject, and achieved remarkable success, against all the odds. Thank you, John. Julie Grove Chair, FCEC

AREIAC

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:42:08 UTC

Dear John, You have been a leading light in the world of RE for so long that it is difficult to believe that you are retiring. We have valued and learnt from your wisdom,patience, consideration and dedication as an AREAIC member, as the RE officer at QCA and as chair of the RE council. Your powers of negotiation and diplomacy have kept RE on the DFE agenda in the most challenging times and you have earned, quite rightly, the deep respect of your colleagues in RE. You know that you leave with love and best wishes from your friends in AREIAC for a long and happy retirement in your beloved Cornwall.

Inter Faith Network

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:42:30 UTC

John Keast’s work for the REC has been marked by his remarkable contribution of breadth of vision and attention to detail and his untiring commitment to the cause of the widest availability of the highest quality Religious Education in our multi faith society.

Naomi Dalton

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:42:46 UTC

It was a great pleasure to work with you John, during my time as REC Administrator. I always admired your very calm, amiable and straightforward manner when contributing to and later leading the work of the REC, even when the seas were rough! I wish you all the very best for your retirement; I am certain that you will be greatly missed by all! Naomi

John Lydon

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:43:02 UTC

One of the aims of CATSC states that the Association acts in the best interests of all who work in Catholic schools and colleges in England and Wales by, inter alia, maintaining and extending links with other organisations. The link between CATSC and the REC Council has been particularly successful over the years and this, to a great extent, is due to the exceptional work of John Keast, latterly as Chair. He is unfailingly courteous and supportive and extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of Religious Education. He has represented the interests of RE teachers and the status of the subject with prophetic insight especially in the challenges encountered latterly. A Review of Religious Education in England encapsulates the wisdom espoused by John Keast as the prominent member of the RE Council.

Dick Powell

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:58:09 UTC

John with the staff of Culham St Gabriel’s Trust, Oxford 2011 – Mark Chater, Tony Parfitt, Dick Powell, James Robson and Deborah Elwine.

Zoe Keens

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 12:59:11 UTC

On behalf of Christian Education / RE Today, our Board and staff team I would thank and congratulate you for your amazing work as Chair of the REC.

I have been within the Religious Education community for a moment in time compared to many have tremendous respect for you and all that you have done to further the work of the REC, campaigning and lobbying parliament and the resulting impact you have made for Religious Education in the UK.

I have very much enjoyed working with you and value your vision and tenacity for the subject and most especially the “cryptic” meetings last year. I firmly believe that “something” was started for the subject and look forward to seeing how the RE community progresses in the future. It has been a privilege working with you and I hope that you are encouraged to remain involved at some level.

With best wishes and thanks

Zoe Keens

CEO

Christian Education / RE Today

Dick Powell

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 13:00:12 UTC

John Keast - irreverent stuff from Dick Powell (now retired!)

This is the one when John was at the St Gabriel’s conference in 2011 and I reminded him that he had just missed leading the last plenary session – the bottle in front might explain the situation.

Dick Powell

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 13:03:49 UTC

Here’s the one when John is sending Mike Castelli and Mark Chater to sleep in the graveyard slot at the Culham summit for PGCE trainers in 2012.

Dick Powell

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 13:05:21 UTC

Here’s John at the Oxford offices of Culham St. Gabriel’s in 2011 having just received news of his fee.

Dick Powell

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 13:06:38 UTC

5 -John catching up on Facebook whilst pretending to prepare another REC research paper.

Dick Powell

RE_Council — 2014-05-12 13:08:35 UTC

And I’d be very interested in hearing if John remembers the time at Fowey teachers centre when he was RE Adviser for Cornwall. You know John – Carmen and Phil…..

Dick Powell

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Lord and Lady Singh of Wimbledon

RE_Council — 2014-05-14 16:31:37 UTC

Kanwaljit and I have known John for many years and have always been impressed by his wisdom, knowledge and good humour in tacking often difficult issues. He has been particularly helpful in bringing Sikh teachings and those of other minority faiths to the fore. In his ability and determination to give equal respect to all faiths, he has always been true to a central teaching of Guru Nanak that our different faiths are simply different paths to the service of the same one God.. To me he is an honorary Sikh, and Kanwaljit and I and others in the Sikh community will miss his ready wisdom and accompanying trademark smile. We wish him well in all he does.

Indarjit and Kanwaljit

(Lord and Lady Singh of Wimbledon)

Jo Backus

RE_Council — 2014-05-22 11:27:43 UTC

Dear John,

A very big thank you for your tireless hard work and integrity in steering Religious Education into its next phase of development.

We shall miss your kindness and wisdom and wish you well in your next endeavours.

Jo Backus

Co-chair Network of Buddhist Organisations