David Belchamber (OK 1952 and former staff)

David Belchamber (OK 1952), who passed away in May at the age of 93, was an important part of the King’s community for over 35 years.

He joined the school as a resident boarder in 1946, and became a prefect, head of Boarders, vice-captain of the 1st cricket team and captain of the 1st hockey team. David, who knew from his school days that he wanted to be a teacher, returned to King’s in 1959 as a member of the Modern Languages department, after reading Modern and Medieval Languages at Queens’ College, Cambridge and completing his PGCE.

One of David’s great passions was cricket. He played at school, during his two years of National Service and at university so it was no surprise that he took on the additional role of master-in-charge of cricket at King’s (he was soon assisted in this by Geoff Taylor). David also had a long association with Teddington Cricket Club, as have many from King’s; a photograph taken at the 2024 annual Teddington Cricket Club lunch for former players shows him surrounded by other King’s alumni.

In 1970, David pivoted to a new role when he was asked by the then headmaster, Frank Shaw, if he would consider becoming the school’s bursar. Ready for a change, and feeling he could help to bring teaching and non-teaching staff into closer alignment, David accepted. During his 18 years as bursar, he would work with three heads (Shaw, Chris Wightwick and Robin Reeve) and help steer the school through an extensive and ambitious Development plan which saw significant changes to the school site: the remodelling of the Priory, and the building of the Music School, Collyer Hall Theatre, College Court and Sports Centre.

‘Mr. Belchamber combines business and administrative experience with academic knowledge in a way that must be most uncommon among school Bursars, and we are very fortunate to have in this vital position, at a time when the school is changing radically both materially and in human organisation, someone who is so obviously fitted to unify the teaching and administrative sides of K.C.S. We wish him every success and all our good will in his taxing post.’ (School magazine, Summer 1970)

As a favour to the school, David returned as bursar on a temporary basis in 1994, despite the fact he was establishing his own business in Wales. That he did so is indicative surely of his loyalty to, and fondness for, King’s.

A Thanksgiving Service will take place at St Mary´s Church, Codford, Wiltshire, on 8 June 2026 at 2.30pm.