CREDITON Parish Church was full for a memorial service to celebrate the life of a man who completed a great deal of Christian work in the sphere of drama and was also a highly-respected teacher.

Max Carpenter was born in London on April 30, 1942.

His early years were spent in London and it was at a Baptist church that he met his wife to be, Edith.

When he was aged 20, he went to study at Moorlands Bible College, Dawlish, where he was for five years.

Max and Edith were married at Winchmore Hill, London, in 1965.

Max later completed two years of teacher training at St Luke's College, Exeter.

His first and only placement during his teacher training was at Shelley School, Crediton, which later became Queen Elizabeth's Community College.

Max, an English teacher, spent his working life teaching in Crediton, but was also involved in the local community.

His faith was important to him and his Christian drama work was one avenue of this.

He was not only involved in productions with students but also with people in the Crediton area.

Quite memorably, he brought his friend, Sir Cliff Richard, to the town where, more than 30 years ago, he performed a hugely-successful and full-to-capacity Christian concert in Crediton Parish Church.

Max left QECC 12 years ago but is fondly remembered by past pupils.

After he left he went to Alberta, Canada, for two summer's to produce and act in a "Passion" play.

Back in the UK he produced "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" which was staged in three venues, at the Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton; King's School, Ottery St Mary and Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth.

He also did a lot of work at the Sheldon Christian Centre, Devon, including productions, theatre and musical productions.

For the last two years he also co-ordinated and involved many of the church communities in the area in the production of "The Walk of Witness" in Exeter.

Max was also involved in a very funny piece of theatre called "Not the 11 o'clock Service" which included an irreverent look at the traditional 11 o'clock Christian church service.

He was also involved in the production of Christian plays shown on television.

Max died on December 21, 2009.

Teacher Sue Williams, from QECC, paid tribute to Max at the memorial service.

She said: "I liked Max enormously. I respected him hugely – a larger than life presence in any room – staff room, assembly hall or classroom. He had a wicked sense of humour, and could totally destroy a serious meeting, easily, with one rapid-fire throwaway comment!

"In fact, I'm pausing now – almost expecting an interjection...

"As many of us knew only too well, things are constantly changing in education: new exam syllabuses, revised schemes of learning, different patterns of assessment, the latest jargon. But, actually, some things, the important qualities and skills which make up a really good teacher, don't change – and Max had these in abundance.

"He was a great entertainer; he could spin a superb story, holding the attention of an entire class virtually effortlessly.

"He believed firmly in praise, and sought out every opportunity to recognise and acknowledge a child's achievement, however small, knowing that it would matter to them.

"Max liked children and respected each student in their own right – no mean feat for a Year Head to know 250 individuals – but he genuinely did.

"And they, in turn, liked and respected him.

"One of the most powerful tools would be to say quietly, 'When I speak to Mr Carpenter, I'm sure he'll be so proud of you...'

"Max offered total support to his year group. He would loyally back even the most difficult child, and work with them to make things better.

"So – entertaining, praising, respecting, supporting – oh, and teaching just a few English skills along the way.

"There are generations of Crediton children – and their parents – who owe a great deal to Max Carpenter.

"It is my privilege to acknowledge his invaluable contribution to the learning community of QECC."

The service was conducted by the Rev Caroline Ralph and included an address by Rev Aran Richardson.

Max leaves a widow, Edith, a daughter Sarah, son Leigh and four grandchildren.

Alan Quick