Born in 1935 and raised in Kings Heath, Birmingham, John Bushell was 80 on 7 May. He was educated at Moseley grammar school before going on to study science at Manchester University in the 1950s. During this time he began to develop a political conscience, becoming an avid reader of the Guardian. A career in teaching followed, including a spell at Bishop Vesey’s grammar school. John went on to lecture in life sciences at Newman college in Bartley Green, and was the author of leading school textbook Biology Alive in 1985, retiring in the early 1990s.
Throughout his life, John has never been without his Guardian. He likes the fact that the paper is proudly outspoken, slightly edgy and prepared to tackle the issues which others don’t. This has kept him reading for nigh-on 60 years. Favourite columnists include Polly Toynbee and, latterly, the witty and incisive writing of Marina Hyde. John’s wife Jo is a regular on the sudoku and loves G2. John enjoys gardening, reading, fine wine and spending time with his two grandsons.
Not uncommon among those of his generation, he has a constant battle with new technology and the inked version of the paper will always win out over any digital format. Apart from some initial but soon-resolved qualms in 2005 over the switch from broadsheet to Berliner (mainly because there was less paper to hide behind when a quick unobserved snooze was in order), John has remained entirely faithful to his beloved Guardian. Happy birthday, Dad.
Written by Jeremy Bushell
