The Western Mail, 17.03.2011

Rowling's teacher who inspired Harry Potter's Prof Snape dies at 71

TRIBUTES have been paid to the teacher said to have inspired one of JK Rowling's most memorable characters.

Former head of science John Nettleship, 71, died after a battle with cancer.

He taught the budding novelist chemistry during her years at Wyedean School, Chepstow.

Mr Nettleship came to take pride in his fictionalisation as the severe potions wizard Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series that made Rowling a multi-millionaire.

Mr Nettleship discovered his link to Professor Snape when he was played by Alan Rickman in the record-breaking movie franchise.

He said at the time: "The first I knew was when a someone knocked on the door and said: 'You're Professor Snape aren't you'.

"I suppose I was quite strict as a teacher, but I said to my wife: 'They think I'm Professor Snape.' "She said: 'Of course you are - but I didn't want to tell you'."

After being initially unhappy about the comparison, Mr Nettleship is said to have come to terms with the connection and made guest appearances at Chepstow Bookshop, where Rowling shopped as a youngster.

Matt Taylor, the shop's owner, said: "It is very sad to hear of the loss of John. He was a lovely man and he will be very much missed."

Mr Nettleship also gave talks and created a pamphlet - Harry Potter's Chepstow - about the local landmarks that are heavily connected to many of the series' locations.

He told reporters at the time: "Authors can only build on their own experiences so characters to some extent are bound to be based on people they've met.

"Quite a lot of my ex-pupils recognise the original character when they see the film. They come to me and say, 'We saw you in the movie, sir'. But I just laugh about that. The great thing though is that Alan Rickman was picked to play the character and the ladies think he is good. That made things better."

Mr Nettleship remembered his former pupil as a quiet but smart child.

He was yesterday remembered by those who knew him as a highly-regarded community member throughout his life, through his profession as a teacher, Labour Party activist, Caerwent community councillor, and family man.

Labour councillor Armand Watts was 15 years old when they first met at a party meeting. The Chepstow councillor said Mr Nettleship told him of requests to do tours in America due to his Rowling connection.

He said: "I think he was genuinely proud of the Harry Potter connection. I think it was a bit of a novelty at first, but then the books began to reach a global market. It must have been overwhelming."

Mr Nettleship is survived by his wife, Shirley, three children and two step-children. Mrs Nettleship described her pride in her husband's achievement, saying: "He was a real advocate for people's rights, especially for women's rights. He was a dedicated campaigner for the Labour Party and always believed in fighting for the underdog."

A spokesman for JK Rowling said the author did not wish to comment.

The funeral for Mr Nettleship will take place at noon on Monday at Caerwent church.

BRENDAN HUGHES