Here stands the Simon Greenall Plaque. A simple blue plaque perhaps but it tells a story. A story of a life lived fully. A life far richer than the modest metal suggests.
This plaque commemorates Simon Greenall. Born in 1950 he died in 2018. This unassuming plaque marks a place he called home in Oxford. It’s a testament to a man who packed more into his life than most people manage in two.
Simon Greenall wasn’t just any man. He was a writer. A traveller. A chef. And most importantly a friend to many. His obituary in The Guardian speaks of his generosity and warmth. His passion for life shone through everything he did. His life spanned continents. His interests spanned cultures. He taught English as a foreign language. He even became president of the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language. This wasn’t just a job to him. He devoted himself to it. He even received an OBE in 2013.
This small blue plaque on this cottage is not listed on official websites. It is a quiet tribute. It’s an intimate acknowledgement of a man who lived his life on his own terms. A life lived in many places yet with deep roots in Oxford.
Look closely at the plaque. Try to feel the warmth of his presence. Hear the echoes of laughter and conversation. See the travels reflected in his eyes. See the many lives touched by his presence. This isn’t just a plaque. It’s a window into a life well-lived. A life worthy of remembrance. A life celebrated in the quiet corner of Oxford. Remember Simon Greenall. Remember his passion. Remember his friendships. Remember his life.