William was appointed to CCAT in 1958 by the Principal at the time, Deryck Mumford, after whom the Mumford Theatre is named, to teach drama to all students, whatever their area of study. It was an enlightened appointment, leading to a series of theatrical productions that included the widest possible range of full-time, part-time and day-release students, many of whom had only had previous stage performances in their Primary School's Christmas Nativity play.

He brought the same enthusiasm and inspiration to his contributions to the A Level and BA (Hons) English programmes, where his intense (and often dramatic) teaching style communicated his own love and knowledge of theatre, film and literature to countless students. His generous engagement with students and colleagues, many of whom continued to keep in touch with him long after leaving CCAT, was a gift of lasting importance to many lives.

Sydney was a remarkable man who played a major role in the establishment of CCAT as a nationally recognised institute of higher education (HE). He joined as a Lecturer in English in 1960, having served in the Indian army as a major in intelligence and as a successful executive in a merchant shipping company in Pakistan. His great love, however, was English Literature, of which he was a discriminating critic and inspiring teacher. In 1968 he became Head of the English and General Studies Department and between then and his retirement in 1981, he steered the Department and CCAT through significant developments as a provider of HE.

Sydney was a person who combined intellectual rigour, wit and geniality. He wore his vast learning lightly and communicated it to his students with a riveting combination of passion and commitment. His wisdom and guidance played a key role in laying the foundations for the success of Anglia Ruskin today.