Reflecting on My Journey at St. Edmund’s

When I first stepped foot into St. Edmund’s in September 1971, work was the furthest thing from my mind as a young and small six-yearold. I joined Form 1, a class of just 13 students, where I discovered two boys whose fathers had been classmates with my own father back in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Instantly, we formed a bond like our fathers before us.

Throughout my time at St. Edmund’s, many memories have stood the test of time. I recall roller-skating in ‘the hut’ (now the Jubilee Hall), constructing camps in the woods, and joyfully sailing toy boats in the boating pond with my chums.

Among my happiest memories were the days of indulging in ‘stodge’ before matches on Wednesdays and Saturdays, evening swims in the outdoor pool alongside the Headmaster, leisurely rounds of golf after chapel, and the Sunday letter writing sessions.

Upon my return as a teacher in February 1993, I found myself part of a Common Room that included three of my former teachers, the same cook and cleaner from my student days, and even one of the matrons who used to ensure I bathed properly as a young boy - a somewhat embarrassing reunion! My arrival brought down the average age of the Common Room, and now, as I bid farewell, my departure will have the same effect!

St. Edmund’s has been more than just a job to me; it has been a way of life. Over the past thirty years, I have coached nearly all sports at various levels, taught subjects ranging from English, Geography, RS, Maths, Science to Physics (news to the Headmaster, by design). I have worn many hats during my tenure—serving as a general dog’s body, a science teacher, a department head, a boarding houseparent alongside my wife, a Director of Studies, a Senior master, and ultimately the Deputy Headmaster (returning to my initial role as a general dogs’ body!). Throughout our time here, my wife Liz and I have resided in different properties and flats on the school grounds for 29 out of the last 30 years. We have called the nursery buildings home (twice), Mr and Mrs Taylor’s house, the Housemaster’s flat, a flat that encompassed the bursary and registry offices, and of course, Carna. All three of our children commenced their educational journeys here, and each of them has also contributed their skills and talents in various capacities working here at various times.

As a member of the staff, some of my most cherished professional memories include the Great Escapes, Hogwarts evenings, engaging quiz nights, returning to my lab to teach after completing my PGCE teaching practices at Bohunt, our first set of GCSE results, and the exhilarating ‘It’s A Knockout’ events!

However, as a father residing on the school premises, my fondest memories involve afternoons spent on the water slide at the old 9th fairway, the christenings of our three children in the school chapel (one of which was conducted by the Headmaster himself), and the unforgettable parties we hosted in the magnificent grounds.

While I will undoubtedly miss St. Edmund’s greatly, I leave with a heart brimming with joyful memories of this truly magical place.”