Vol. XXX Number 13 THE STOIC Editors: A. E. David May 1993 S. G. Edenborough Katherine Farrants Photograph: Fronc Cover T. A. F. Lindsay courtesy of Capt_ R. Shott C. A. K. Murray ,& Cpl. Shackleton, Anny Air Corps. S. P. G. Murray Inside Front &: Back Cover Staff Editors: Dr. T. A. Ozturk Wendy G. Saunt by D.R. T. Oldridgc, rna Mr. E. S. lbompson N. B. Tissot EDITORIAL It is a mere 70 years since the School's foundation. The Memorial Service for Eric Reynolds in Chapel on May Day brought the reminder that since 1923 Stowe has had only six Headmasters. In view of such scholastic youth, it is all the more remarkable that so many Old Stoics have made a visible impact on the world in every field of life. It is our privilege that many continually return to pass on their wisdom and experience to each new generatioo of Stoics. Since Christmas, George Melly has been 'down our way' to his old School on Radio 4; and there have been visits from Simon Whistler and Harry Kemp. Laurence Whistler has been involved artistically with Stowe for five decades, and we are delighted to print in this issue an original article about Vanbrugh which will form part of the continuing debate about the Gardens' history and restoration. We also look forward to the new 'biography' of Stowe in Mr Brian Rees's fonhcoming History of Stowe School. Present-day Stoics are themselves busy maintaining lhe active tradition. We congratulate the following, among other successes, for gaining entry to Oxford: M. Chamberlain (English at Balliol), A. E. David (Law at Lincoln); S.G. Edenborough (English at Brasenose); N.D. Smith (English and Classics at Lady Margaret Hall); and M.Y.T. Wreford (Chemistry at Brasenose). There were academic and adventurous trips to Greece, Florence and Nepal. The Community Service went to Romania. The Summer Vacation's expeditions will drop by parachute over Crete and Holland; walk Ilaly in the steps of Garibaldi; and study Baroque architecture in Prague. Mr Drayton's Litany, composed specifically for Stowe Chapel and performed by several choirs and soloists, was memorable for its power and majesty. The Drama Festival was again far ranging in scope, variety and achievement. The Literary Society was honoured with a visit from Dame Iris Murdoch and Professor John Bayley, who discussed with Stoics and teachers aspects of the Modem Novel. And we point with pride, and a blush, at the wealth of writing and visual art in the magazine, which puts the creative and editorial work of the Stoics amongst the highest and best in the country. A major commencement from September next will be the merger of Lytlelton and Stanhope to create a new Girls' House, with improved facilities and greater livinglSpace. Speech Day will see the re-opeoing of the Cricket Pavilion on the North Front, after extensive renovation. We sball carry further considerations of these developments in the December edition of The Stoic. We welcomed this Term, Mr Boothroyd Brooks to the Classics Department to teach in place of Mr Bevington, who lakes a sabbatical in the United Slates. We are happy to announce the engagement of Mr McCrea and Miss Evison. The Editors 865 T.R.M.P. abscnt staff, Currcnt Geography staffremember his idiosyncracies with enormous pleasure and affection Prefects Brigadier Tim Pulverman joined Stowe School as - his predilection for vivid floral ties with thcir its Bursar in August 1986 after a full career m the inevitable clashes of colour, his frequent searches J. M. P. Shasha Head of School Kerry A. Ives Head of Nugent Army. Tim and his wife, Nichola, established for mislaid spectacles, his inadvertent 'borrowing' M. Chamberlain Second Prefect Nicola Dewar-Durie Head of Stanhope themselves quickly in the area and moved into a well of texts, his appetite for strongly flavoured Kerry A. Ives Head Girl D. D. Atherton, rna Prefect of Defaulters appointed house in the village of Maids Moreton. Mediterranean dishes - garlic with everything! A. H. L. Michael Head of Bruce (Boys) Tim's background in the Royal Engineers fitted him MJG's contribution to Geography at Stowe was O. J. Schneider Head of Temple J. M. Crawrord Prefect of Sanctions well for the daunting task of taking on the repair discerning and distinguished and he will be J. L. Nash Head of Grenville S. G. Edenborough Prefect of Grounds and maintenance of Stowe's main mansion and the remembcred by his colleagues and those he taught R. S. Plumridge, rna Head of Chandos Alexandra Herrington Prefect of Defaulters 32 garden buildings which are dotted around the 790 as a dedicated, generous and compassionate person. A. J. C. James Head of Cobham (Girls) acres of Stowe's parkland. Many tasks were We wish him well. O. Bengongh Head of Chatham C. A. K. Mnrray Prefect of Middle and undertaken in Tim's time: the 11 acre lake dam D.R.F. F'. T. Eroghogho Hcad of Grafton & Lower School project, the repairing ofthe School's roads and hard Prefect of Chapel A. T. Mustard Prefect of Club surface playing areas; but what filled hIm WIth the OBITUARY - Eric Vincent Reynolds P. W. Little Head of Walpole G. J. Pike, rna Prefect of Shop greatest pride was his ambition, successfully N. P. Leith-Smith Head of Lytteleton achieved, to create study bcdrooms for every SIxth Headmaster of Stowe from 1949-1958 form member of the School. His persuasion and Any man proposing to follow J. F. Roxburgh as planning now allow all Stowe sixth formers to enjoy Headmastcr of Stowe faced a challengc of the privilege and privacy of individual rooms, all exceptional difficulty. Even in his declining ycars of which are appointed to thc highest standard. the personality ofthe School's founding Headmaster VALETE keep the traditional and welcome innovations. An Tim assisted in relieving the School of a major exerted a powerful magnetism over the majority of influx ofyounger people swelled the family services financial headache when, together with the late his staff and pupils, and perhaps an even more MDD (The Rev. Michael Drury) and the congregations were notably larger on the Chairman of Governors, Sir James Kennon, he powerful one over the many Old Stoics who had major festivals of the Church's year. Michael's ncgotiated the hand over of the grounds and the known him in his hey day. To such as these Stowe The job description of the incumbent of Stowe sermons were always biblically based, well garden buildings to the National Trust whilst trying without Roxburgh was almost inconceivable. To Church (combined with being Assistant Chaplain illustrated and contemporary. With thoughtful to maintain the School's continued access to all the some senior members of the staff, therefore, any and schoolmaster) is nigh impossible both to write planning and relevant application each point was areas of the park which had hitherto been its right. successor to 'J. F.' suffered from one inexcusable and fulft!. Michael Drury did justice to all three and clearly stated to hit home at the conscience or to Tim is an impressively courteous gentleman, and flaw: he simply was not ·J.F.'. more during his ten years at Dadford and Stowe. encourage the faint hearted. He was a good preacher he and the ubiquitous Gizmo will be missed making Eric Reynolds must have become very soon aw~rc Michael brought many impressive qualities to all whose sinceriry of personal belief was transparent their daily inspection ofStowe's real estate, although ofthe coolness felt towards him in some influenhal areas of his work and such are the demands of a for all to see. Being fully committed to the Deanery, I do know that he regularly exerciscs his rights, quarters, but it did not deflect him from his purpose, pastor in the parish and an academic in a school that he would be regular in his attendance at the weekly himsclf and Gizmo in the grounds. that of consolidating and expanding what he had it was all the more remarkable that Michael remained Chapter meetings. Nichola continues to provide relief support in the inherited. In this he was undoubtedly sustaincd by so consistent and approachable in all circumstances. Geography and Religious Studies were his two School's North Hall and is a regular visitor to the his experience at Rugby, where Housemasters were The vicar is not able to reveal his own inner burdens. academic subjects, taught in the classroom with Bursary. Both will undoubtedly be frequcnt visitors less dominatcd by the Headmaster than they wcrc of which there must be many. as he carries the trials meticulous care. He was happier dictating notes and to, and ardent supporters of, the School. Best wishes at Stowe, and also by a determination belicd by a and tribulations of others. Michael was more than explaining exam questions than having a free for all to them both in their "retirement", at least from somewhat restrained, diffident manner. Stowe's willing to show the appropriate feelings when he discussion on the issue of the day. Results with the Stowe; I am sure both of them will continue to be principal need at that time was the provision ofbencr thought necessary, with a telltale sign of blushing G.C.S.E. syllabus were particularly good in R.S. as busy and active as ever. practical facilities in various fields such as t~e in his cheeks, but his ire was rarely roused and his in his set. Michael brought a wealth of experience A.W. laboratories and workshops. A start was made wLth cheerfulness won much affection from parishioners to his Confirmation classes which he took with great M.J.G.