Valete ‘MJP soon established himself as a truly outstanding English teacher, combining the sharpest of intellects and deepest subject knowledge with a warmth that soon radiated well beyond the confines of North Block.’
approachable, always interested in the boys, and an invaluable sounding board for this HM. Sue’s appointment as Dame of B1 in 2011 committed them to the House and they have given remarkable service to both B1 and New Court. As they begin retirement, Mike and Sue will split their time between Wales and Spain, visiting grandchildren, writing and walking. John Carroll (CR 2005-)
Alison Sharp (CR 1990-2021) This year brings Doc Sharp’s long and distinguished career at Marlborough to a close. Ali’s career has seen her make enormous contributions not only to Marlborough College here in Wiltshire, but also to Marlborough College Malaysia. I think if I were to characterise Ali’s input throughout her career, I would say that she has been a pioneer whose determination to challenge accepted norms has been instrumental in developing the Marlborough brand that both schools trade on so successfully.
Mike Ponsford (CR 1987-2021) Picture the scene: a bright-eyed young (Welsh) English Beak strides into Court on his first day. An elder member of Common Room delivers the following welcome, ‘So you’re the new boy, are you? Well, watch your back!’ Since the arrival of Dr Michael Ponsford, the College’s induction of new Beaks has, fortunately, moved with the times, yet it is instructive that this rather alarming anecdote is close to the surface of Mike’s memory; kindness and inclusivity lie at the heart of the extraordinary service he has given over thirty-four years. MJP soon established himself as a truly outstanding English teacher, combining the sharpest of intellects and deepest subject knowledge with a warmth that soon radiated well beyond the confines of North Block. He took on the running of Poetry Society, encouraging Sixth Form English pupils to engage with the language and luminaries of this world. Mike arranged Own Verse evenings, endorsing and promoting creativity from within the community and
also sharing poems from his considerable personal collection. It is no surprise that Mike’s talents were quickly identified in the boarding community, and he became the first RHT of the new C3 in 1989. He had been in post for just four terms when he was appointed Housemaster of Barton Hill, the start of fifteen very happy years. Together with Sue and their young family, Mike created a supportive, nurturing environment. When I took over Mike’s classroom in 2005, a postcard outside the door read ‘Some teenagers need a good listening to’ and this aptly crystallises his pastoral skills.
Ali arrived at the College in 1990, just as Marlborough was experiencing the upheaval of becoming fully co-educational. Ali quickly established herself as an excellent classroom practitioner who, on the back of her PhD experience, was imbued with the importance of making the learning of Biology a very practical experience. As Ali’s portfolio of responsibilities grew, so did her reputation as a trail blazer: she was the first female Contingent Commander
The end of Mike’s tenure in BH was a boon for the English Department and, whilst the move away from House mastering undoubtably left a hole, Mike quickly immersed himself into the return of a full teaching timetable. Mike continued to offer pupils the benefit of his great pastoral wisdom in addition to his academic expertise. Mike was tempted back into residential life in the summer of 2010 to become RHT of B1. Here, he became Doccy P: avuncular, The Marlburian Club Magazine
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