11 minute read
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Nic Allott
(CR 1986-2022)
The College bids farewell to an enthusiastic, outward-looking teacher, a passionate physicist, a remarkable, wider-thinking scientist, a caring, devout Christian, and an exceptional schoolmaster. Nic arrived at Marlborough in 1986 with a degree in Physics, three years’ teaching at Eton, and six years as a BBC engineer. He quickly made his mark as an excellent teacher of Physics, with a particular fondness for practicals and building his own experiments. His lab has been memorably described as ‘an absolute mess, with bits of projects everywhere!’, but in this description lies Nic’s deep belief in the endless wonder that can be created by a stimulating place of learning. Nic is the archetypal polymath, over the years teaching Chemistry, Maths and Design Technology in addition to Physics. With his exuberant and animated delivery, he is Marlborough’s own ‘mad scientist’. He was appointed Head of Physics and further developed the department’s strong reputation for success. He was appointed as Housemaster of Cotton and was fondly remembered as such: ‘To achieve this happy house, Nic had to wear so many hats. He was part police chief, paternal substitute, therapist, reluctant Love Island host, ardent teenage celibacy advocate, sometimes sports coach, occasional bare-knuckle boxing referee, resigned zookeeper, confessor and trusted confidant, always ready with a tear-proof shoulder.’
On leaving Cotton House in 2004, Nic was elected President of Common Room. He was Database Manager, Head of Science and a Professional Development Assistant as well as overseeing the Catholic confirmation candidates. Since 2010, Nic has been Governor of Swindon Academy and the Partnership Manager. Andrew Brown (CR 1981-20)
Charlie Barclay
(CR 1997-2022)
Charlie arrived at Marlborough from Westminster as Head of Physics with Nicola and their children. Due to a lack of accommodation, they were squashed into the Laundry Flat, which was also shared with a rabbit, guinea pig and harpsichord. He introduced interactive whiteboards to the College, re-designed a new Physics Prep Room and three new labs, and Nicola designed a new Physics library. He took the telescope apart and restored it and computerised it. It is now the oldest telescope to be computerised in the world and largest in full-time use in any UK school. He launched GCSE Astronomy in 1997, becoming Chair of Examiners nationally in 2009 and co-writing the specification. In 2010, he managed to engage English Heritage to come into the College and drill bore holes through the Mound, confirming its Neolithic dating. Perhaps what Charlie will be most remembered for is the Extended Project Qualification, which he piloted in 2007. Away from the classroom he co-founded Swindon Rowing Club; tutored in C1, New Court and Mill Mead; was vice president of the Royal Astronomical Society; trained and led four UK Olympiad in the International Astronomy Competition; served on the Science Council’s Education Planning Committee; and acted as an astronomy consultant.
He went about his work with quiet dedication in a career that spanned departments and went way beyond the classroom. A truly good and honest man, too modest to admit to the enormous impact he has had on so many people. Simon Dennis (CR 2009-)
Bill Nicholas
(CR 1998-2022)
Bill joined the Chemistry Department in 1998. From the start it was evident that Bill was an excellent communicator, and he has always sustained a real interest in developing pedagogical practice. Rugby played a big part of his life at school and university and, when rugby went professional in the mid-90s, Bill had been on the books of both Bath and Gloucester. Coaching this sport was also a passion; he started on the Yearlings, then moved to the Colts and eventually took on the role of Head of Rugby and 1st XV coach. In the Summer Terms, Bill coached cricket and was a CCF Officer. It didn’t take long for Bill to move into Turner as Resident House Tutor and next he took on the role of Housemaster in Summerfield. Bill worked hard to engender a particular Summerfield style founded on success at house sport and the development of that sense of family that is particularly enjoyed in the out-houses.
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After a good stint in Summerfield, Bill took on the role of Second Master, a role he moulded to his varied talents. Front and centre of any Second Master’s responsibilities is discipline, and he discharged this responsibility with aplomb gaining enormous respect across the pupil body. Bill’s leadership of the College’s response to the pandemic earned him the nickname ‘Captain Covid’. News of Bill and Sheryl’s move to Shawnigan Lake School in Canada was received with considerable sadness as they have been such an important and much-loved presence here for so many years. Neil Moore (CR 1996-)
Sheryl Nicholas
(CR 1998-2022)
In 1998, Sheryl, a young, dynamic, jet-setting PA to a top-tier businessman, landed at Marlborough. This globetrotting career woman joined us in support of her, and our, beloved Bill Nicholas. In 1999, Sheryl accepted the invitation to become former Master Nick Sampson’s (Master 2004-12) PA. Her attention to detail, her unrivalled knowledge of the organisation, and her extraordinary personal skills ensured that her role transcended anything remotely resembling that of a regular PA. From administration to organisation; managing pupils, parents, colleagues and members of Council to being on the front line for the public and the press; from proof reading to proving an invaluable ‘go to’ source of information, there was nothing that Sheryl wouldn’t tackle. Sheryl brought to the College emotional intelligence, exceptional interpersonal skills, a resolute drive and ambition for herself and for others, intellectual acuity, a perfectionism that was inspiring and an incredible work ethic.
Sheryl has an innate sense of duty – she is utterly loyal and it horrifies me to think of the late nights and long weekends she gave in support of her role, of the College and of me. While her role certainly involved having to present as the fearsome gatekeeper on occasions, there will be few who won’t have experienced her infectious sense of humour or been touched by her ability to sense when kindness was needed. Reading her audience perfectly is a rare and precious skill, and marks Sheryl out as perfect for her new role as Associate Director of Development at Shawnigan Lake School in British Columbia.
Louise Moelwyn-Hughes (Master 2018-)
Linda Richards
(1998-2022)
In Linda’s early days as a Biology beak in lab B3, it was clear that she was a meticulous classroom practitioner; her lessons were planned imaginatively and tailored to the ability level she was dealing with. Linda was a most knowledgeable biologist. She quickly utilised her broad interest in the subject to energise the enrichment programme. Her subsequent time as Head of Department was prosperous with extremely healthy numbers opting for the subject in the Sixth Form. To add to Linda’s workload, she was often commandeered by the Chemistry Department to teach Shell and Remove courses and latterly in her career she was instrumental in starting up the teaching of A level Psychology. As a Head of Department, she had instinctively successful leadership acumen: she understood the range of characters in the department, had empathy for their conflicting responsibilities, and inspired a desire amongst her colleagues to go the extra mile in supporting the pupils.
Linda is a keen horsewoman, and she has organised the riding option at the College for over 20 years. Summer Terms saw her being one of the scorers up at the athletics pavilion, quite an undertaking on those afternoons where up to eight schools with boys’ and girls’ events in three age groups were all providing a steady stream of data to be collated. In many respects this role typified Linda’s approach: hard working, unflappable and doing everything with a great sense of humour. Neil Moore (CR 1996-)
Nick Nelson-Piercy
(CR 1998-2022)
One of Nick’s many achievements at Marlborough have been his exam results. A lasting memory was consistently seeing Nick’s Russian results at the top or very near the top of the College’s A level results table. Nick loved coaching a major sport in every term: rugby, hockey and tennis, but the one he enjoyed the most was rugby and his beloved JC3s. He has many happy memories of really getting those boys to work. He also won the Turner Cup for the best and often unbeaten team, not once, but twice.
Another major part of his life here was the nine years he spent as a Resident House Tutor in C2. He was passionate about the role and fiercely loyal. He always made a point of entering through the boarding house rather than his own front door to make sure he had those all-important chats. A lasting memory for many will be NNP wandering around C2 in an old pair of slippers held together with duct tape. Nick has consistently been a fitness nut. He’s completed the Tour de Force twice, which is the same length as the Tour de France, and he did it in the same number of days as the professionals. He has also completed the Devizes to Westminster canoe race three times.
For now, Nick and his wife have moved to their beautiful house in France. We hope to see them back in Marlborough with some regularity and we wish them and their family every happiness in their next chapter. Peter Keighley (CR 1995-)
Sandra Finn
(CR 2009-22)
Sandra joined us in 2009, a promising year thanks to the first intake of ‘interviewed’ Shell. They were impressive and destined to shine brightly at Marlborough. So was she. The first female Head of Mathematics at the College, she was not new to the role, for she had already been Head of Department at Llandovery College. There she had also been Assistant Director of Studies, a role well-suited to one of her forensic mind and background in tax. During her time as Head of Department, she not only managed the various changes to syllabuses and exam boards, but even seemed to plan for Brexit. Predicting the employment challenge this may pose to her Northern Irish compatriots, she admirably offered employment to many of them in her own department. Running the largest single subject would be enough for many, but Sandra was simultaneously Resident House Tutor in Mill Mead, where her energy and counsel were much valued. So valued, indeed, she was next asked to be Housemistress of Morris. Sandra brought the experienced perspective of not only a mother but a grandmother – but let you not think for a second that this meant she was too indulgent of the girls. They benefitted from her devoted care in every respect, helping them grow up, move through Marlborough safe and happy, but with clear boundaries and generous doses of common sense. Charlie (CR 2014-22) and Dickie (B1 1985-90) Pembroke
Charlie and Dickie’s relationship with Marlborough College is both long and varied. Dickie was a pupil and, on their return to the UK after being based abroad, they settled nearby. Charlie took on the role of Deputy Head at St Francis Prep School, but when a position opened up in the Geography Department, it seemed a natural step to move. Charlie is a bit of a perfectionist, and she holds high standards for both herself and her pupils. She is also supremely organised and easily forges relationships with her charges either in the classroom or out on the sports field. Her talents were quickly recognised and when Ivy House required a new Housemistress, Charlie was the apposite choice. During this time, Dickie had not been resting; he immersed himself in College life and became a much-loved tutor in B1. He ran an array of hockey teams and was Master in Charge of girls’ cricket. He was elected President of the OM Club and organised the successful Celebration of the Individual Concert in memory of fellow OM and friend Toby GraffteySmith (B3 1984-89).
Charlie and Dickie are undoubtedly a team, and their individual character traits are truly complementary. Dickie is hugely supportive of Charlie’s role and has himself become part of the fabric of the house, tutoring girls and helping to instil a sense of competitiveness. Charlie was a measured and constant presence in the house, very in-tune with the wellbeing of all the girls and always thinking about how to improve their pastoral, academic and co-curricular care.
