The "Dronfield Era" will be permanently recorded in Mr. Wiseman's forthcoming History of the School in Clifton. Perhaps the Headmaster may be persuaded to give the inside story. However that may be, no Headmaster could retire with a more justified sense of a job well done and none more thoroughly deserve that long and happy and full retirement which along with the Archbishop we all wish him. We are glad that he and Mrs. Dronfield are remaining near York. We are glad that Mr. Dronfield is now an Old Peterite—indeed a Vice-President Of the Club—in his own right. But we hope he will not interpret too strictly his own rule that Old Boys should not re-appear for two or three years. Meanwhile we can best pay our debt of gratitude by ensuring that the School continues to prosper. If we take our inspiration from the faith which restored the School to vigorous life thirty years ago, it surely will.
MR. J. DRONFIELD, HEADMASTER 1937-1967. We thank Mr. H. L. Greer, 0.P., who was Clerk to the Governors in 1937 and who is now a Governor of the School, for the following tribute to the Headmaster's achievements: "John Dronfield was appointed Headmaster of St. Peter's School after the end of the Summer Term of 1937. His predecessor in office had resigned after acting as Headmaster for one term. The Governors had requested him to give up the appointment immediately, in vew of certain information received by them and in view of the fact that parents of over thirty boys had given notice withdrawing them from the School. At this time, some of the Governors thought it advisable to close the School on account of the considerable reduction in the numbers of boys and the serious financial position of the School. After the interview with John Dronfield, who was one of the applicants at the previous appointment of Headmaster and who was fully informed of the financial position, it was decided to carry on, partly in view of his optimism and enthusiasm. The effect of his appointment upon the welfare of the School was very quickly felt; the number of boys gradually increased and public confidence in the School returned. Since 1937 many additions and improvements have been made to the School Property, these being carried out under John Dronfield's supervision. The following are some of these :— 1937—Purchase of Albany House (now Wentworth House). 1942—Purchase of 17 Clifton (Grove House from 1948). 1945—Purchase of 1 St. Peter's Grove and 24 Clifton (Manor House). 1946—Purchase of 7 St. Peter's Grove. 1959Purchase of 18 Clifton. 1964—Completion and opening of Dronfield House. In 1937 St. Peter's had two Boarding Houses and now has five and two Day Boy Houses; at St. Olave's, the additions have been Alcuin and Wentworth Boarding Houses and two Day Boy Houses. As regards other additional buildings and extensions during the period, these were as follows :— 1945—Purchase of St. Catherine's as Headmaster's House. 1947—New Dining Hall and Kitchen for Senior School and rebuilding and modernising Porter's Lodge.
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