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the first two of these but, because of his endeavours, the third succumbed as well ... just a little. Will’s involvement with the school has been comprehensive in its scope, as he brought to his work tremendous energy and kindness, and enviable eventemperedness under pressure. He arrived straight from university and, having spent some time establishing our Cross Keys society in the then-headmaster’s living room, moved into teaching Geography. Although teaching did not come easily in those early months, he became a natural and accomplished teacher – someone that we had the pleasure to rely on. Will’s eagerness to learn characterised his time with us and he was keen to take all available opportunities for professional development, working through the Buckingham iPGCE and growing ever more confident in the world of education. Throughout his time he acted as the Geography department’s resident IT consultant and general guide to the 21st century. He has been a stalwart of fieldwork near and far, and his taste for whisky is, I’m sure, nothing to do with the now annual lower-sixth visit to the Arran Distillery. Will soon added responsibility for the newly-formed Horizons department to his portfolio, and further developed his reputation as a Swiss Army Knife by being recruited to help out with RS too, whilst being an outstanding tutor, bringing his trademark warmth and showing a genuine interest in six generations of Queen’s pupils – most recently as their Assistant Housemaster. And all this has been alongside his coaching of rugby, of hockey, and of tennis, his singing in the Choral Society and in silly staff songs and being our very own Michael Fish (if you can remember the drought in 1976) or Darren Bett (if you can’t). Who can forget his emailed meteorological disclaimer: ‘I get blamed a lot for certain types of weather,’ he complained; ‘I’m not in charge of the weather – I simply have a machine that can measure it.’ With all this going on, it is no surprise that Mr Bembridge recollects that, when here for his interview for his job, Will was the guy running around doing everything. ‘It would have been no surprise at all’ he remarks, ‘to see him come whizzing by, at some point, on a lawn mower.’ Wherever life takes him, I hope York will always be a very special place for Will. It is here that he has set up his first home with Mary and where, 18 months ago, little Joel was born. Earlier this year, the burgeoning family Allan made the big and bold decision to leave not only St Peter’s, but school-teaching aswell, to strike out for a career in church ministry. Given the passion and support
he has shown for our Chapel throughout his time with us (which once saw him serving himself dog food during a sermon) this comes as little surprise, and perhaps at some point he will return to a lucky school somewhere in the guise of a Chaplain. Will has been a much-treasured colleague, guide, gentleman and friend to so many of us, and we wish him the very best. Mr Martin Lawrence
Mr Simon Mortimer Three and a half years, Simon’s time in the Art School at St Peter’s, have gone very quickly and when this happens it is always a sign that things have gone well. Just so! Getting to know Simon was an easy and enjoyable process. How could anyone not enjoy the company, both at work and outside work, of someone whose existence revolves around making the most of opportunities and living life to the full? Being without airs and graces, Simon hated pomposity and showed complete humanity. He made friends with everyone he met and was wellliked by all. Simon’s contribution to the department and the school was more than substantial. He quickly established a great working relationship with his pupils and in a short space of time they came to trust and respect his guidance and constant encouragement. He more than played his part in our excellent examination results at GCSE and A-Level over the past three years. How we teach Art is different from how most other subjects are taught and much of what our pupils achieve is down to long hours spent in the department with their teachers. Simon was certainly not work-shy. Simon’s ability and interest in sport was put to good use by the Games department and in his time her he coached football and running. He also took it upon himself to organise the staff five-a-side football and staff squash. When not playing football or running in marathons and taking part in triathlons, Simon played tennis or swam or exercised at Mrs Tooby-Smith’s ’bums and tums’ classes. He also helped with DofE expeditions and two Morocco treks and was a tutor in School house. Simon is simply one of the best blokes that I have met, both as a colleague and a friend. He will be remembered with much affection by all who came into contact with him and on behalf of the school I wish him and his partner Thuelmna the very best of good fortune in their new life in Manila. Mr John Darmody
The Peterite 2013-2014
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