Focus On

In this issue we are focusing on Rev John Royds following his death in March 2011 aged 90 years. John Royds was Headmaster at Uppingham from 1965 - 1974.

‘Almost his first action as Headmaster was to redesign and rewrite the school prospectus: a thin and selfeffacing affair became attractive and handsomely illustrated….One of his most important innovations was a system of tutors for those in the 6th Forms….providing a safety valve for a boy who did not see eye-to-eye with his housemaster….He presided over the conversion of the Memorial Hall – the Undercroft became a Sixth Form Centre and Bar – and the Victoria Block (with a Language Laboratory), 1970 saw the Sports Hall opened, and the Cavell science block, and in 1972 the new Theatre was opened, converted by Christopher Richardson from the first School gymnasium (the Boer War Memorial).

He came to Uppingham at a time when automatic deference was changing into criticism of every rule and convention. He was broad-minded enough to abolish Thring’s 100 year-old rule that boys’ trouser pockets be sewn up. He abolished compulsory attendance at matches and concerts, and introduced voluntary membership of the CCF’.

John Royds was a great man, and a headmaster who I certainly viewed with awe and respect. I remember his lessons in the 6th form on Philosophy, as an extra, reading and discussing Descartes, Mill and others. I remember, as a School Praeposter, being prepared and rehearsing with him to read the lesson at morning chapel. The chapel was easy; but reading in the School Hall remains the most terrifying thing I had to do at school! Finally and most importantly, the appointment to see the Headmaster on your birthday each year; for me in June, was truly extraordinary. He knew everything about you and was keen to find out what the school was doing for you; and what you were doing for the school. I do hope this is still a tradition at the school; as it really made you feel that the man at the top was interested in you! I met him a few years after leaving Uppingham, and he was a spiritual man, but he remained for me, inspirational. Uppingham was very fortunate to have him.

Hugh Stimpson (C 69)

When I started at Uppingham in 1968, very little seemed to have changed since my father was there a quarter of a century before. However, I gradually realised that whilst retaining most of the traditions and disciplines that had served the school so well, the Headmaster was also making it a more human and flexible organisation. I can still vividly recall waiting outside his study on my first birthday at the school to meet him personally for the first time, being intensely nervous but (when the green light eventually flashed to indicate I could

go in) being immediately put at ease by his charm, humour and knowledge of me and my background. He continued to be amazingly supportive throughout my time at Uppingham, taking a great interest in the very successful swimming team which I was part of, and I also still clearly remember the calming and sensible advice he gave when, as a school polly in my last term, I had to give the reading to the entire school at morning assembly - something that would otherwise have reduced me to a quivering wreck! At Chapel on Sundays his sermons were always the most eagerly anticipated - a tribute to his oratory in view of the long list of distinguished guests from outside the school who spoke. He always felt I should pursue a career in the law - and as the solicitors firm that I founded will celebrate its 21st anniversary this year he was, as in most things, absolutely right.

Nick Hutchinson (L 68) A postal strike was in full swing and my Housemaster, Paul Ledger, suggested that I should design a stamp and organise a postal service for Rutland. The service took off rather quicker than any of us expected and what started with a handful of letters soon became a sackful - so much so that the press began to take an interest. To hold a press conference required the Headmaster’s permission. I knocked at his door for the first time in my life and the little green light outside the door signalled that I could enter. John Royds was busy interviewing prospective parents. I nervously asked if I might hold a press conference as a number of newspapers and the local television were keen to interview me. The simple answer came back “yes”. Job done, I turned and left. He told me many years later that the prospective parents were so astonished by my question that they signed up their son on the spot.

Robin Johnson (H 67)

I remember that, in one school assembly, the cacophony of coughing was louder than ever. The Headmaster stood up, looking severe, and didn’t say anything for what seemed like forever. During which time, of course, no-one made any sound at all. Eventually, he simply said: “There, you see. You can do it. Please refrain from coughing in Assembly.”

Martin Bishop (LH 72)

I remember one morning Assembly in Chapel when he commented on the fact that a number of light bulbs from the choir stalls had disappeared (obviously to be used in studies). He paused slightly after this announcement and then said “I can only say I take a very dim view of this”. Knowing perfectly well what he had said.

Stephen Merton Jones (LH 67)

When I was in my final year in1968, I was seated at the chapel organ playing away, and I detected a faint aroma of lovely tobacco smoke. I looked round and lo and behold, there was the Headmaster not three feet away, quietly listening to my music making, gently smoking his pipe. He said very kind words to me. I remember him as a lovely man, who certainly knew his boys.

Christopher Tinker (Hf 63)

I remember John Royds vividly, but he remained a remote figure, but one of distinction who commanded instant respect from small boys like me at least. I do recall the red and green lights outside his study door, but only once ever needed to wait nervously to enter.

When I left Uppingham in 1972, the plan had been for me to go to the General Wingate school in Addis Ababa for my gap year. Alas, the dictator Mengistu was creating upheaval in Ethiopia at the time and my visa never came through. In 1985 wandering around a desolate Addis Ababa, I came across someone who claimed to remember John Royds. I am quite sure there were others.

William Daniel (C 67)

I have many memories of John Royds who I always felt was an excellent Headmaster and a most interesting person with many facets to his character. He always appeared a little aloof from us boys but when approached showed interest in everything. I remember once being called into his study to explain why I had been shouting “Kill, Uppingham” at a first XV match on the Leicester and had to explain that, in view of the muddy conditions, I was encouraging the team to kill the ball, not the opposition! He was graceful enough to accept my explanation but I suspect he still harboured some doubts.....

David Payne (M 68)

A copy of the sermon given by ex-Second Master, Nigel Richardson, at the Memorial Service held at the School on Sunday 25th September 2011 can be found on the OU website.