There is no doubt in the mind of anyone connected with Ethelbert that the most notable
event of last year was the closing of the House. It is almost a year since, as I write, but scarves,
caps and ties arc still proudly worn and the 'reunion' coffee parties are regularly attended with
an air of almost war time nostalgia.
"Do you remember the time when Miss said ..."
"Do you remember when Daniel ..."
"Miss, you know when you ..."
Confessions of past misdeeds blinked at in kindness or for lack of time when they occurred,
amusing events embroidered, cups and shields burnished by memories as they never were in
fact, boys being unnatural comrades to the duster; past Housemasters - Mr O'Connor, Mr
Dunn, and by the older ones Mr Myers - recalled with gratitude and affection; past glories
lived and re-lived.
We gained far more than our fair share of these in the last year and I still have the last two
trophies waiting to be won by Cantilupe, Kemble or Vaughan.
The news fell like a bombshell. The stricken faces in the photograph taken less than two
hours after the news broke tell all. Belmont's Headboy and member of Ethelbert, Damian
Collins, was determined not to let the historic moment go unmarked and whipped out his
camera for a last Mouse photograph. It showed a sensitivity to historic events suited to one
about to take his Oxbridge Entrance Exam in History next week. I wish him well.
The House Captain - Edwin Wenyon, the Vice Captain - Neil Targett, and the Monitors -
Esmond Barrow, Damian Collins, Oliver Wilson, Eddie Upham and David Griffin, were told
first and had a few minutes to come to terms with it before accompanying the Headmaster
upstairs to a full House meeting. They were affected more than most, having put so much
effort, so much of themselves into the House, helping to organize the daily running of it,
generating enthusiasm and House spirit for Inter-House events, and above all learning to
exercise responsibility. They knew they were not to lose any privileges of office by transfer-
ring to other Houses, but losing something you are responsible for is always difficult. I would
like to express my thanks to them for all their work in the House and during the transfer in
helping to settle the Juniors into their new Houses.
Many of the boys were affected as much as the House Officials. The shock was great. We
had come back in September to a newly decorated House and had proudly kept it clean and
tidy all term. The fact that everyone could see that the reasons explained by Fr Christopher
were entirely sensible made the inevitability of the event all the more sad.
I knew four difficult days before anyone else. It was harder to live with, in the House, than
anywhere, but luckily Christmas term being hectic the Monitors did not think it strange when
I proposed not having a meeting that week to discuss our plans for the New Year.
"Next year Miss if we don't break anything, will we have enough money to ..."
"After Christmas can we ..."
"I've got a good idea for the skits next term, Miss ..."
These were all remarks that had to be fended off with encouraging and non-committal noises.
The rest of the last day passed in a haze. The boys were given the first two lessons off which
gave them space to voice their anger, frustration, sadness and fear.
What cased the rest of the day was the tremendous support from Housemasters and boys in
the other Houses. Of course there were odd jibes as there were odd teething troubles in
settling in to the new Houses, but they were the exceptions. Cantilupe, Kemble and Vaughan
made every effort to soften the effects of transfer and accommodate the needs of Day Boys.
The success of this is obvious now as many boys have already gained House colours in their
new Houses. They have taken with them all they learnt about caring, sharing, taking
responsibility and striving towards a common goal, and have infused it into their new Houses.
I should also like to express my thanks to those Housemasters and their officials for making
this possible.
Ethelbert has not died but taken wing in Cantilupe, Kemble and Vaughan.
Long may its spirit survive!
V V Williams