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Farewell
David Beeby
Clayesmore's
seventh Headmaster came to lwerne Minster in 1986. His immediate predecessor,
Michael Hawkins, had stressed the progressive tradition of the school. With
Dartington in the news and some suspicion of the label progressive David was,
one suspects, appointed to bring the school back to more traditional lines.
Wearing trainers was no longer a sixth form privilege, the dress code was
tightened up and the uniform changed. Greater formality was evident too in
school assemblies and in chapel. Games became compulsory. The average
Clayesmorian gradually became less casual (and perhaps less individual) but also
more focused. The tutor system was improved, matrons were introduced to all the
boarding houses and the pastoral system was strengthened, admittedly in part due
to government requirements but also due to David who, with seven years of
housemastering behind him, had consequently the strong recognition of the
importance of making the boarding house a home from home.
Clayesmore has always been a family school. A previous headmaster, Evelyn
King, famously said that the aim of the school should be 'to make good
husbands". David and Anne have always encouraged this family atmosphere.
New pupils, staff and parents have all been gratified by the warmth of the
welcome that they have received from David and all know that in any family
crisis or bereavement of their own that the 'Clayesmore family" will
support and help them with the headmaster giving the lead.
During his fourteen years at Clayesmore there have been a number of building
projects. He inherited the Sports centre, both a magnet to the local area and
definite selling point as well as a financial millstone. The old tuck shop, a
distraction for those studying in L2 and 3, was pulled down and a new social
centre and clothing shop built Other developments have been the extension
to Devine and the astroturf, built during the centenary year.
David has been both a teaching headmaster and a games-playing
headmaster. His attendance at his Y9 lessons could be sporadic due to his other
commitments but (consequently?) he was remarkably successful at getting pupils
from his set to opt for history at GCSE. Not only has he been a keen hockey
referee, resplendent in his 'maillot jaune", but both boys and girls games
have enjoyed "golden ages" under his headship. He frequently says, and
with justification, 'the strength of games at Clayesmore is remarkable for a
small school".
David's Christian beliefs have placed the Chapel firmly at
the centre of school life. He has proved to be a thoughtful speaker in Chapel
where his own clear belief has provided leadership during his time here.
Headmasters have increasingly had to become salesmen and
David and Anne have travelled to Hong Kong, Kenya and the Gulf to spread the
word. It is obvious when speaking to parents that his role both on these trips
and when parents visit the school has been crucial in helping them to decide to
send their children to the Clayesmore. straightforward approach, honest
presentation of weaknesses as well as strengths but above all enormous
reassurance and charm have swayed any waverers. At a time of falling rolls he
kept the school full. One parent had been t a schools convention where
headmaster were asked the question 'What would your school do for my
child?" There were heads from some larger and more prestigious schools
there but David gave the most complete answer and the parents' child joined us
this term.
Who can forget his entry in full leathers on a motorbike to
the fashion show? Memorable also, for those wh were there, were the Centenary
celebrations in 1996. David was captured by the photographer at the Centenary
Fair pining a balloon into his buttonhole and that is another abiding image. It
was no small achievement to preside over the centenary of Clayesmore. In the
more distant past there have been some occasions when the school's future has
been in doubt but he has led us into the new Millennium and there is no doubt
that Clayesmore is thriving. With appreciation of the traditions and history of
the school, he has adapted them to meet the modern demands of education. A Head
master with strong commitment, a great love of the school and a consistent care
for the welfare of all those in the Clayesmore community, David has provided
clear leadership and a lasting legacy. The school motto of "Dieu premier
donc mes freres' is one to which David has remained loyal and which he has
developed into the 21 century.
Behind every great man.......
Anne was instrumental in getting the Friends of Clayesmore started. This has
steadily built up to be an enormous strength and support to the school. Money
raised has funded many 'extras" within the school and social events have
made it possible for parents to get to know each other and to feel involved in
the life of the school. She has organised two fashion shows which have raised a
considerable amount of money for good causes. This would not have been achieved
without Anne's initiative. She has also been responsible for the highly
successful end-of-year VI Form balls. This Headmaster's wife has always been
fully involved in the life of the school. She is not afraid to get her hands
dirty and has been seen out cleaning the chapel steps and clearing up leaves
before a confirmation or open day when odd areas of the school have not met her
high standards. She has been behind the redecorating of the public areas of the
main house. She has taught in the learning Support Centre and, with Sandra Tew,
launched the very successful PSE Department. She has organised costumes for the
school plays and her encouragement to pupils and director alike have been
greatly appreciated. She is a warm and generous hostess who entertains with
tireless good humour. She is a brilliant cook and even the most hungry prefects
have finally been defeated after a number of helpings by the vast array of
wonderful puddings which she produces on a groaning board.
One suspects that her influence has been much greater than may be obvious.
She has been a support and source of strength to David and her loyalty to the
best interests of the school has been complete and consistent. She has been a
great friend to pupils, staff and parents and her warmth and sense of humour
will be greatly missed.
RAC
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Clayesmore's
seventh Headmaster came to lwerne Minster in 1986. His immediate predecessor,
Michael Hawkins, had stressed the progressive tradition of the school. With
Dartington in the news and some suspicion of the label progressive David was,
one suspects, appointed to bring the school back to more traditional lines.
Wearing trainers was no longer a sixth form privilege, the dress code was
tightened up and the uniform changed. Greater formality was evident too in
school assemblies and in chapel. Games became compulsory. The average
Clayesmorian gradually became less casual (and perhaps less individual) but also
more focused. The tutor system was improved, matrons were introduced to all the
boarding houses and the pastoral system was strengthened, admittedly in part due
to government requirements but also due to David who, with seven years of
housemastering behind him, had consequently the strong recognition of the
importance of making the boarding house a home from home.