Page 64 - Bloxhamist 2017-2018

NEWS

in memorY

Julian Berry retirement was just so that he didn’t
have to be the centre of attention with
valedictory speeches and presentations
Based on the eulogy given by Dave in front of the whole school. He was
McLellan at Julian’s memorial the sort of teacher who would get on
service in March. with things and be happy for others to
stand in the limelight, and who would
JFB, Jules, Julian, Mr Berry – whatever happily give up a break or lunchtime if
Julian was to you, I’m certain we’ll he thought it would help a pupil finally
all share some common reflections: to get to grips with quadratic equations.
foremost, his integrity; his generosity The sort of tutor who would make it his
of spirit; his professionalism; his pride mission to explain the intricacies of the
in his Yorkshire roots; his love of mystery that is the AtL matrix.
Hull FC; his steadfastness in the face
of adversity (those last two perhaps This is then our chance to make up for
interconnected); his pride in and love for not having properly said our goodbyes.
his family; and his love of and regard for To say all the things we wanted to tell
Bloxham School. him– that he will be missed and will be
about – other people, and doing things remembered with affection by pupils
I remember a Chapel address given how they should be done, a set of values past and present, that his contributions
many years ago by a former deputy head he inherited from his father and which to Bloxham over a quarter of a century
who described how a long marriage was he passed so successfully on to his own in so many areas have left an indelible
like two trees, growing side by side, children and those who have passed mark on the school community.
whose roots become so entwined over through his care.
the years they become one. Although I’ll leave you with what a pupil said to
Julian would dismiss any southern Those of us who got to know him me about Julian just last week.
nonsense about analogies with his and Catherine and the family over
long connection to Bloxham, there is the years will miss his company on
no doubt that after spending a quarter the golf course, in the Joiners where “Mr Berry could explain
of a century here, it had become part he seemingly knew everyone, and
of him. Generations of Crake and then on the long walks he was so good at things so you understood
Lower School tutees, maths pupils, organising. We will miss his humour, his them. He didn’t make
badminton players, ballroom dancers encyclopaedic knowledge of the Premier
(in the days when the Founderstide Ball League and – latterly – the teachers’ maths easy – I’ll never find
was more formal than now, Julian would pension scheme. But this is in danger of maths easy - but he made
take classes of Sixth Formers keen to descending into nostalgia of which JFB
perfect their foxtrot) all will have their would have heartily disapproved. it easier for pupils like us. I
memories of Mr Berry.
Because Julian didn’t fully retire from miss him.”
In the Common Room, Julian was often Bloxham (he wanted to complete at least
only a fleeting presence, always on two more timetables, he said) we, the
his way somewhere, people to see, school, never got an opportunity to say And that, I think, is one of the best
timetables to complete, boys to tutor. our official goodbyes. Indeed, I suspect epitaphs a teacher can have.
And that was really what Julian was that one of the reasons for his semi-

rory Hamilton

Rory Hamilton came to us as a gardener life and beauty to the Headmaster’s instinctively knowing what people
some 15 years ago, after many years in Lawn - the centrepiece of our school. needed, and when. He valued every
the Merchant Navy, where he was one of Rory had a gentle, wide-ranging and person equally, and anyone who knew
the youngest to become a captain at only infectious sense of humour. He loved to him was enriched by being with him.
35. Initially, he worked summertime laugh and to help others do the same. He Rory bore his recent illness with typical
only, spending his winters drystone was an expert raconteur, often leaving grace and good humour. Our sympathy
walling; but the school soon persuaded a roomful of people in helpless mirth. goes out to his wife CJ, and to all his
him to be here full time. He cared for our His capacity to judge a mood meant family.
gardens and was often to be seen giving that he was exceptionally empathetic, MGP

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