I contacted the school about Dad's wishes and was met with such a lovely response from Caroline Whitlock who works in the Old Stoic Office there. She really was so helpful, answering all our questions ahead of our visit and especially helping with Dad's specific request of wanting to see his old house, Temple House. As it was the holidays, Caroline herself showed us around and both she and I were fascinated to hear some of Dad's stories about his time there given that both he and his brother, Robin Fennell, were both Head of Temple House in their time.
The story Caroline found most amusing was that in Dad's day they had 'skivs' who made their beds and waited on them in the dining hall! No such luck now! Although Dad's other recollection the minute we walked into the House-master's study, was that this was where he remembered being beaten! Now, there are Childline posters all over the school which would have them fail their Ofsted if they were not displayed! Oh how times have changed! Dad was also able to enlighten the school about some names engraved above a fireplace, as those names of head of house from when the school was first established in 1923. I guess it's not too often that Old Stoics from the late 40's visit the school, although they have had one or 2 more old boys recently, even more ancient than my 77 year old Dad!
But two things pleased Dad greatly. One was being able to have a wonderful lunch in his old dining hall so I couldn't resist a photo in which my dad looks like the cat that got the cream! The other thing was a copy of a report that Caroline had found from his old Housemaster, JF Roxburgh who dad holds in great esteem. The report read " HUGH FENNELL - Remarkably good performance in boxing finals, March '49, beating Proctol (2 and 1/2 years older) badly. Probably the best boxer in the school"
Dad has told us about his boxing days a bit but modest as ever, never quite said how good he was! Amazing stuff.
We spent much of the day wondering around the school but in true English fashion, the weather wasn't too kind to us so we didn't get to wander around the gardens. However, it is open to the public so one day soon I hope to take my son there for a picnic because I think it would be great for him to see where his Gramps went to school - a very special place, I think you'll agree. No wonder my father has such fond memories of his time in an English boarding school.
Thank you, Caroline, for giving both my Dad and I such a memorable day!
Portrait of an Old Stoic....
