MORE THAN A JOB
Being in charge of a boarding house is a lifestyle , almost a vocation , says one dedicated housemaster as he bids farewell .
Adieu , Johnsons . I have dreaded saying those words since the day my family and I moved in ten years ago . It could only mean one thing : our terrific time in this beautiful – though reputedly haunted – Victorian mansion was up and I was bowing out as Housemaster .
I am not going far : I continue to teach French and will be Assistant Director of Admissions with special responsibility for the Sixth Form intake . But it is still a wrench to move on from the most challenging and rewarding job I have ever had . It is not the grandeur of the building , the spacious grounds nor the ghosts that we shall miss the most , but the human fabric that makes this place so special .
The job description of a boarding housemaster does not do the role justice . I can honestly say that I have heard , seen and done it all . I have been an agony aunt , comforting boys through their latest romantic breakups . I will always remember the one who wailed daily for a month . But I have also been Cupid during the fabulous Johnsons Valentine ’ s supper and its legendary ‘ Mr and Mrs ’ game , Coquelin style .
At times , I have felt like a doctor , dealing with illnesses from the life-threatening to the less credible , ‘ Sir , I think I have developed an allergy to work .’
I have been shower monitor when some boys thought that one shower a week was acceptable , and also sage counsellor when life has taken an unexpected and
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