32
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33
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Nonetheless it was in the theatre that had a greater
Towards the end of his time at Wellington he took a
u.s.a. to further his theatre skills. Thus,
College-wide impact. Plays such as Translation, Not about
sabbatical in the
Heroes and in particular his triumphant Francis will forever
it is now no surprise that he has set up ‘The Happenstance
remain in the College’s collective memory.
Theatre Company’ in Ulster; that it will be a success is
beyond doubt.
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2000–2008
t is the laugh that sticks in the memory. Whether
it be in the classroom or the Common Room on
many successful trips to the First World War Battle Fields
the playing field or Napoleon’s Retreat, his wit
bear witness. Upon the retirement of Richard Coleman,
brought joy to many. For some, however, that wit could be
Nick took over the organisation of the Prize Giving on
castigating as he demolished the foibles of those he found
Speech Day. Those that have witnessed these multi-media
to be ‘hollow men’. In that regard his conservative image
extravaganzas of recent years cannot but applaud his ability
belied the reality.
to choreograph such a diverse event.
????? ??????
His organisation abilities were second to none as the
I
2001–2008
C
hris Warner burst onto the scene in Michaelmas
sound out to the theatre through loudspeakers and then
Term 2001 as Wellington College’s first Head
having his face appearing in a
of Music Technology (coupled with Head of
auditorium—a real-life Max Headroom.
Keyboard).
tv screen at the back of the
Chris came to Wellington with a harmonium and two
Politics Department. In both subjects he was a master of
King Edward VIth School in Southampton. There, no doubt,
detail and thereby was always held in high regard by pupils
they are already reaping the rewards of his intellectual and
and colleagues alike.
managerial abilities. I bet there is laughter too.
reed organs. These quirky areas to his character and his
remembered for his writing for The Tempest (directed
incredibly dry sense of humour have made him very popular.
by Graham Nurser), his production Late Mix and his
He used humour to control classes, rarely raising his voice
composing for Merlin’s Tale. These highlighted his flexibility
but invariably with every pupil on his side, listening intently
as a composer and arranger. Chris is a huge fan of musicals
for the next witticism. The fact that he pretended not to
smile, gave him this uniqueness: little did the students know
at least one. His musical directing of Little Shop of Horrors
He leaves Wellington to become a Head of History at
As a music technologist and a composer, he will be
(of good musicals I should hasten to add) and has written
He taught History with occasional forays into the
that he was trained in Psychology as well as Music.
was memorable not least for the excellent singing and
Chris leaves us to live near Ely, to work as a freelance
choruswork but also for his installation of a rock band
composer and arranger [www.chriswarnermusic.com] and
into one of the English Classrooms and relaying the live
to continue piano teaching.
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2002–2008
?????? ????????
2001–2008
A
fter the death of Robert Buttimore, Michael
to the Impressionists. But his teaching showed that his
Getgood taught at Wellington on a temporary
interests were far more eclectic. He might say of a current
basis: 2002 was to see that position in the Art
luminary of the art scene ‘yes, he is doing some interesting
oo often in ‘valetes’ such as this the writer uses
This quiet dentist from Northern Island arrived to teach
clichés such as ‘renaissance man’ to describe
Biology in 2001 and proved in Chris Potter’s apt phrase, “to
Department made permanent. In that admirable ‘school’
work’ but when one listened to one of Michael’s lectures
their subject’s contribution to College life; with
be softly spoken but loudly professional”. That he all too
he taught History of Art with authority, aplomb and
one realised that his learning was profound and never
Philip Crawford there is no doubt that such an attribution
briefly became head of that department is further evidence
examination success. Michael was (and remains) an artist
constrained by current fashion.
has validity.
of his leadership qualities.
of note, his colourful, multi-layered abstracts often alluding
T
He was also an ebullient member of Common Room