Father Aelred S.D.S.
Mr. Eric Martin
Every school needs someone who is capable of being a good accountant, an excellent First Aider,
a memory which is without horizon, an ability to keep parents happy and to have the required
depth of sympathy and understanding in difficulties, one who is expected to know the name,
address, birthday, hobbies, foibles, hopes and aspirations of every pupil. Such a person must
also have an encyclopaedic memory for the phone numbers not only of all the departments in the
Borough and its services, but also for all the suppliers from the needs of the Tuck Shop to
those of the Senior Scientist. When a school possesses such a paragon and one who can add to
that rare competence with the Film Projector, one who is a Group Scoutmaster and at the same
time a priest, one who has seen the school grow from a one form entry to a three form entry
school, then one may have some idea of the loss to a school the services of such a one would
be. We lost this and more when Father Aelred resigned his job as School Secretary to take up
pastoral duties in St. Josephs. He has still not severed his association with the school but
can be seen almost every week in charge of the Projector at the Film Society's Show. We wish
him a very fruitful pastoral career and extend to his successor - Miss Bloemendal -a hearty
welcome and hope that her stay will be long and enjoyable.
When the new building was opened in 1961 a new course in P.E. and Gymnastics was possible in the
new Gymnasium and we were lucky in finding a competent man to fill the post. Mr. Martin came to
us with the highest references from his former school, and was soon to show us that his
references did him justice. He threw himself wholeheartedly into his task and very soon began
the establishment of the swimming section of the school, the annual ski-ing trip at Christmas,
the organisation of trampoline exercises and instruction in Table Tennis -very practical
instruction which included the building of tables for the game - and showed particular skill in
the Woodwork Department where he began the building of canoes and gave instruction in the
manufacture of guitars. In all the drama productions he played a very full part and crowned
his association with this section of school life by playing a major role in the production of
the 'Pirates of Penzance' this year. After secondment for a Handicrafts course he felt that he
should seek a Department post in Handicrafts, and in his future field of endeavour we wish him
every success.