David R. Henderson (M 51-58). Sam Ashton (SH 47-53) kindly sent the following appreciation :

“David Henderson came to teach at St. Bees in 1951, having been appointed as House Master on School House. His quarters were those that hitherto had been occupied by the head of house, just at the top of the stairs leading from the ground floor to the dormitories; thus he truly dwelt among us. He is well remembered with both respect and affection. For one thing he did not seem much older than those of us already in our mid-teens, for another his approach was man to man; and at all times he was able to listen and advise. He could appear almost languid, but in fact was very sharp: Bryan Pringle got the shock of his life on his last day at school. Whilst involved in the ancient game of 'yard soccer', which was played with a tennis ball, he loudly let go with a stream of oaths when he missed a clear shot at goal. High above, David's sash window shot up, his head appeared, and he called Brian up to his study for a quick four of the best.

In an extra-curricular role he was sometimes seen as a pillion passenger on Tony Dearle's motor bike, and being much taller than Tony, could clearly see over his head! The combined effect was of a Laurel and Hardy role reversal! In those days a bicycle was a required item of kit. On Sundays the routine was designed to allow maximum time for us to go out in pairs or larger parties (no singles expeditions allowed) to explore e.g. the lakes and mountains. For the purpose of (strictly) non-alcoholic refreshment etc there was a list of approved hostelries. If one's visit to one of these establishments coincided with the above duo, David would instantly assume the role of mine host and invite one to have a (ginger) beer.

David was born on 22nd November 1922 at Lepcropt Manse in Perthshire his grandparent's home, where his grandfather was minister. David's father had recently resigned from the Indian Army and the family stayed there briefly before moving south, first to Devon and then to a village near Chard, Somerset. It was in Chard that he first went to school, and thereafter to Weymouth College. These were happy years in which he enjoyed both the academic and sports sides, and represented the school at both rugby and cricket; he also took an active part in what is now called the C.C.F.

By the outbreak of World War Two he was at Edinburgh University and destined for the Royal Navy, but was diagnosed as having T.B. He was thus declared unfit for active service and had to make do with the Home Guard. One can imagine his frustration, as his father, elder sister, and younger brother went off to fight. However, he pursued with enthusiasm all facets of university life, both worthy and nefarious.

Having graduated David began his career as a schoolmaster at Wellingborough, Northants, where the Headmaster had been David's Housemaster at Weymouth. He completed four years there before his move to St. Bees. In addition to his duties on School House, in the classroom, and on the games field, he also found time to learn to play golf on the school's course, and to climb in the Lake District mountains; he was very happy there and stayed for eight years.

Seeking to expand his professional experience he applied for and was successful in being appointed Housemaster of a boarding school in Iringa Tanzania. This was a brand new establishment; the entire staff flew out in a chartered plane. A fellow member of staff relates what an excellent Housemaster he was, popular with the boys yet remaining a good disciplinarian. His house bore his name, Henderson House. It says much for his talent that starting from scratch he created a formidable rugger team. This is well remembered by Tom Robley (S.H. 48-51) who, to the delight and surprise of both of them, met more than once, Tom in the role of captain of the team from nearby Mufindi. These were interesting and challenging times as the country became independent and the school multi-racial. It later became a sixth form college. On his return to U.K. in 1962, David was taken on for a two year contract by Dr. A.R. Birley, the then Headmaster of Eton, after a most informal interview conducted by the head of history during a stroll round the playing fields. He enjoyed his time there, especially teaching history to the senior boys, amongst whom was Nicolas Soames. It was during his time at Eton that he married his wife Eileen, at St. John's Church Horden in the county of Durham; their daughter Sarah was born a year later.

On leaving Eton, David decided to experience the public sector of education and joined the staff of Gateshead Grammar School. This was at a time of great change in state education, a different kind of challenge. One afternoon one of the boys, having not returned from the lunch break, had been challenged by a policeman, who had seen him trying the doors of parked cars, whereupon he had drawn a knife and stabbed the policeman fatally. So what is new?

Yet another challenge presented itself when the Headship of Embley Park School in Hampshire became vacant. On taking over, David found that the finances were in a parlous state, the number of boys declining and the buildings and equipment in poor condition. To recover this situation was a momentous task, but given David's dogged determination, backed by Eileen, and the time and effort of a talented staff, things improved and finally the school inspectors gave their approval. Parents too made great efforts in raising money for equipment. In the midst of all this their son Robert made his appearance. David's enthusiasm for sport soon transmitted itself to the boys, and where there had been bullying and rowdy behaviour, there were successful cricket and rugby teams, and the school spirit that goes with them. The boys and their future meant everything to David, who gave advice and encouragement to all. By the time he retired in 1987, numbers had risen and the school had raised the finance to buy the building, which, incidentally, had been the home of Florence Nightingale's family. He left knowing that Embley flourished.

Throughout this account the word "challenge" keeps cropping up. No doubt the qualities we saw in him, early in his career, at St. Bees, plus the support he later received from Eileen, saw him through to success during all his subsequent posts with all their trials.

To end on a personal note: In my last year I was head boy of School House, my first experience of responsibility. On occasions there were problems, but I knew that whatever it was David would listen patiently, and that I would have his help and support. I have never forgotten.

For the foregoing I am most grateful to Eileen, to Edward Burgess, David's brother in law, and also to my contemporary Tom Robley, who, in both their retirements, and with his wife Mary, met up from time to time with David and Eileen.”

The St. Beghian Society,
St. Bees School, St. Bees, Cumbria, CA27 0DS
Tel: 01946 828093
osb@st-bees-school.co.uk