| OY Farewell to Richard Plant July 2009 |
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 Richard Plant's 20 years as headmaster, and 38 years of teaching at Yarlet, came to an end in July when he was succeeded by Ian Raybould, who became the 8th headmaster in the 136 years of the School.Richard's years as head were marked by momentous changes. We could have a lively debate as to which will prove to have the most far-reaching effect:
All these developments, and many others, occurred between 1989 and 2009, though Richard had in fact joined Yarlet as an assistant master in 1971 after Cambridge and a brief spell at Wedgwood. Yarlet was then half the size it is today and was still an all-boys boarding school. Even longer hours, but fewer appearances by parents. No computers. No mobiles. No smoking ban. Looking back today, the 20-year transformation is truly spectacular. Nonetheless the experience of actually living through it and facing up to the challenges involved called for real determination, a department in which - luckily for Yarlet - Richard did not lack. As any of “his” OYs can testify, his commitment to Yarlet knew no limits, equalled only by his legendary attention to detail. All this was rooted in a deep love of Yarlet and all it represents, which was fully shared by Sue, who was immensely caring of each child’s well-being.Indeed the whole Plant family – Lucy, Laura and Richard all spent part of their upbringing at Yarlet – were at the heart of Richard and Sue’s devotion to the wider Yarlet family. It was in the mid-90s that girls arrived in the school. They were more than just a breath of fresh air, they opened up new dimensions and widened horizons. Suddenly there was ballet and netball, cooking and rounders. Somehow the place grew more colourful, more informal, even perhaps rather more civilised? Richard hated the idea at first – “over my dead body” – but grew into an enthusiastic convert. The soprano voices certainly helped. The peaks of Yarlet achievement seemed to heighten. Carol services, Christmas concerts and nativity plays. Year upon year of unforgettable musicals - invariably accompanied by the pianist in the dark. Serious poetry. Great sporting achievements, team and individual. Six or more academic and art awards every year. So many epics… But what Richard and Sue put before all else was the happiness of each individual child. A child will flourish, spark, blossom – what you will – if he or she really feels at home. So “keep smiling”, Yarlet and Old Yarletians. There will always be a welcome at 25 Granville Terrace. Just remember not to light up as you enter… So from the Yarlet community a resounding thank you, for the music, for the teaching, for the inspiration. And may retirement provide as much joy as you brought to Yarlet. Nick Tarling Yarlet House, November 2009 |
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