J.R. HORNER, L.G.S.M.  L.R.A.M.  F.T.S.M.  F.R.S.A. F. coll P.

Ron Horner, a Master at the College from 1973-87, died peacefully at home near Ipswich on November 9, 2020. His funeral took place on November 16, 2020.

Fellow member of Staff Jim McBroom writes:
“Known to everyone as Ron, this donnish figure with the multi-initialed title joined the College in September 1973 from Wellington College where he was Director of Drama. He was a man of real taste, always impeccably dressed and a stimulating conversationalist with a sharp and original wit who was not afraid to speak his mind. He did not suffer the less able gladly, but for those boys who passed his entrance criteria there was always great support and he was a devoted Sixth Form tutor.

During his time Ron was a member of a very strong English Department, and he could fairly claim his share of the successes at A and O level in his 14 years on board. His finest moment came one year when the A level candidates opened their papers to find that they had studied the wrong set books! It was no fault of Ron’s, but he moved swiftly and, with the Exam Board’s approval, he wrote a new paper in an hour while the candidates sat isolated in the hall.

Among Ron’s other roles, he was the Assistant Housemaster in Harbinger for 12 years and was held in considerable esteem by John Calver and Ian Pearson. He either directed or assisted in the direction of many successful College productions, and his offering of Moliere’s The Miser in 1981 was especially well received. He was also responsible for the costumes for the Staff Play, The Dracula Spectacular, and enjoyed creating the costume for Genghis with PDCP (Peter Points, the Headmaster) inside.

In the sporting arena, Ron was a member of Leander and a passionate rowing coach. His J14, J15 and J16 crews won 8 gold medals, 1 silver and 2 bronze on his watch. In the Wardroom, he was a great supporter of many enjoyable events and David Harris remembers him as a jolly companion. Among other things, he prepared the dining room for the Trafalgar Night Dinner which meant that it was always a night to remember.

Ron left the College in 1987 to take up an appointment at St. Joseph’s College in Ipswich.”