MY OLD HEADMASTER DIED 01 SEPT 2020.

This probably would not be noteworthy except for the fact that I left school in 1960.

When Peter Rowe became Headmaster of Bishops Stortford College in the summer term of 1957, he was, at the age of 29, the youngest headmaster in England. An Old Stortfordian , the son of an Old Stortfordian, he was previously Head of School and captain or vice-captain of the rugby, cricket, hockey and athletics, before winning an open scholarship in history at Cambridge. His appointment met, unsurprisingly, with universal approval. His tenure oversaw a vast period of building on campus, new science labs, the library block extension, extensions to Hayward & Grimwade and new tennis courts to name but a few followed in quick succession. Perhaps the most significant structure being the striking new communal dining hall which opened in 1962. This freed up kitchen space in the Houses to be converted into much needed changing and common rooms and brought the whole community together to dine in one place for the first time. A vast period of change, the results of which still remain at the heart of the College campus life today.

On a personal note, a few years ago I was chatting to Peter at an Old Boys gathering and reminded him that he had given me 'six of the best' just a few days before I left. He said he didn't remember that but did remark that I was unlucky as he banned corporal punishment the very next term.

Peter was 92 years old when he died after an amazing life contributing and enhancing our education systems.

R.I.P Mr. Peter Rowe.