We were greatly moved this week to receive a letter from the former Dean of Leicester Cathedral, the Very Reverend Alan Warren (retired), who visited Haileybury in 1975 in harrowing circumstances?- the death of?William Stewart (Master, 1963-75).?

Though not an OH himself, Reverend Warren’s recollections will carry great meaning to OHs who remember that devastating week and the loss of a Master who was greatly respected. Reverend Warren’s memories are printed below.

Back in 1975, I was invited by the Master, William Stewart, to lead the annual school mission at Haileybury. I seem to remember that I came at the invitation of the Master and on the recommendation of Robert Runcie (then Bishop of St Albans) whom I had known a little since Cambridge days. I was then a Canon at Coventry Cathedral and perhaps Robert thought that I had plenty of time on my hands for such a task. I met the Master and we got on well together, in spite of the face that I was an ex-Dulwich pupil!

On February 23rd, just a few days before the mission week of preaching, teaching and discussion, William died dramatically and unexpectedly while playing football. The whole school community was deeply stunned and I was uneasy about going ahead with the week under these special circumstances. However, Robert Runcie phoned me and urged me to carry on as planned. Looking back, I am truly grateful that he did so.

The atmosphere in the Chapel, and to a lesser extent the classrooms, was unique in my long experience as a priest. There was no false piety or religiosity about it all but rather there was an openness and thoughtfulness which I will never forget, talking over such mysteries as suffering and death.

Everybody, from the most junior pupil to the most senior teacher seemed grateful for my visit. I would be most interested to learn of any OHs who have special recollections of that week at Haileybury in 1975. My memory is still clear of feeling inadequate but of a worthwhile if demanding week for me.

The Very Reverend Alan Warren,
Former Dean of Leicester Cathedral

Image: Taken from the cover of the June 1975 edition of the Haileyburian

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