MR. GEORGE NORMAN EARP, M.B.E., B.Sc.

To have spent over 36 years in one School in itself constitutes a remarkable record - but to have given unsparingly 36 years of such devoted service to the School becomes something more than a record and in years to come will rather constitute a legend. In any tribute one may seek to pay, as Mr. Earp comes to retire at the end of this term, it is impossible to cover adequately the versatility and variety of his service. Old Students remember him as a young man when the School first opened on May 3rd, 1921 - even then he was a man of considerable experience, for he had already crowded 3 years' service in World War 1, after graduating at Sheffield University, and had varied experience in three Grammar Schools before coming to Exmouth.

Latterly he will be remembered by pupils as Senior Geography Master, and particularly by the Sixth Formers, as one who always kept abreast of the intensive development of this subject; but others, throughout the school, and the years, could recall a whole range of subjects which he has taught, for in those early years of the School, members of the Staff were very versatile. Besides Chemistry and Mathematics his repertoire also included Physical Training and Woodwork. But probably older pupils will recall more clearly his great gift for Play Production, the Pantomimes which he ard Mr. Heath staged (and in which they played an active part!) and these histrionic gifts were not limited to the service of the School. Mr. Earp is still remembered by many townspeople for his appearances with the Exmouth Players and Exmouth Operatic Society. Nor will he be remembered in this town for these aotivities alone, many young boys gained their first keenness for the R.A.F. as members of the A.T.C. Squadron, which he commanded; and many since have renewed their association with him in his work for R.A.F.A.

Here is a man who throughout the years has worked hard, played hard, and always found life stimulating, and the present even more interesting than the past. We thank him for all he has done for the School; we wish him and Mrs. Earp many happy years of retirement. Knowing his interest we are sure his retirement is only to the touchline, from which we shall constantly value and hope for his encouragement.

MR. CHARLES WALKER, B.Sc.

The School was barely three years old when Mr. Walker joined the Staff on September 16th, 1924 - and though the School started with 80 pupils, by this time it numbered well over 200 boys and girls on the list. Mr. Walker came to assist with the Science and Mathematics of the School 33 years ago, and retires this term from the position of Senior Chemistry Master and Head of the Science

Department. As generations of pupils have appreciated, his interest is far from limited to the purely academic approach and from time to time a new field of open air lore has been revealed in a way that showed the intense interest Mr. Walker had in the natural world. Though many have admired from a distance his skill in handling bees, from time to time the more courageous ones (suitably clad and defended!) have, under his keen instruction, learnt to understand and share the work and thrills of the apiarist.

Of his absorption in his school work more of us are aware, but many may not know that for years he practically took on himself the preparation of the cricket square, year after year, and his constant weeding and systematic treatment of the pitch made possible the high standard of cricket of both the School and Old Students teams.

Old Students, too, appreciate the quiet but keen interest he has always shown in their Reunions; he was always willing to help in any way, though somehow he always managed to avoid any limelight or publicity.

Perhaps as the years go by, this more than anything else will remain, his self-effacing helpfulness in the work and life of the School, and his unfailing concern for the continued integrity of its ideals. To one whose interest in the School will never flag, we say "Thank you" and express the hope that many years of happy retirement for Mr. and Mrs. Walker, full of healthful activity, may still be ahead.