Rhubarb 2024

ST EDWARD’S

We taught in the Classics Department together for 27 years. Nick was a fine Classicist, teaching the full range of Classical subjects at all levels. He gave pupils exactly what they needed and communicated his own respect for the subject and unfaltering interest. His utter dependability was much appreciated by me as Head of Department. He was impeccably organised and meticulously tidy. In fact, he so

should apply for Cambridge University.They both got places to study English Literature, but World War 2 was raging and they decided to defer their places and join the WRNS. She was sent straight to Bletchley where she had a marvellous time with the code breakers.There were eccentric academics and many dances at the local American air base. She returned and took up her place at Cambridge. She acted in plays, she played cricket and she met her husband Henry. They were a loving and affectionate couple for 40 years.

OBITUARIES

They returned to Oxford in retirement and Naida continued to attend and support St Edward’s events.

feared the Chaos of the other Classicists that for many years he separated himself, preparing and teaching in his own Cosmos in the Work Block. He cultivated privacy, but passion underpinned his teaching, particularly for Greek literature, history and art. He pursued the Greeks inside and outside the classroom; he once tramped Attica for weeks on a course at the British School at Athens, and, alone, he followed in the footsteps of Brasidas (the Spartan General) in Thrace. On the many school trips, he guided pupils and calmed volatile Greek bus drivers with his smile and his modern Greek. At times he would stride off on his own, climb a mountain and return, his arms full of fresh oranges and lemons.

She remained wholehearted in everything she did. She had four different celebrations for her 100th birthday. She had sung for more than 30 years with the Kidlington Amateur Operatic Society and they organised a birthday party for her. There was cake and songs. She wore purple silk and sang word perfect in every song.

Born 26th February 1924, died July 17th 2024.

Nick Quartley studied Classics at Bristol and came to St Edward's in 1975 via Rugby and Collyer's School in Sussex.The Theatre Guild in Oxford brought him here together with Freddie.They married in 1979; two sons,Tom (Segar’s 1996-2001) and Mark followed, all of whom survive him. In 1980, he took on the Chronicle , which he edited for 26 years.The covers and layout were always

Nick Quartley (SCR 1975-2006): the Privacy and the Passion.

By Linda Lyne (SCR, 1977-2004, 2006-2012) and Nick’s son, Mark (Segar’s, 1998-2003). W hatever the Athenians did, writes Thucydides,“quoting” Pericles, they did with 'exceptional grace and versatility’. Nick may well be remembered for his grace on the tennis court or, ever youthful, speeding across the Quad on his bike, like Apollo across the Cynthian ridge, and there can be no doubt about his versatility. His contribution to St Edward's was remarkable in its diversity.And, unlike the ancient Athenians, his work was unobtrusive and always to his own rigorous standards.You will find few people who knew of him beyond his utter reliability and quiet authority. It took time to get to know him; he was a private man, guarded about displaying his feelings.

imaginative, and the Common Room really looked forward to its epiphany. Diffident as ever, he declared that this 'only' took a few weeks of his holiday twice a year! He made a considerable contribution to sport over the years from the back benches: Rugby (Under 14C),Tennis (3rd 6) and Rowing. He ran the Junior Debating Society, as well as the New Hall for many years; he simply worked as part of the team, changing the blocks, stacking chairs, taking tickets. On retiring, Nick became the first ever manager of The North Wall, a building he was passionate about.This role combined two of Nick’s great loves: the School and the theatre. He directed many school productions and trod the boards himself in many local amateur plays, often surprising friends and colleagues by transforming into a Shakespearean villain or Wildean wit. His contribution to, and impact on, the School and those who knew him was enormous.

Born15th June 1946, died 5th August 2024.

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