T. Eric CARRINGTON (Master 1944-81)

From the time of Eric Carrington's appointment to the School History Department in the autumn of 1944 until his death in mid-September 2002, a considerable period of that time - 37 years to be exact - was devoted to life in the School in one form or another.

Using his own background in the game, he soon made his mark on Junior Rugby (Lower School Rugby I believe it was referred to then). His next appointment was to be 'Instructor in Drill and Physical Training' in the recently formed A.T.C. Both of these activities he enjoyed, and later became the Commanding Officer of the C.C.F. until his retirement in 1981.

Eric Carrington was a large man with a good stock of his own ideas under his belt. He showed a good sense of humour enjoyed by his pupils, if not necessarily by all his colleagues. Yes, if he liked something or somebody, he said so, and if he didn't he made his feelings quite obvious.

Eric's reactions to the change in the form of the School Magazine in 1961 were those which are not really quotable here!

After Pearl, his wife, and his family bought the Riviera Lodge Hotel in Mawgan Porth, Cornwall, he stayed on in Radlett and operated from a various number of residences.

His attitudes and manner, however, remained constant, and his contributions to life in the School are undoubted. I shall miss him, too, as a friend of many years.

Geoff Hickman

His son, Mike Carrington (1953-1958), adds the following:

"He had a hangman's noose or a set of stocks (both made by his pupils) in the corner of the room whilst he taught History! I well recall them as I spent 3 years in his History class. His knowledge of the subject was astounding. He seemed to know everything. People were always trying to catch him out. I tried for years and never really succeeded.

In his younger days he was a useful sportsman, representing his college at Cambridge at rugby and cricket, as well as being a handy tennis player. Despite being a life-long smoker, his physical strength stayed with him until past age 80.

During the war, he was at Dunkirk and the memories stayed with him for the rest of his life, although he never spoke of it to me or the rest of the family.

His devotion to the school and his pupils seldom wavered, and he constantly bought marking, reports, CCF work etc back home with him.

He did indeed have strong opinions about certain things, and did speak his mind. I didn't always agree with him, but in these days of political correctness when so many people speak with forked tongues, I think I still prefer his way.

In the early 1990's, he was made a Freeman of the City of London, and this seemed to please him.

He enjoyed classical music and in his youth was actually a good pianist, but he kept that talent well under his hat and ceased playing altogether in the early 60's. He detested nearly all pop music, but there was one exception to this rule. He had several Jim Reeves albums and listened to them constantly."