Leo Guidon joined the staff in September, 1955, on completion of his studies at St Catharine's, Cambridge and after National Service in the Army. His enthusiasm for cricket soon became apparent: by the end of his first year he was running the 2nd XI and during his second he assumed overall responsibility for the sport, a position he handed over to Doug Yeabsley in 1966.

In 1961 Leo was appointed Senior Spanish Master and, two years later, he became Senior French Master. It was in January, 1966, that he succeeded John McNair as Head of Modern Languages. The untimely death of R A Lewin early in 1968 saw yet another development in Leo's career: W F Barling's promotion to Second Master was followed by Leo's appointment as Senior Master.

Leo's personal and professional gifts have made him a much respected and always approachable member of the school. A kindly man, he has never been known to utter a harsh word and has the enviable ability to see some good in everyone. His even temper and tolerance are supported by a fine sense of humour: there is often a merry twinkle in his eye as he corrects the pronunciation of a Headmaster who tries his hand with a foreign phrase. As a thinker, and probably he is best described as a lateral thinker, Leo provides expert analysis of situations. He spots loopholes in the most well-planned schemes; but always points them out tactfully and helpfully. This ability to consider and solve problems has made his work as Senior Master most valuable.

When he first took over the post, he helped the current Headmaster, Dr T W Taylor, with the timetable. On Tom Taylor's retirement, the entire task fell to Leo. The hallmark of his work has always been his meticulous attention to the most minute detail, a product of the long hours he spends, out of school time and during Whitsun and Easter holidays, in order to satisfy the requests of boys and staff alike. It is seldom the case that a boy's choice of subject at `O' or `A' level cannot be accommodated, nor the requests of a Head of Department satisfied.

The Senior Master works closely with the Headmaster, the Governors and all senior staff. Yet Leo Guidon has never been too proud to take on any job that needed doing. For many years he led an SCS (SSU, then) group "helping" the ground-staff: the Autumn field day/Junior Com-mendation would often find him up to his ears in mud cleaning out a pond in the morning, and in full academic dress in the afternoon organising prizes to be handed to a visiting V.I.P. for presentation.

Leo has always been willing to help anyone in need: a lasting memory will be of the Senior Master in immaculate suit bending over a greasy engine of some student, colleague or parent, persuading it to start. On one classic occasion, he found a motorist broken down outside the school gates at about 6 pm. He stopped to help and eventually towed the car to Radlett. Only then did he discover that the driver had no connection of any kind with the school. Many a new member of staff, arriving homeless in the area, has been invited into the Guidon household.

Leo and his wife, Molly, have three daughters and one son, John. A former pupil at Habs, he is now married and living in California, with the first Guidon grandson. Leo and Molly are both keen travellers - in western Europe and now the USA Retirement will provide them, we hope, with many opportunities to pursue their interest in travel. Perhaps the amateur naturalist, the fisherman and photographer in Leo will now flourish without the daily pressures of senior responsibility and school life. In any case, we all wish Leo and Molly a very fruitful and enjoyable retirement; we shall miss his quiet, tactful efficiency and unending good humour.