Ian Rice (left in 2003)

When Ian Rice joined the staff here in 1986 he came to teach Mathematics in the Prep. School and to make a contribution to main school games. Arriving from a Yorkshire prep. school, Ian was keen for a change and the opportunity to work with older pupils if possible. I had known Ian and his parents for many years but his appointment admirably fulfilled the School's particular needs and happily coincided with his own desire to develop his career.

An impressive figure of a man, Ian is in fact a gentle giant who has always had the best interests of his pupils at heart. A county rugby player, fine swimmer and powerful club cricketer (representing Kings Langley), he continued to play to a good standard after joining Haberdashers', taking part (for instance) in the Village Cricket final at Lord's one memorable year.

Ian was soon assisting Greg Davies with the rugby 1st XV and carried on this role when Clive Rees became master i/c rugby in 1990. At this time he also took charge of swimming for the main and prep. schools and raised the sport to a very high level. Talented and hard working, Ian made an invaluable contribution to the sporting life of the school quite apart from his teaching role in the Prep.

Reliable, energetic, conscientious, Ian nevertheless has a streak of the unconventional about him: his wedding-held on a boat on the Thames-was notable for the fact that the groom had a best woman instead of the rather more usual best man...