Talbot's House

Housemaster's Start of Term Thoughts - September 2013

It has been a busy summer in the house with many improvements being made. Though it may not be immediately or visibly noticeable, the new boiler and heating works should greatly improve the atmosphere of the house, especially as winter rolls on! More visibly - the goals in the garden have been replaced and the pool table is recovered and ready to see the housemaster take on all comers! There may also be some new photos and features on the walls if you look carefully...

It was sad to say farewell to Mr and Mrs Cassell at the end of last term. On a personal note I would like to thank them for all their help in moving my skills on in a house sense and being so helpful in making the transition smooth. Their contributions to Talbot's over a 12 year period have been immense and hundreds of Talbot's boys past and present are testament to that.

As we look ahead to the new term, it is a great privilege to add Mr Taylor to the tutor team and Mr Rees as the assistant housemaster along with his wife and 2 young children who are also very much part of the Talbot's family. They are both outstanding schoolmasters and will bring much to the house. Otherwise, we are lucky to be staying the same staff wise. There is much our matrons, cleaners, handyman and tutors do that is unseen by most of us but makes the house a comfortable and happy home for us all. I fear we often forget how lucky we are to have such a passionate and talented staff in the house, and I am very excited to be leading such a strong group into the 2013/14 year.

This term is always the busiest, and the 2013 edition will be no different. It is hard to look past the house singing as the upcoming highlight. What an event! I love the way that it brings the whole house together  from a piecemeal group of reticent non singers (many of whom are only just getting to know each other) into a strong choir. As usual, I expect us to be challenging for honours and though we have lost the wisdom of Mr Rouse (the Alex Ferguson of house singing in terms of trophies?) I am hopeful that the vibrant enthusiasm of Mr Rooke will do the job. What is the song I hear you ask? You'll have to be there on the night to find out!

Before this though, there is the junior new boys trip to do bushcraft at Ickwell, house karting and sports day. All of our new boys will feel like seasoned Talbot's warriors by the time Exeat rolls around in three weeks time!

Bring on 2013/14...