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A Tribute from Linda Knott (Renwick)
Originally published in the AOSA 2004 Annual Report

We were all saddened to learn of the death of John Reader on 17 August. As Headmaster between 1953-1975, and formerly a member of staff, John put the school on the map with his charismatic personality and quiet style of leadership. Helped by his beloved wife Mary, he continued the good work of Stanley Carr, creating a safe family environment while looking forward in an unusually radical way, ahead of his time in educational theory and practice.

The atmosphere at Ayton during John’s time as Head was electric. He made staff appointments of young, intellectual and creative men and women who pushed the academic standards of the school to an all-time high, with the first Cambridge undergraduate in Oliver Spence and many students going on to university. At the same time music, sport, general knowledge, hobbies such as weaving and rock climbing gave all students a rounded and satisfying education. John’s personal involvement with students led to many adventurous climbing and walking trips to The Lake District, stimulating sessions in his study leading to ‘A’ levels in General Studies. Students were encouraged to read the serious newspapers, quizzed on the leader in the Observer and made to justify their opinions, introduced to new ideas in Art (for example Leach Pottery) through Mary’s involvement. The custom of bringing outside speakers was developed, opening windows on new worlds with a developing sense of responsibility to, and interest in other countries, especially poorer ones. It can be no coincidence that so many Ayton students live and work abroad.

It did not take long for the professional and forward-looking parents of the North East to realise that Ayton could offer something unique. Very soon pupils who might have attended the big Public Schools or prestigious Grammar Schools were finding their way to Ayton, helping academic standards to continue rising.

However, it is not just as a fine Head that so many of us remember John. His nick-name was “The Boss” and when word went round that “The Boss is coming” all students shot to their desks. He must have smiled at this reaction because what so many of us appreciate now was his shy, irony. As one former pupil wrote, “the stern exterior concealed a shyness but a wonderfully dry sense humour.”

An exceptionally strong, physically fit man, he commanded respect, striding across the playground, or taking Meeting, leading us on to appreciate qualities of integrity, honesty and compassion. Academic success was never allowed to overshadow other activities such as helping at Botton Hall, entertaining the blind from Stockton, helping vulnerable children to develop at their own pace in the non-threatening atmosphere of Ayton. Another former pupil said “It is only in latter years that I have realised how sensitive and understanding to a teenager’s needs he was.” This was also shown in the way he could always remember former students and take an interest in their adult lives.

Much of the comfortable physical environment that so many of us enjoyed came as a result of the vision of John and partner-in-strength Evelyn Nicholson. John’s powers of persuasion and oratory were put to good use making contact with local industries, taking a touring exhibition supported by technically advanced camera work to spread the word of Ayton’s success. Margaret Cumbor writes:

“In 1955, as a result of an Appeal, greatly supported by Evelyn Nicholson, the new classroom block opened together with the Girls’ Changing Room and considerable improvements to the staff accommodation in The Nutshell.

This was followed by improvements to the Science Laboratories with a grant from I.C.I. In 1959, as a result of a further appeal, new Biology Laboratory was built.

After this followed alterations to the Mill Building providing a new Art Room. The improvements to the Boys’ Changing Room was greatly welcomed as the facilities in that area were almost Dickensian!

A programme for rewiring all the premises and considerable modernisation of the kitchens was undertaken.

In the mid-sixties there was a vision, shared by Evelyn Nicholson, to provide a new Dormitory Block for the 5th and 6th Forms. Ideas were discussed regularly at Staff Meetings, drawings produced and then discarded. The School Committee also spent considerable time discussing the matter. Eventually plans were produced by Architect Oliver Spence, a previous Head Boy, son of Charles Spence, Newcastle Friend and Architect.

John Reader approached the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust. He was invited to talk to their Committee about the proposed plans. It was widely felt afterwards that John’s persuasive talk to the Trust was the reason that an unprecedented grant of £30,000 was made. This wonderful grant, of course, started the Appeal. Money was received from many sources: other Friends Trusts, parents and very generous gifts from many Old Scholars. At the time John said “The aim is to extend the scope of the school, not its size.”

Leven hall was officially opened on Open Day 1970 by Sir Edward Boyle (later Lord Boyle) who was Minister of Education at the time.”

To create a flourishing school not only pupils but staff must feel valued and comfortable. To this end John had the Principal’s house built, which must have pleased Mary after years of living “above the shop” and creating culinary masterpieces out of a tiny, cramped kitchen. Does anyone remember her “slab cake”? Just the job on top of a mountain! This move meant that a flat could be created for Evelyn when she was on duty, and there was improved accommodation for the Senior Teacher and House Master. Looking back it is difficult to believe that during this period of John’s Headship all these improvements were carried out in addition to the already full time-table of running the school. An HMI report during these years put Ayton into the top 100 schools in the country.

We all have our own personal memories of John. On his retirement Evelyn reminisced about his ability to “lunge up the hockey field in a tremendous burst of speed, manoeuvring the ball past his opponents with the amazing dexterity of strong wrists” or “driving the Vauxhall 16 when the school Fire Brigade was on duty during the war.” Roy George remembered having to learn chunks of the Bible before he was allowed to play in a cricket match. Ruth Harwood remembered that “he had a genius for solving the soluble problems and easing the insoluble ones.” Clifford Petch remembered him singing “Esau was a cowboy of the Wild and Woolly West” in school pops, and others will smile at the incongruity of “The Boss” singing “Old Macdonald” in Saturday meeting!

After retirement to York John became even more of a leading light in The Society of Friends, using his considerable skills to help many people. His influence extended well beyond the bounds of “canny old Ayton.”

In May 1999 John saw the opening of the charming Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum, the culmination of many years' work by him and other volunteers. When William Hague performed the official ceremony he said, “Without John Reader we would not be here today. This should be recognised and celebrated. We can be proud of our history and we can be proud of this finished product. It is a fitting tribute to Great Ayton’s famous descendant and all his work.” John commented, “It is my pride that one of the greatest people who ever lived in this country attended this school.”

On October 10^th two memorial services were held simultaneously. One was in the Meeting House at Ayton, attended by members of his family and one was organised by Peter Whittle near Oxford. Particularly striking was the love and respect felt by former members of staff. For many, working with John had been a memorable, fun-filled and constructive part of their careers. Among other eulogies an interesting point was made that John, who in many ways seemed so confident, also allowed himself to be vulnerable - a quality that endeared him to many.

So with the saddest of smiles we thank John for guiding us gently in the Quaker ethos, giving us, at best, a ground base for the rest of our lives. As Margaret Cumbor wrote, “Everyone who had any connection with Ayton School during this period was fortunate to have witnessed and been inspired by John’s dedication to, and enthusiasm for, the school that meant so much to him.”

Linda Knott (Renwick) 1955-62

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