Malcolm Poole (M.A.R.P. aka Stretch)

Malcolm Poole - universally known as 'Stretch' - was a pivotal member of staff during his years at the school. Erudite, imposing, funny, worldly-wise, full of anecdotes and allusions, he was an inspiring teacher of his subject.

I had the enormous privilege of studying 'A' level French with him in a class of four, tossing back and forth ideas about the interpretation of Camus' "La Peste" and "La Guerre de Troie n'aura pas Lieu". He was my ONLY French teacher for 6 years at WHS, and instrumental in my obtaining an LCC Traveling Scholarship to France and later an interview to study at Oxford. I became a teacher of French thanks to his inspiring role-model.

Apart from the French, Stretch played a full role in school life, especially in his total involvement in and commitment to the Sea Cadets and sailing activities. He will be remembered with enormous respect, admiration and affection.
Chris Snuggs - 2018

‘Stretch’ Poole was a master who had the gift of being a figure of authority whilst at the same time being a ‘mate’, and being able to convey to one which particular aspect was appropriate at any given time without a word being spoken. In addition to his academic duties he ran the Sea Cadet Corps and the ‘Sailing Club’, as it was known in my day, in a very friendly manner without compromising the safety of the boys under his charge.

In about the fourth form I decided that I enjoyed hauling capsizers out of the Orwell rather more than waiting around in the freezing water to be hauled out myself. I will be forever in Stretch’s debt for the judgement/courage that he showed in allowing me to command the rescue cutter (a not inconsiderable piece of kit in terms of size and value) with very little input from him. It did wonders for my self confidence. He also showed a great deal of forbearance when I managed to run it aground one Sunday afternoon on a falling tide which required me to go and own up and request permission to miss the Sunday Service to retrieve it when the tide had risen again – it was granted without a word of admonishment as I recall.

His French lessons were a mixture of hard work and fun, especially the anecdotes and it is a shame that I let him down by not getting a pass in the written 'O' Level (the oral was alright). Anyway, by that time Shakey was teaching me French (or trying to). Chris Fuller - Feb 2003