ADRIAN SLATER “APLS”  (1914 – 1999)

Adrian was born in South India in June 1914, the son of a Methodist missionary.  His parents came from Methodist families.  He lived in India before coming to England, boarding at Kingswood School, Bath.  From there he went up to Oxford, reading classics and taking a Teacher’s Diploma.  He joined the Colonial Education service in 1939, teaching English at a school in India for seven years.  Returning to England again he taught briefly at Preston Grammar School before joining K.C. in 1951, teaching English, Latin and R.E.  He became Head of English in 1955, being notable for setting high standards to extend his brighter pupils while always encouraging the less able.

After retirement in 1979 he continued his association with the school, running a voluntary bookshop and taking responsibility the school archives.  He was a loyal member of the Old Canterburian Club, serving for many years as Assistant Treasurer and he took a keen interest in the careers of his former pupils: many regularly visited Adrian and Rachel at their home in Canterbury.  It is a reflection of Adrian’s devotion and interest in K.C. that his pigeon hole in the post room was maintained to the end!

His death on 29 August 1999 was marked by a Service of Thanksgiving at St. Peter’s Methodist Church, Canterbury and also at an extended Remembrance Service at the school.