CHRISTOPHER WRIGHT (1924-2000)

Chris Wright spent just sixteen years at Kent College, yet in that time he exerted a remarkable influence on the school’s life and development.  He came to us in 1968 from Aldenham School where he had spent seventeen years running the History Department, the cricket team, as well as a boarding house.  He and Helen were devoted and caring Houseparents to many generations of Milton House boys.  Many will also remember Chris for his inspiring teaching of History where he always communicated his passionate love of the subject.  In the Staff Common Room he was a much loved figure – witty and relaxed, but never afraid to express his trenchant opinions.

When Kent College first decided to become co-educational, his was a passionate and enthusiastic voice in support of the venture.  He was determined that the enterprise should be undertaken whole-heartedly and he eventually carried a somewhat sceptical male Common Room with him.  Chris was respected by all, a man whose view of life was seated in his profound Christian faith, allied to his committed Socialist beliefs.  He became the first ever President of the Common Room.  One feels that the position was specially created because we had in him such a figure of authority: a popular, gentle and wise man to represent the staff’s interests.  He also became the first to represent the teaching staff on the Governing Body.

On his retirement in 1984 he did not sever his links with the school.  He became the leading historian of our school as he set about writing the Kent College Centenary Book for 1985.  He continued writing books to the end, many on the subject of Kent which he had grown to love so much.

After his death in early November 2000, many former colleagues and pupils gathered in Adisham Church to celebrate his life.

D J Perkins.