ERNEST HARRISON
The following article is taken from The BGS Magazine for the Summer Term 1957. It marks the retirement of Ernie Harrison, known to generations of boys who attended the School, whether he taught them or not, because of his role as custodian of the book depositary in the basement at Raikes Parade.
Mr. ERNEST HARRISON
In 1923 there came to the School as a member of the Staff, a slight fait haired youngster, who has changed little outwardly during all the years he has remained with us. Many generations of boys will remember him throughout their lives. He has for years been the master to whom the newcomer to the School has turned for advice and guidance; to many he has given wise counsel and sometimes wise admonishment. He has serve both old and young with the same justice and strict impartiality with unyielding and untiring effort. Nothing was too much trouble - if the welfare or the ultimate well-being of a boy was at stake he spared himself nothing. His teaching was always in the minds of his pupils, at least guided by Dante’s
"Knowledge doth come of learning well-retained Unfruitful else."
Woe betide the boy who made a habit of forgetting what he had been taught previously. Yet it was not fear that made a boy do his utmost but rather the persistence and insistence of Ernest Harrison upon a high standard, for nothing but the best would serve.
The camps and excursions of which he had charge were models of efficient organization. Nothing was ever overlooked, nothing was forgotten, everything catered for. His domain - the bookroom - was typical of the man, everything in its proper place, everything neatly stacked, everything accounted for.
Ernest Harrison is a man whom we greatly miss: his never failing cheerfulness, his ever-ready help in times of troubles, his contempt for the false and spurious, his kindliness, these are the qualities which he has possessed to the full.
The School is indeed a sadder place since he left us.
May we wish Mr. Harrison every happiness in his retirement.
Article submitted by Peter Barton 1951 starter
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