_DAN (Duncan Alfred Nightingale) ASTERLEY (1909 - 1994)
Dan was not a man to compromise. In every area he maintained and insisted on the highest standards. While Headmaster he seems to have done everything himself, he taught much of the top work, ran the games at top level, was the scout-master, directed the orchestra and trained the choir. Not much was delegated. Only his own best, it seemed, was good enough for Aymestrey. Indeed Dan was Aymestrey.
(All quotes on this page are from the 1995 Magazine, unless otherwise identified)
(All quotes on this page are from the 1995 Magazine, unless otherwise identified)
_Dan was born just before the move to Malvern, so was part of Aymestrey
from the very beginning, first in the Nursery and then as part of the
school. He went on to Bromsgrove with a scholarship, then to Hertford
College, Oxford, where he obtained a First in Greats. He then went to
West Downs School to learn teaching, being called back as Junior Partner
to Mr Mildmay on his father's death in 1935.
Like his father, a gifted teacher, Dan was a man of many parts: - a musician, writer, landscape painter in oils, a remarkable fly fisherman and a naturalist, particularly ornithology. In 1942 he married Jean Bates, whose father Tom had a ward in the Worcester Royal Infirmary named after him, and whose brother Michael was an Old Boy of the school. Dan was a local Home Guard commander during the war, and the bride and groom left the Cathedral under an arch of Home Guard bayonets. |
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In 1953 the Inspectors from the Ministry of Education noted that the Headmaster: |
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(teaches) Scripture, English, Mathematics, Geography and Latin with skill. (This versatility) leads him to take a vital part also in the Music and Art, the gymnastics and the games. In addition, he has a profound insight into the individual personalities of the boys in his care. |
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_ As with many strong personalities opinions are
divided. A considerable number of Old Boys remember Dan with respect, and even
affection, but this was not everyone’s experience; some boys do not have such
positive memories as they found his mood swings and outburst of temper
unpredictable and terrifying. His use
of criticism of individuals in front of others, and of punishments such as
‘exile’ (see explanation below) and beatings were intimidating and greatly
feared, and some consider damaging.
_Exile was exactly that - a punishment that isolated you from the rest of the school.
You were not allowed to speak to anyone, not even staff unless they asked a question. You walked up and down the drive alone during games and free time. You ate on your own at the ‘pig’ table. You were sent to bed early on Sunday and missed the reading by Dan. You were not allowed cakes, jam or sweets. You wore games kit all the time to let everyone else know that you were on exile. It was a pretty miserable existence! |
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Dan’s insistence on high standards meant that lack of effort in the classroom or on the sport’s field, bad manners and rudeness, and wild, uncontrolled behaviour were sure to earn his wrath. He hated sloppiness and it was not beyond him to cancel scouting activities on a Sunday afternoon and have the entire school parading and drilling up and down the drive following a poor performance when marching to Church in the morning!
Dan’s insistence on high standards meant that lack of effort in the classroom or on the sport’s field, bad manners and rudeness, and wild, uncontrolled behaviour were sure to earn his wrath. He hated sloppiness and it was not beyond him to cancel scouting activities on a Sunday afternoon and have the entire school parading and drilling up and down the drive following a poor performance when marching to Church in the morning!
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On the other hand Dan in a good mood would readily join in a pillow fight or pretend not to notice a slipper balanced over the dormitory door ready to drop onto him when he was putting the lights out. And there is no doubt he could be an inspirational teacher.
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By 1965 Jean’s health, which had been of concern for some time, was failing to the point where she had medical advice that she needed to stop work as soon as possible. Dan’s own health was also starting to give him problems around this time, and at the beginning of 1966 he sold the school to Hugh and Gill Griffith. He and Jean moved into the cottage, and he continued to teach at the school until 1977.
By 1965 Jean’s health, which had been of concern for some time, was failing to the point where she had medical advice that she needed to stop work as soon as possible. Dan’s own health was also starting to give him problems around this time, and at the beginning of 1966 he sold the school to Hugh and Gill Griffith. He and Jean moved into the cottage, and he continued to teach at the school until 1977.
Dan and Jean remained at Crown East Cottage, for
the rest of their lives, accompanied by various Jack Russell terriers. Dan could often be seen around the grounds,
with a dog at his heels, and he continued painting and fishing and remained
very active until about two weeks’ before his death on 23 July 1994.
Dan’s ashes were scattered on the field opposite Crown East Cottage.
A Thanksgiving Service, held at the school on 3 September 1994, was conducted and attended by many Old Boys.
Dan’s ashes were scattered on the field opposite Crown East Cottage.
A Thanksgiving Service, held at the school on 3 September 1994, was conducted and attended by many Old Boys.
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