Mark Irons retired at the end of this term after a long and
distinguished teaching career at King's Hall. Mark arrived at
what was then called Pyrland Hall in September 1979 and
during the four decades since then he has been the consistent
driving force behind the success of our PE and sport; first as
Head of PE and later as the Director of Sport and it is widely
recognised that King's Hall 'punches above its weight' on a
national scale.
As a sports coach he has always demanded and achieved the
highest standards of training and performance, ensuring that
the individuals in any team he is coaching are playing their
sport fairly and to the best of their ability. It is not surprising
then that he has been responsible for some successful 1st XV
and 1st VII rugby teams over the years and why our rugby has
such a fine reputation. he same can be said for the many
athletics, swimming and Colts A hockey sides he has coached.
In addition to PE and Games, Mark has been a vital member
of the Modern Languages department, escorting pupils on
the French language trips to France and Switzerland, as well as
taking ski trips and sports tours.
Mark displays lots of energy coupled with a real sense of fun.
He always tries to make the interests of the pupils a priority
and he takes genuine pleasure in learning of their successes,
however trivial they may seem to others. hese qualities are
among the reasons why he has also been an outstanding form
tutor and why we will all miss him.
27
King's Leavers
Mark Irons
Barbara Lancey joined King's in 1998 as PA to the Bursar. She
once took a short break of 10 months to become a 'lady of
leisure', but soon realised that wasn't for her and came back to
become the school Admissions Registrar, the position she held
for 14 years.
What do you like about working at King's?
he family atmosphere, it's just a lovely place to work, not only
the campus but the people and the pupils.
What will you miss when you retire?
People - pupils, staff, everybody. he highlight of my role is
meeting pupils when they join at 3rd form and watching them
grow into very confident lovely young adults. I will miss the
interaction with them and the casual chats.
What are you planning to do in your retirement?
I love gardening and singing so I will have more time for both.
I have 8 grandchildren and am very much looking forward
to spending more time with them. I will enjoy whatever
opportunities come my way, and hopefully I will also find the
time to travel more.
I am sure I will visit, King's never shuts the door, it's warm and
welcoming, it makes you want to pop back to say hi. Barbara Lancey
King's never shuts the door, they are always
warm and welcoming, it makes you want to
pop back and say hi"
"