1 September 1928 – 16 October 2016
Frank taught Physics at Stowe from 1969 to 1988. He was much liked for his friendly sympathy, boyish enthusiasm and lessons with lively illustrations. His cheerful chuckle and ready smile, combined with meticulous records and preparation, helped high-fliers and strugglers alike, as did his good humour during duties in Temple House. His enthusiasm for swimming and life-saving, together with his vision and energy, led to the construction of Stowe’s fine indoor swimming pool. At the age of 50 he married Gina, a fellow swimming instructor, and they enjoyed happy years at Nayle Cottage in Chackmore before retirement in Lincolnshire.
Frank came from a family of teachers at Glossop, Derbyshire. After Manchester University, he taught at the Read School, Drax, as a boarding housemaster and senior science master, and then Cheadle Hulme School. Before moving to Stowe, he completed an HND course in electronic engineering, working on the logic systems for the Blue Streak missile. He collected old radios and antique firearms, identifying the guns once kept in the Plug Street racks and the ammunition used on the Bourbon range. He was also a skilled photographer, and spent a year after retirement building up the Photographic Archives, an invaluable resource for the later restoration of Stowe Gardens and House.
Michael Bevington (Staff)