The Rev. Kenneth Anderson (1938-2025), who served as School chaplain at Sherborne School from 1971 to 1983, died on 9 February 2025.
In tribute to Ken we are republishing his Valete, written by D.P. Jones and published in The Shirburnian in Michaelmas term 1983:
‘It is early evening in Strath Oykel. It is Ken’s country. We are expecting him and Polly for supper. They arrive a little late having been opening the local Games, arranging to stand in for the local Minister for the next two weeks, and calling on their legion of friends in the area. We sit, we eat, we talk. The evening is gone before we realize it. We find that we have had a large number of invitations to call on Ken and Polly’s friends; our fishing has been arranged and, of course, I’d be welcome to take dog and gun over the surrounding crofts. Albeit itinerant, we are already part of the community, made to feel at home in it and at one with it, thanks to Ken. It is nothing new for Ken and Polly: they do the same wherever they go, not least at Sherborne.
It is the period of early 1970’s. Even to remote Sherborne filters news from other schools of the Church in some disarray, of lack of purpose, of walk0outs from Chapel, of silent hymn protests. In Sherborne we have none of it. True, some services become ‘experimental’ as guitars lead the singing, as boys enact short plays in lieu of the normal hymn and two prayers. Some services become voluntary, such as Friday evening Compline. It become the most popular service of the week and threatens to overspill the Chapel. Ken probably arrives at the service on his motor bike having been to visit a sick friend in London. Leathers are changed rapidly for vestments and as the candle-lit service begins he quickly establishes a warm rapport with the congregation. During these difficult days it is probably the absence of any censoriousness on the part of the Chaplain, his tolerance and understanding, his confidence in the Church, the School Community and, above all, the individual, that keeps Sherborne free of the dissent found elsewhere.
It is a Sunday morning in the Michaelmas Term. Outside the Chapel masters, their wives and families, gather for the Family Service, children uncomfortably tidy. We move towards the Chapel and suddenly there is Ken among us, saying to the youngest and most diffident, ‘I’m so glad you came today because I need your help. Will you please light the candles for me?’ They move off hand in hand. The ice is broken, unease vanishes, the children volunteer their prayer, take the collection and Ken speaks to them. There are no conscripts at the next family service.
It is Saturday afternoon. I walk along Acreman Street and am almost swept off the pavement by a deluge of youngsters spilling out from Nowell Cottage. ‘Bye Ken,’ they call, ‘Can we come to the early service tomorrow?’ ‘Of course,’ Ken replies, ‘And do bring your friends.’ I am asked in and Polly, lovely, kind and gentle Polly, is washing a mountain of coffee cups in the kitchen, holding three conversations at once, making everyone laugh and putting supper for fifteen into the oven. ‘I shall have to get Ken organised tomorrow,’ she says, @I spent too much time on my knees last Sunday and they are still sore!’ It is not opening time at Ken and Polly’s for it is always open house there and many are those girls and boys from Sherborne who have cause to thank them for limitless hospitality, ungrudging kindness and time spent willingly in allaying even the most trivial concerns.
It is 9.15 p.m. and the dining room is crowded with the entire House. There is a faint murmuring and a steady shuffle of feet on floor and bottoms of benches. Ken gets to his feet and there is immediate silence. ‘We will sing Compline,’ he says, and unerringly begins the ancient plainsong. Hesitantly at first, but led by Ken’s assurance the House sings boldly the lifting rhythm. Prayers follow. The simple service ends and, as he is surrounded by chatting boys, Ken accepts the offer of coffee and disappears, puffing his pipe, into one of the studies. He emerges much later, takes, perhaps, a wee dram and gives a little more insight into the joys and despair of one or other of the community, not that confidences are divulged – ever.
It is a time of one of the internal feuds that grow in any closed community. In the pigeon hole is a note from Ken. One’s first reaction of ‘How did he know about that?’ is followed by deep appreciation that he saw the problem in the first place, that he bothered to write about it, that he gave moral support and encouragement without appearing to criticise or take sides. One knows of others helped in this way and one knows that the number unknown will be greater and found throughout the entire School. It is true that fewer boys will now be said to be psychologically disturbed, for there, indeed, is Ken’s inclination. It is true that in that field his diagnosis will have differed from those of others, but it would be churlish to deny the integrity and love which Ken gave to those in his care as it would be blind to overlook those he helped. It is true that these reflections are only embroidery on a much broader fabric. It is typical that Ken and Polly leave their home and friends in beloved Sutherland, their home and the community so dear to their hearts in Sherborne, especially the community of Sherborne School, to go to Zimbabwe where they see need to be greater. It is typical that so much of Ken and Polly’s last few hectic days in this country were spent in making his successor’s task so much easier, making Robert and Doreen Prance, too, feel part of the community. He is in Zimbabwe; we miss him and we thank him.’
Rev. Kenneth Anderson (1938-2025)
Caius College, Cambridge, MA.
2/Lt. Gordon Highlanders, 1957-59.
Working in the Steel industry, 1962-63.
Chaplain, Norfolk & Norwich Hospital & Deputy Director Samaritans, 1965-68.
Assistant Curate of Wareham and Priest in Charge of Sandford, 1968-71.
School Chaplain, Sherborne School 1971-83.
School Chaplain, Peterhouse, Zimbabwe, 1983-93.
Chaplain of Trevelyan and of Van Mildert Colleges, University of Durham, 1995-2004.
Durham Diocesan Vocations Adviser, 1995-2004.
Married to Polly with two children, James and Rachel.