Mister McVie

Mister McVie died. The news stunned the whole school.

At a special assembly some days later, everyone sang their hearts out. John Weir recalls one of the songs we sang was Praise My Soul the King of Heaven. Other than the assembly being very moving, I can only recall that it took place in the afternoon, presumably because a large Upbury contingent, including Miss Rotherham, had been at Mister McVie’s funeral service in Twydall that morning.

As a bright eyed eleven year old my first impression of Mister McVie was that of a gentle old soul. Eighteen months later that same impression remained. Now he was gone, a kindly old gentleman forever.

John Wells and Steve Parkhouse, senior pupils at this time, say this of him... 

 “Mister McVie died of a massive stroke, very suddenly. It was a dreadful shock to us in the sixth form as it was to the whole school. Myself and three other friends were particularly affected because we had become closer to our headmaster through our dramatic ventures due to his interest in Dickens and the Dickens Fellowship of Rochester with whom I believe he was chairman at the time. Mister McVie was quite a performer in his own right and I remember fondly his rendition of the opening chapter of Great Expectations and his portrayal of Magwich the convict. Mister McVie was dearly loved and respected by both his pupils and his loyal staff whom, at the beginning of Upbury Manor School's illustrious life, were hand picked by him to form a team of teachers who I believe were second to none.” John Wells

 “I am very proud to have had James McVie as my headmaster. I owe part of who I am, to him.” Steve Parkhouse

 In memory of Mister McVie

With thanks to John Weir, John Wells and Steve Parkhouse.