D Barrie Fleet
Common Room 1980-95
Barrie joined The Leys as Head of Classics, subsequently becoming Director of Studies. He ran the Debating Society, inaugurated the Rugg Prize and was much involved in the musical and intellectual life of the School. He eventually left to become Director of Studies in Classics and a Fellow of Corpus Christi College. Caroline Wiedermann, appointed by him to the Classics Department and subsequently succeeding him as Head of Classics, writes:
“Barrie was quietly spoken, calm and collected, and completely in control of a classroom. He had a light-touch manner in terms of running the Department. I always felt that everything ran like clockwork without any fuss or show. He had a great sense of humour, laughing at himself as much as anything else. He was obviously a scholarly person, yet did not push this on anyone nor try to brag. I think he used intellect and charm to get others to do what he wished. Everything was subtle and understated. For this reason, he was an ideal mentor as I started my teaching career: he gave advice not orders; suggestions not instructions. He supported with kindness and understanding, allowing me to offer opinions and try out new ideas, even if I made mistakes.”
He leaves his wife, Hekka, a distinguished concert pianist, who was much involved in the life of the School during his career. Those who attended the Reading Party will remember both their contributions.
Words by John Harding, CR 1968-2005 and Caroline Wiedermann, CR 1982-2017