OBITUARY Former Headmaster Nigel Arthur Holloway Creese (1927-2018)
It was with great sadness that the College community learned of the death of a former College Headmaster, Nigel Creese, in Melbourne, Australia on 29 August 2018, aged 91 years.
Nigel led Christ’s College from 1963–1970. Born in England in 1927 and educated at Blundell’s School and Oxford University where he read classics, he was 35 when he arrived in Christchurch for the job interview that would change his life. A few months later he, wife Val and four young children, moved to Christchurch, and he threw himself into his new role. He taught 24 periods a week, trying to get to know all the boys, marking essays, speaking on radio and television and at Old Boys’ events, breakfasting in the Dining Hall, and working very hard to meet the demands of the Appeal to pay for the Assembly Hall. A keen sportsman who had played rugby for Midland Counties, gained an Oxford Rugby Blue in 1951, and been a reserve for the England trials, he was also an enthusiastic dramaturg. In 1964 he initiated the enduring link with St Margaret’s College drama, and while Headmaster he produced or co-produced, with Val and others, at least eight major College productions. In 1970, his final
year at College, the Tothill Cup for interhouse drama was introduced. During his time as Headmaster the Assembly Hall was completed as was the Administration Block (now the Music School). Nigel Creese is remembered as a figure with presence. College – a History of Christ’s College by Don Hamilton, describes him as “an impressive figure as he swept across the Upham Quad with his head up and his gown billowing behind him”. Grammar School where he stayed from 1970 until his retirement in 1987. As a fitting tribute to his time at College, “Jerusalem” was sung at Nigel’s funeral in Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Kew, Melbourne, on 6 September 2018. He left College to become Headmaster at Melbourne
“...an impressive figure as he swept across the Upham Quadwith his head up and his gown billowing behind him.” Don Hamilton
College Issue 35 2018
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