PETERHOUSE
NOSTALGIA
PETERHOUSE
NOSTALGIA
Charles Fisher played a key role in the establishment of Peterhouse and of its traditions and character in the first formative years of its existence
He grew up and was educated in England, where his father was the Archbishop of Canterbury.
On his arrival in April 1955, Charles took over as Senior Master and House Master. In the six years he served the school there was no side of its life which he did not touch, and few in which he did not largely determine the pattern that emerged. He was a superb organiser and the extraordinary range of his gifts had full scope.
A few examples must suffice: In 1956 he organised a very successful fete which enabled the building of the Chapel to be begun. Later he formed the Unison Choir, which did much to improve the congregational singing. In 1957, he and Anthony Mallett, who succeeded him as Senior Master, together wrote the libretto of the Staff operetta Somnia in a single night. All who saw its production will remember it as a resounding success, and not least Charles himself as Sister Magnesia Codine. He took innumerable boys to Nyanga for weekends on the plot he shared with Bryan Curtis, housing them there in the remarkable building characteristically erected with his own hands. There were few dull moments with Charles! On the playing fields he was an excellent Rugby coach, and referee; in the classroom a splendid teacher, thorough and vital; in the House deeply concerned with every side of his boys' development and welfare; a firm disciplinarian, yet always human and humane; with the staff, ever watchful and willing to do any in need with advice encouragement or warning; to all a tower of strength.
Perhaps the most invaluable legacy Charles left Peterhouse, and one which he laboured for as Senior Master, was to secure and build deep into the tradition of Peterhouse the full involvement in the life of the school not only the staff but their wives as well.
Charles was obviously destined for Headmastership and on leaving Peterhouse held three schools in succession in Australia, including the last four years at Geelong Grammar School, the most famous Australian independent school.All who knew him were distressed by his tragic death in a motor accident in November 1978.
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