The Stonar Way 28.03.25

This week, I received a lovely letter from an Old Stonarian who had been at the School in the 1950s. Her reflections offered a poignant journey through hardship, resilience, and ultimate joy – a narrative that resonates deeply with the Easter story.

She described how, at first, school life was a struggle. The transition to boarding school was daunting, and her early days were filled with loneliness and a sense of not quite fitting in. As time passed, however, she discovered solace and joy in the school’s outdoor spaces, particularly among the horses, and friendships formed. One of her most cherished memories was of the boarding staff, whose kindness and patience made all the difference. She describes how their quiet acts of care transformed her experience. Much like the women at the tomb on Easter morning, who expected despair but found hope, this former pupil found love and support in unexpected places. What had once seemed like a place of struggle became a home, filled with the warmth of companionship and the beauty of nature.

I also recently received a note from an Old Stonarian who had found a booklet entitled, ‘The Ancient Town and Port of Stonar’ in a charity shop and thought I might like it. Of course, she was on to a winner there! As many of you may be aware, Stonar was once a town on the Kent coast, near Sandwich.

Indeed, in the 1300s it was a town of great importance and its port was one of the busiest in the country. Its location did mean that it was involved in many conflicts over the years and the French eventually destroyed the town in 1385 during the reign of Richard II. Stonar returned to glory during the First World War when it was an important port for ships and barges re-supplying the army in France. The huts for the port workers were built in the grounds of Stonar House.

Shortly after the end of the war, the growing school of Stour House moved to the now vacant Stonar House and was re-branded as Stonar House School. The booklet goes on to tell us that the school was evacuated to Wiltshire in 1939 where ‘it still flourishes today’. Stonar House was in use again during the Second World War when the house and grounds were re-used as a military camp.

So Stonar was a place once lost to conflict and destruction in the 14th century that found new life as a military hub during the First World War and, later, as a thriving school. Even in times of displacement, such as during the Second World War when Stonar moved to Wiltshire, it continued to flourish.

As we look forward to celebrating Easter, whatever our faith, these two alumni communications remind us that life is filled with trials, but through resilience, kindness, and hope, we can find renewal.

Happy Easter!