Sunday 20 March 2016

Have Your Say

At the end of the Trinity/Summer Term 2016, Stephen Tanner will cease working at Exeter Cathedral and at Exeter Cathedral School.

Stephen Tanner's position as Director of the Girl Choristers has been made redundant and the Cathedral have told him that his services are no longer required. As a result, Stephen Tanner feels unable to continue in his role of Director of Music at ECS under these circumstances. He is deeply saddened by his departure.

Do you have anything to say about this? 

Would you like your voice to be heard?


62 comments:

  1. I think that it shows an utter lack of compassion and appreciation for the sheer amount of hard work and commitment that Stephen has given to the Cathedral and School over the years. I am shocked by the cruelty of his dismissal. He deserves far greater respect. If the Cathedral had handled their restructuring with sensitivity and basic human courtesy then perhaps ECS would not be facing the loss of one of their best teachers ........

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  2. This is unethical and certainly not Christian like in their behaviour. Stephen founded the girls choir. How can this be allowed to happen. Also if his services are no longer required where does this leave the girls choir? Who will protect the best interests of the girls? As it is it is quite evident to see that the cathedral don't even intend to assist with a tour for the girls. Also by law noone else can go in and rehearse and direct the girls if they are saying his services are no longer required.

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  3. For what it's worth, I think the new DoM will promote the boys' and girls' choirs equally and we must not make him feel unwelcome as it is not a situation of his making. However, the timing could hardly be worse given Mr T's recent bereavement. Poor man.

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    1. I wish I could agree with you, but sadly I can't. This is a situation entirely of the new DoM's making - the restructure, negative change in culture, sexist remarks, favouritism were not here until he turned up. It's sad but true.

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    2. I'm certain the restructure was already decided before the new DoM was appointed: it was detailed in the DoM Job Description.

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    1. Chorister Parent23 March 2016 at 05:17

      If it turns out that this situation can be taken at face value, I'm not sure I want my children's spiritual development to be guided by those who have engineered this situation. What has happened to the Assistant Director of Music who has resigned despite having no job to go to? What is going on? Are we missing something? Given that they will presumably have to pay redundancy I cannot see that they will save a great deal. It seems to me that we could have supported Stephen, even using our own funding if necessary, to allow him to retire when he wants to retire. As for a tour, no child of mine will be going as it stands. It's just more work for them. Publicity for the cathedral is the only possible gain, and the last one they did was so poorly attended they would have better to stay local.

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  5. How a leading Christian community can possibly condone this type of behaviour defeats me. Stephen Tanner is an outstanding Musician and Educationalist. He has given so much to the Cathedral and school and is respected and so much liked by the Girl Chorister section of the choir which he has managed admirably for years. As a teacher who has taught in many prep schools across the country I have never encountered any single person who brings out the incredible standards of motivation and excellence which Stephen Tanner achieves. We understand he is to be replaced within the cathedral by a young organ scholar with no Educational qualifications or experience. Whilst I am sure the person commenting above is correct in that the new DoM will promote the boys' and girls' choirs equally it is astonishing to hear reports ( from adults present) that he has described one piece of singing as "total crap." A qualified teacher appreciates that such language used in front of children is inappropriate. I am thus concerned to think of my daughter involved in an Establishment which no longer carries the input of such a man as Stephen Tanner, who not only is a highly accomplished musician but even more importantly to my mind, knows how to treat and manage children. The new Head appears to be an exceptionally nice person but he is young and inexperienced and does not know the entire History. He is ripe to be taken advantage of and one has to question why this is happening whilst he is so new to the school. He has accepted Stephen Tanner's resignation but may not fully appreciate that as a true professional and humble gentleman it is likely Mr. Tanner is experiencing great hurt and will not necessarily act in his own interests, rather those he perceives as professional and dignified. I cannot begin to see how what is happening is anything other than constructive dismissal, and feel strongly that Mr. T should seek legal representation. I doubt he will because he would never do anything which could impact negatively on the reputation of the school. We are therefore determined as parents to do what we can on his behalf to avert what would be in our eyes a total tragedy.

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    1. This is not the first time ECS staff have lost their jobs unfairly - two senior administrators had to leave their posts in circumstances which were cruel and unjustified and as subsequent developments confirmed, against the good employment practice expected of a Christian institution.

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  6. Me being an Ex girl chorister I am totally appalled to hear this. He is one of the best and has made such an impact on everyone he has looked after and taught. There seems to be no shame in this and obviously wasn't well thought through. I hope no one replaces him and in the end the girl choristers are lost. They don't deserve to be treated like this and good luck with finding girls who will tour without him. Mr T was probably the best thing that happened to the cathedral and I hope you are all ashamed. He should have left when he was ready, you can't replace all of the years and knowledge he has.

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    1. Also ex-girl chorister and part of the founding choir. This news has brought tears to my eyes and I feel a grear sadness for Mr Tanner. If what is represented in this blog is correct I certainly agree that it appears the situation could have been dealt with in a far more transparent manner and from a lawyer's perspective Mr T should get legal advice if the process has not been a fair one, as suggested. I am guessing that funding must be the central issue but Mr T does deserve so much more respect than this - he founded the choir and has looked after and spent his whole life since 1994 looking out for the girls' best interests, from the very first evensong and days when we were only permitted to sing one service every 2 weeks! Anti-girls attitudes back then were rife and I understand that now it is a much better culture, but without Mr Tanner the risk for the girls is that, if those in charge do fail to do what Mr T did for us, they will suffer. In a modern and progressive society i would hope this should not happen. Nevertheless the way the Cathedral has put Mr T into a position where he has had no choice but to resign after all his years of dedication, is a disgrace. He even gave up his free time for mine and my sisters weddings and gave us a service that we will never forget.

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  7. Mr Tanner has dedicated his life to music at ECS and has inspired so many. The amount of work and engagements he fulfils outside of school hours is hard to calculate. His experience not only in music but in education will be hard to replace. It is a sad indictment of the education system that savings costs by cutting experienced teachers is the way forward. For someone who has given so much over and above his job role it is outrageous to be treated in such a manner. If all is to be believed, the head should not have accepted his resignation. This is a teacher who any school would be lucky to have and ECS should be doing everything to retain him!

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  8. I write as mother of an ex-girl chorister, who had five years of inspirational teaching and choir training under Stephen Tanner. I heard at the weekend of this most unlikely news.And I have to say I couldn't believe what I heard: that the founder or Exeter Cathedral's Girl Choristers had been sacked,: Stephen's longevity might suggest to any not familiar with his work to suggest something less than the brilliance with which he has lead both the post of Head of Music at ECS and more importantly in this context, trainer of Girls' choir. This man is a fine musician, an inspirational teacher, an extremely hard worker, I could continue with many words denoting his qualities, the Cathedral has been most fortunate over the many years he has been involved, yet it would appear that the Dean would be happy to let all his talent walk away, indeed he is pushing him out of the West Door.
    The Dean is surely taking a myopic view in re organising the Music in this manner.
    Come on, ECS, move heaven and earth!
    I am deeply saddened for both Stephen and the Cathedral Music as a whole.
    Clare Garton-Sprenger

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  9. Will this new DoM be responsible for teaching music at ECS?

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    1. No. ECS will need to advertise for a new Head of Music.

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    2. Thank goodness for that. Mr Noon would be a disaster.

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  10. If it's any consolation Mr Featherstone did try to convince Mr Tanner to stay. Regretfully it would appear Mr Tanner feels it is an intangible situation for him to remain.
    This is an incredibly sad situation given Mr Tanners commitment to the cathedral & school.

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  11. As the Mother of a former Girl Chorister, I know that Stephen Tanner will be missed by the entire Cathedral and School communities, past and present, and of that I have no doubt, whatsoever. He is irreplaceable and I simply cannot understand the thought processes of the Dean and whoever else was involved in the ludicrous decision to oust him in this disgusting and short-sighted manner! Have they taken leave of their senses??
    Stephen Tanner's longstanding and outstanding contribution to the breadth of musical productions in the Cathedral during his tenure, as well as being the Founder of the Girls Choir, should be respected, valued and honoured by these people. To have found out that almost no sooner had the School been offloaded along with the retirements of Andrew Millington and Gordon Pike presided over, plus the installation of a new Headmaster and the resignation of David Davies, that Stephen has been 'offloaded', too, has left me flabbergasted and horrified.
    They should be hanging their heads in shame and begging Stephen to stay, not getting rid of him in this indecent and disrespectful manner! What price Stephen's many years of devoted commitment to the music of Exeter Cathedral? As I recall, the Cathedral was full to bursting whenever there was a musical occasion. I suspect that the high regard in which the music of the Cathedral is currently held, far and wide, will soon evaporate as a result of this ridiculous decision. Reputations take time to build yet can be lost very quickly.
    My Daughter was given an amazing opportunity by Stephen Tanner when he accepted her as a Chorister and she, and I, are extremely grateful for the musical education she received from him. She simply would not be at the excellent Senior School she now attends had she not been fortunate enough to have been auditioned and accepted by Stephen as a Chorister that fateful day in April 2011. If it was 4 years of hard work for her and all the Choristers, how much more hard work must it have been for him who seemed to spend every weekend, many evenings and a good part of every holiday in his role in the Cathedral, let alone having the responsibility of hoards of lively Choristers on the tours? That should be applauded and gratefully received by the Cathedral 'powers that be' not treated with such disdain as this whole business seems to indicate has been the case.
    Shame on you who have made this egregious decision.
    Exeter Cathedral and Exeter Cathedral School will be so much the poorer for losing the experience, dedication, and skill of Stephen Tanner in this dismissive, seemingly contemptuous way and I can only say that I am very glad we are no longer part of it if this is the way they treat so nice a chap as Stephen.Tanner.
    Such an unbelievably low class way to treat him after all he has given to both the School and Exeter Cathedral and I can only imagine how terribly let down, betrayed, and upset he must be feeling, now.
    Sari and I salute you Stephen, you are an outstanding man and musician and we are deeply sorry that this has happened. It is so very wrong on every conceivable level.
    You have our grateful thanks for all you have done and we wish you only the best for your future...

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  12. Exeter Cathedral is going down-hill fast. The Dean and Chapter are gutless, and have made a flurry of poor decisions recently. First up, Mr Timothy Noon. I'm sorry, but he's not up to the job. I had expected a significant "honeymoon period" improvement in the choir's singing, engagement, expression etc, when he arrived. The opposite is true. The last time I heard them, they seemed emotionally flat, disinterested, and downtrodden. His musical interpretation is poor and dated, and this is a significant mismatch between the expression in his conducting and the actual output of the choir. Tim - if you can't bring them with you, do the right thing and move on.

    Secondly, and this is getting quickly forgotten among all the other problems, Exeter is losing a truly outstanding cathedral musician in David Davies. What the hell are they thinking? They should be bending over backwards to keep him in post, and develop him. But no, they'd rather let him go in case it causes Mr Noon any problems (should change his name to "Jobs for the boys").

    On now to Mr Tanner. I've not known this guy for as long as some others. However, I can see an incredibly valuable, skillful, well-rounded cathedral musician who has got it all. For many years now, the girl choristers have produced a better sound and better "performances" than the boys. He works with them, cares for them, knows what he is doing, and has a strong track record. The current model works. The only person who thinks it doesn't is Mr Noon - most probably because he feels threatened. The way in which this has all been handled reminds me of how football clubs seem to sack people by text. The Cathedral and Noon can try and dress this up as much as they like. But people can see through it. Noon knows deep down that he is out of his depth, and the Dean and Chapter will do anything he says that will get them out of having to admit making a mistake in appointing him in the first place.

    Complete and utter shambles. I'll give it until Christmas before the serious complaints start coming in, and he'll either resign or people will start leaving.

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  13. Mr.Davies is also majorly talented and a great influence on the Girls. It makes me so sad to think he has clearly been gagged or alternatively is so professional that he seeks no allies. I think the point about the present Head is not so much whether he tried to didn't try to change Mr. Tanner's mind, but that he had not the experience or the historical understanding (quite understandably) to be able to tackle the root of these problems.

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  14. This is clearly no Redundancy since the job still exists and it is the job not the person that becomes redundant. This is a clear case of constructive dismissal but Mr.T would never do anything to embarrass school or cathedral. In reality and in the case of somebody different they could take those responsible to the cleaners. Verified and checked by legal advice.

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    1. Chorister Parent22 March 2016 at 03:27

      I imagine the job would become redundant if there were plans to get rid of the girl choristers too. Is that the next move on the Dean's agenda?

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    2. I think it is a total disgrace that the parents of girl choristers have no idea what the plans for the future are. This is a fee paying schools and quite regardless of this it would seem to be to be a matter of common courtesy.

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  15. From the TES at https://www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy/director-of-music-devon-404762

    Exeter Cathedral School is seeking to appoint a dynamic and inspirational individual to become its new Director of Music.

    This is a key appointment for the School, and at its essence is the expectation that the new Director of Music will be the principal representative and ambassador for all school musical activity within this vibrant and musically-alive co-educational 3-13 Prep School.

    Music is absolutely central to life of the school. Founded in the 13th century as a chorister school, ECS now educates some 275 pupils, including the boy and girl Choristers of Exeter Cathedral, and the School’s musical heritage continues to be a crucial part of its identity. ECS has a celebrated track record of 13+ music scholarships to leading senior schools.

    The successful candidate is likely to be an outstanding classroom practitioner with exceptional credentials as a musician (including keyboard skills). S/he will be able to demonstrate substantial leadership experience and will have the energy and vision to be a role model for pupils and staff. Our aim is to foster a culture of inclusivity and ‘music for all’ but with a mindfulness for realising the potential of our most gifted pupil musicians. A sensitivity and regard for the traditions and past achievements of the Department will need to be combined with the vision to seek out new ideas and inspire the confidence of colleagues, pupils and parents in pursuing them. The ability to work co-operatively alongside the Department of Liturgy and Music at the Cathedral, and to be mindful of the demands made on the Choristers, is a prerequisite.

    Planning permission is in place for a £4m renovation of the School’s Performing Arts space, which will house music classrooms, practice rooms, offices, hospitality space, and a 200-seater rehearsal and performance venue. Graham Pelton Associates have recently been appointed to prepare a fund-raising planning study for this exciting redevelopment, which hopes to provide a stunning building befitting of the exceptional standard of music-making for which ECS is renowned.

    A competitive salary commensurate with the candidate’s experience will be offered.

    The school recognises that timescales are tight, and encourages early applications. The Headmaster would be pleased to discuss the position with prospective applicants and he can be contacted via Headmaster@exetercs.org.

    The closing date for applications is Friday, 15th April 2016 at midnight.
    Interviews will be held in the week commencing 18th April 2016.

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    1. Well there you are and who is THE most suitable candidate for this post? Stephen Tanner! The School should be moving mountains to keep him, not allowing his resignation to proceed, barely challenged! Whilst I am at it, I totally agree with all the other comments about David Davies who should have been given the post which Mr Noon so undeservedly holds after Andrew's retirement! It is an absolute nonsense that he was not THE most suitable candidate for that job, too, and I am appalled, as is my Daughter - a recent former Girl Chorister - that David has been treated in this way after all his loyal years of excellent service to The Cathedral and his experience and expertise. BOTH these fine musicians and men should be reinstated with an abject apology from the Dean and Chapter for their inept and ludicrously poor judgement! I do hope they reconsider these stupid decisions and that Mr Noon has the common decency to stand down given his current lack of backing and respect from the Parents and other members of the School and Cathedral communities. There should be a public campaign, if I may suggest such an idea, for both Stephen AND David, who, despite probably being just as hurt as Stephen at his own treatment, is an 'unsung Hero' in all this and also deserves our support. my Daughter and I no longer live near Exeter so do not feel we would be very influential in spearheading any public campaign but we would certainly be happy to sign a petition and support public exposure of these tawdry events and I hope someone will be brave enough to put themselves forward to contact the local newspapers and radio and TV about this. There is no time to lose if applications for Stephen's job runs out on the 15th April...

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  16. I hope that as many people as possible will be able to attend a meeting with the Dean, James Featherstone, Timothy Noon and Canon Thurtell on Saturday 26th March at 1.15pm in the Chapter House.

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  17. As an ex pupil I'd just like to say that ECS is a real community and when someone in that community is treated like this we stand up for them. Mr Tanner has been dedicated to the school for many years now and is greatly loved by choristers and non choristers alike. He knows the school inside out and has a tremendous amount of respect from the pupils. He has put his heart and soul into teaching the girl choristers and so who can blame him for wanting to leave when that is taken away from him? The dean is driving a wedge between the school and the cathedral and it's not going to be long before the very essence of the school is destroyed because there is nobody there who remembers what it was once like. The new headmaster can't be expected to truly understand the meaning of ECS because he has only just joined the community, so it is up to us, the people who know ECS through and through to make our voices heard. I have been gone less than a year now but I already think that the school has really gone down hill with so much change in a short space of time, and I do t think it will be too long before that change finishes off the school.

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    1. Well said and we echo your comments!

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    2. I am afraid to say that there are some who are beginning to wonder if this is the intention. However we must all be really careful not to create any sort of a sense that there are any problems at the school or it could become a self fulfilling prophecy. That is not to say we turn our back on the problem; far from it. We just need to continue our blog to share concerns and try to get to the bottom of what is going on here. I think it is a wider problem than Stephen Tanner and I think more people have been affected by this than is known. What is the Dean's main objective? £4 million renovation of the School’s Performing Arts space, whilst there is a known debt of £200,000 in the cathedral. Meantime the cathedral is seeking to separate out the Cathedral and School so that effectively there will be no employees of the school in the cathedral. And he has carte blanche to do as he pleases in both places. Please spread the word to trustworthy people who have the school's best interests at heart that this blog is not a forum of intelligent and caring people who can see that something invidious is taking place and that since arriving the Dean appears to have had an agenda which is not necessarily in the best interests of the school. "Money is at the root of all evil" as they say and often when trying to see what is motivating certain people or persons there has been no better way than following the money. Where is the 4 million coming from? Who owns the school buildings and why has it caused a trail of resignations since the Dean arrived?

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    3. Wise words from someone who clearly knows the unique value of the former ECS community. In truth the school has been in decline since Mr McDowell sadly gave up the headship. Since then there has been a succession of senior managers who have been more concerned with developing their own careers than the selfless service to the school that has been a unique feature of the school staff in the past and upon which its historical reputation has been based. This is all very sad for all those of us who have have experienced the special caring cohesive quality of the school in the past and does not bode well for the future.

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  18. I am so sad to hear this. Stephen Tanner gave me so many opportunities. I was one of the original girl choristers and I can tell you that no one loves that choir more than him. He fought for us when no one would stand up for us, when everyone saw us as 'secondary' and not good enough compared to the boys. He championed us and worked himself silly to make sure we had all the opportunities we could. He has given so many years of service and dedication and deserves the chance of deciding when he got to retire and go out on a high. This is one of the most unfair, unchristian acts and all concerned need to be disgusted at themselves.

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  19. It's ALL down to money I'm afraid. To blame anyone other than the Dean (this has been going on for YEARS under the current management) is totally uncalled for. I do think the Dean (the rest of the Chapter are puppets) has run the staff down and demoralised them. Tim Noon will have a 'running in period' and needs to be given time. Don't give him a hard time during this transition of the Choir. The major personnel around him has changed drastically and not to mention the recent changes in the back row. Give him a break! Lay any blame at the Dean's door.
    Stephen, please know that where ever you go in the future, I will support you and your family and will never forget your true friendship to ALL choristers both past and present. I wish you all success.

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    1. This comment is unhelpful since no one is blaming or giving Mr. Noon a hard time; however we are keen to have full confidence in him before we hand over our children, who at present for whatever reason don't like Mr. Noon and whose choice of language and child manner leaves us some concerns. Our children will always come first. Please do not speak in terms of Stephen departing. We are fighting extremely hard to ensure that this DOESN'T happen and this is the main purpose of this blog.

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  20. As a Director of Music in another similar place, I feel I should interject. This mess is clearly not the fault of the new DOM, new(ish) Precentor, or the new Headmaster of the school. When the job description for the new DOM was published on the Cathedral's website, it clearly set out that the Cathedral's music department was about to be restructured. The fact that the Dean and Chapter hasn't satisfactorily had the conversations in a sympathetic way doesn't impress, but also doesn't surprise me. Stephen Tanner clearly deserves better treatment than this, as he has been a most dedicated servant of school and Cathedral over many years. He clearly feels that he can't carry on working at the school, and given the way this has been handled, I rather feel I would be thinking the same thing if I were in his shoes.

    I hope this unnecessary cloud over Exeter's music disappears very soon - it could do further amounts of damage if not sorted swiftly. Surely what is important now is that the new members of staff (and I include the new ADOM and Organ Scholar who will arrive in September) are allowed to get on with the work they have been appointed to do.

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    1. Congregation Member23 March 2016 at 05:06

      I think that this unnecessary cloud is caused entirely by the Dean and, in my opinion, it is the Dean who should be disappearing. I, for one, have lost all confidence in him. Anyone in a management position at this level of the Anglican hierarchy should have interpersonal skills that prevent them from ever making such a mistake in the way they handle this sensitive restructuring process.

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    2. I agree.

      One of the responsibilities of a Dean is to: "To represent the Church in public life across the Diocese, to grow partnerships with
      faith and secular institutions, and to contribute to their intellectual, social and
      theological capital."

      The Dean does not appear to be able to demonstrate the necessary skills to fulfil his role.

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    3. Nobody at any time has put any blame onto James Featherstone who is much liked; however it would be naïve not to recognise that he is barely in a position to take on the man who appointed him and could not possibly understand the convoluted history of relations between Cathedral and school. He is too new in post. All chorister parents are prepared to support Mr. Noon but it is a source of concern that he has no teacher training and has not himself had time to build a really good relationship with children or parents and to win our entire trust. Mr. Tanner in combining both and with an enviable reputation behind him clearly gives us a far greater confidence. These are our children and the task they undertake is monumental. Most of us equate our children's success and motivation with Stephen Tanner, and know he is the kind of man who they do not make two of. The idea that our children as choristers and children within the school will be deprived of him because of the ideas of one man is intolerable. This man as Chair of the school is meant to be representing the children and parents' best interests. Just whose interests is he representing other than his own? The "parity" between boys and girls idea is complete nonsense. Parity is clearly not achieved by taking away the most outstanding teacher we have ever known.

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  21. So sad to hear about Stephen who is an excellent teacher and a fine musician and wonderful bloke. I was equally devastated to hear about David's forthcoming departure because he is also a fabulous, talented guy. That said, I am not surprised as virtually all the Cathedral's departments have been affected by appalling management/D&C decisions and the place is now rife with placemanship and nepotism. "If your face doesn't fit...". Really, only the West Wing Library and Archives and, to a degree, the Masons have not been severely affected by the bad leadership of the place. [Ex-employee]

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  22. As many parents of choristers have now had the opportunity to meet up this represents the concerns we have discussed. The Dean is currently controlling two establishments as in both Cathedral and in his position as Chairman of the Governors. It would appear to us that actions taken are directly oppositional to what is in the best interests of the school. Since he, the Dean, appointed James Featherstone ( who appears thoroughly nice and with a lovely family as a bonus) James is in no position to turn around and oppose him. It would therefore appear to us that a CONFLICT OF INTERESTS has arisen in terms of the Dean holding both positions in tandem. It has left a very vulnerable group of people who much as they know they are wholly in the right as regards their protestations has no authority to back them. Many chorister parents, especially those who go back a long way with Stephen Tanner, have found it hard to sleep or even to eat a great deal, because they rightly feel that the position he finds himself in is unforgivable, and that they are therefore involved in the fight of their lives. This is not only about their children but about what is morally right. The letter from the Dean calling for a meeting on Saturday reveals a set of timing regarding his particular ideas for re structuring which causes further concern since this would seem to co incide rather badly with the departure of our much respected Head, Stephen Yeo. Equally it has caused us to question the departure of Cannon Carl Turner, a wonderful asset to school and cathedral and who also departed surprisingly. Teachers who value their jobs and future careers do not speak out and it would appear to us that there have been under currents in our wonderful school which have been hard to get a handle on. Of course as chorister parents we have a selfish interest in wanting our children under the direct tuition and influence of Stephen Tanner; but even more than this we question the power base within the cathedral and whether it is actually benefitting our school at the present time and recent past. This is a fee paying school. As parents we cannot be mere passive participators. At the meeting it is our whole intent to reverse Stephen Tanners so called "Redundancy" and would be so very sad to think it might be high jacked by the kind of person who is ready and willing to go and buy Mr. Tanner a bunch of flowers and a "Sorry you're leaving" card. What has taken place is a massive wrong and injustice and it is up to us to put this right.

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    1. YES we totally agree, we must stand together with one aim, to reverse this ridiculous and soul destroying decision.

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  23. Some valid comments are being made here, although how you can compare what has happened to Stephen Tanner with the departures of both Carl and Stephen Yeo? Carl has moved onto one of the most prestigious jobs in the US and one of the most highly paid. One cannot blame him for applying and moving on. Especially as he was Acting Dean and before they appointed Jonathan Draper. You cannot really expect a member of staff to stay on for a long period of time in a lesser role if they have "held the reigns" in an "acting" role. Carl's move to America was a no-brainer and neither a surprise nor a secret to those associated with the Cathedral. The same goes for Stephen Yeo and his move to the Purcell School (for which he was Headhunted). If you were a Headmaster and a school with the reputation of the Purcell School come knocking, then you go. It was a good move for both of them, which has no reflection on the current Dean and the redundancy/resignation of Stephen Tanner.

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  24. Unfortunately when parents are kept majorly in the dark over something, they will then start speculating. Stephen Yeo had assured people he was in it for the long haul and that he could not imagine a better job. Carl Turner had so many personal connections to the cathedral it felt odd when he cut ties. Purcell School currently is an absolute Hell hole! You need to do some reading. Mind you if anyone can sort it out, it will be Stephen Yeo, but it will take some doing. Very possibly you are entirely right, but when given the present situation it is hardly surprising if people are looking back and asking new questions. We want to know for certain that everyone is operating in the very best interests of the school, and the staff and the children within it, and when we are suddenly confronted with a situation which flies in the face of this, of course people will question just how far it extends or extended.

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    1. ECS was a close mutually supportive community before Mr Yeo became headmaster - just look at it now !

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    2. What an odd comment and have to ask why this strange line is being posted. Stephen Yeo was much loved by all. Described in Good school's Guide as "man fitting school like a glove." His loss was mourned throughout. Incidentally ECS is still a close mutually supportive community where we support all that is right in the wider sense and what is right for its individuals.

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  25. On the subject of departing staff and the sense that there might be more behind it than meets the eye, could I just put in a word for David Davies? He is an outstanding musician, loved and respected by the children and has apparently no job to go on to...Is this also purely coincidental? He and Mr. Tanner were a top team.

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  26. Received list of fees yesterday from the Dean on headed CATHEDRAL notepaper. Normally would not even notice but it did make me question who is actually running the show? ECS and Cathedral are now independent entities aren't they? It rather suggest Dean is now pulling the strings in both.

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  27. Chorister Parent25 March 2016 at 11:28

    Is it true that the Dean isn't planning to attend the meeting tomorrow?

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  28. The Dean is attending tomorrow and it is so vitally important that all of us please attend the Chapter House at 1:15pm and use this chance to PERSUADE the Dean and Chapter to RECONSIDER ITS DECISION and REINSTATE Stephen Tanner. True they have already made two very speedy appointments: (1)Assistant Head and (2)Organ Scholar but this does not have to preclude Stephen from staying on!! DONT GIVE UP THIS FIGHT!!! These appointments can serve positively to help Tim Noon and Stephen with their huge workload. It's still workable. Financially they'll only be out of pocket the cost of an organ scholar, if they keep Stephen Tanner as Director of the Girls Choir and the new Assistant replaces David Davies (only in financial terms of course as David Davies is probably the country's finest organist)
    The cost of retaining Stephen's Job is a small price to pay for what would otherwise be such a colossal loss especially as Stephen does the job of at least 10 employees.
    The cathedral have shared the cost of his service with the school for over 20 years (since the creation of the girls choir in 1994) and in return Stephen has given every thing to the cathedral and he is now the only remaining constant there, not only to his choir but also to the cathedral congregation and the outer community through all his outreach work.
    Over the last 22 years in his role as Director of the Girls Choir and Assistant Organist since 1994 there have been 4 Deans , Richard Eyre, Keith Jones, Jonathan Meyrick and the current Jonathan Draper since March 3 2012

    It is this longevity which gives Exeter Cathedral and the school its distinguished reputation for great music. But what is priceless is the legacy of exceptionally fine musicians that he has created and nurtured and the PATERNAL FIGURE he has become to all his pupils and choristers alike. For decades after they have left the cathedral and school, his pupils report their highs and lows to him, their A level results, degrees, professional posts, weddings, funerals, christenings and when Chris Martin played at the Super Bowl last month to 111.9 MILLION viewers he flew Stephen out 1st class to be there for him while he performed the biggest gig of his life.
    DON’T LET STEPHEN GO

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    1. Agree with these comments 100%! Also, not only the Superbowl.,. Chris Martin personally invited and paid for Stephen and his equally as long-serving Wife to attend the 2012 London Olympics and put them up in an hotel. Chris Martin wasn't even a Chorister but credits Stephen with encouraging and teaching him to play keyboard so holds him in the highest esteem. Rather like the Dean SHOULD be doing!
      Perhaps someone can inform Chris Martin of what is happening because I strongly suspect that Stephen is far to modest to have informed him... Get Chris Martin on the case before it's all too late and we shall see how long the Dean can withstand such public opprobrium...
      Just an idea which I am sure Stephen would be very embarrassed about but equally desperate times require desperate measures...

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  29. James Featherstone- so pleasant and couldn't be more helpful to start with, now not wanting to see parents to discuss this matter, ignoring letters and emails,blanking anyone who has concerns about Mr. Noon. Clearly a man with a gun to his back and two little tinies he needs to think about.

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  30. Some people are acting and even speaking to Mr.Tanner as if they are very sorry but realize that matters have been decided. Please don't. Matters are not decided. Far from it. Be aware that there is right and there is wrong and sometimes the people who are prepared to accept the grey areas are themselves in the wrong. And to all those who are crying and hugging, again pleased don't. What we need is a show of strength and total clarity that we want Mr. Tanner reinstated and nothing less. It is Mr. Tanner's tragedy, not yours. Fight the good fight. Be strong.

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    1. Yes indeed I support this 100%.

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  31. Ex chorister parent27 March 2016 at 09:53

    I agree with so much that has been said so far on this forum. It does not seem possible to me that this should be a legal way for the Dean and Chapter to act...Not withstanding the fact that it is despicable behaviour that shows no respect for a man who has devoted much of his life to the Cathedral and the school. Both my children were choristes at ECS and had the honour of working with Mr Tanner, and I too have been fortunate enough to work with him and count him as a friend. His dedication to the role he serves is second to none. Does anyone know anything of the legal impications of advertising a job before discussing it with the person already in the role?

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  32. Just to clarify the situation to the Ex chorister parent above. Mr.Tanner was told by the Dean that he would no longer have a job in the cathedral. He would still have had his job in school, but watching someone else take over "his baby" for want of a better expression. The job he has loved and the wonderful thing he had created for girls over the years would be handed over entirely to someone else, and he would then have no part in it. This would be an intolerable position for most of us. He thus resigned. Mr. Featherstone has said clearly that he tried to persuade him otherwise; however what Mr. Featherstone clearly has no power to do is to make the Dean change his mind. The Dean is all powerful in the cathedral and as Chair of Governors, all powerful in the school. Clearly a situation which should never have been allowed. The Dean has appointed Mr. Featherstone so he is in an unenviable position. This has to change. It is beyond tolerable, and leaves the Dean in a position where he can make changes to the cathedral which impact adversely on the school and there is no one in a position to stop him. I am sorry to say but I think this situation is at the root of David Davies resignation and have many doubts about the official stories that were spun relating to departure of Carl Turner and Stephen Yeo. Yes, so he was head hunted, but possibly made it known to various Educational recruitment agencies that he was looking. You'd have to be mad to want to go to Purcell school in its present state. Don't think he was mad. I think he had his back against the wall.

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  33. "The school recognises that timescales are tight, and encourages early applications."--These are words taken from the Times Ed advert for new position at school. There isn't a doubt in my mind that this was all meant to be "done and dusted" before the parents knew a thing of what was going on. Once you have someone in post, there would have been no going back for Mr. Tanner and no possible way of fighting this.

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  34. Yes it is so much in keeping with Stephen Tanner's style not to make a fuss. To always keep going and work to his absolute best and what a testimony to this when we look back over these last 12 months and take stock the sheer volume and quality of the work he has produced both in school and in the cathedral while he ALONE knew that each event, concert and service in the liturgical calendar was probably his last. The Remembrance concert, Christmas, Easter. Just devastating and after 22 years he had no idea that his departure would have caused the huge and vastly growing uproar there is.
    Stephen's first love is with the girl's choir. We think that if he could devote all his time to directing and composing we would see a changed man. A very happy Stephen Tanner. This is all he ever wanted and what he justly deserves.
    Lets hope and PRAY that the Dean and Chapter will redress this situation and will apologise for any misunderstanding or miscommunication. If Tim Noon is able in his position as DoM to consider and agree to Stephen staying on as director of the Girls choir, this will sow the seeds of trust between them and we will continue to see PARITY between the boys and girls choirs as we have over the last 20 years under Andrew Millington . This will be a huge, glorious and brave turn around for the Dean and Chapter and the GOOD THAT WILL COME FROM IT will touch everyone now and for years to come.
    COME ON WE CAN DO THIS !!

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  35. (Parent of founding Girl Chorister)
    Did the proposed meeting take place last Saturday? If so, can anyone comment? Was there any discussion of this matter at the Old Choristers' gathering on Easter Monday?

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  36. Tomorrow evening 6 pm 11th April in Cathedral school library is the MLS meeting for start of term. Have no agenda but think as many of us as possible need to be there in case it is turns into a "Let's plan a really good send off for Mr. Tanner." Mr. T will not be there but as far as known Mr. Featherstone and Mr. Noon will. It is so important that we keep up momentum in terms of not accepting the idea. Mr T. will only return to ECS if he is allowed to keep on Girl choristers, so understandable. The Dean has demonstrated again and again that his first concern is the cathedral, and as such it is wholly wrong that he should hold overall power of the school. We need to make these points but cannot obviously expect either Mr. Noon or Mr. Featherstone to agree, even if in reality they do. The power of the Dean is excessive and it is essential that the Headmaster of the school is in the position to be able to protect the interests of the choristers and his staff without the Dean holding a gun to his back. We contributors have been criticized for our blog. But we are the people in the right. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said "Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act." and this point has been made throughout History. To remain a passive observer might seem like good sense, but it's wrong. Come to the meeting. Speak. Even if your views are different, speak. Only this way can we get where we need to go, and know that everyone's interests are being listened to and considered.

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    1. So what happened at the MLS meeting on the 11th? Is there any progress?

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  37. I see from this month's Cathedral News that there is a big farewell do for DD after the Eucharist on July 3rd.
    But *nothing* about ST's final service with girls the same day.
    Am I missing something here??

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