Reverend Martin Beaumont (Taunton School Chaplain, 1985-1991)
We are sorry to share the sad news that former School Chaplain Reverend Martin Beaumont passed away on the 30th August 2024.
Martin was a much-loved member of staff during his time at the school between 1985 and 1991. OTs have commented that he ‘was tolerant and understanding’ and that his quiet presence and sympathetic approach had a great influence on the entire school community. Martin will perhaps best be remembered simply for his kindness. He was never too busy to spend time with a pupil, whether he or she had a problem or simply wanted to have a chat.
Martin gave freely of his time outside his pastoral duties. He coached the Junior Colts for four years and then the Senior Colts for three. As an article in the Tauntonian reflected, ‘there is no forward who passed through his hands who is not a better player for having done so’. Martin put in many hours for the CCF helping out in any way that he could, taking groups out walking and camping. He would always be the first to volunteer to help out on Field Day and also enjoyed his trips on the aptly named “Adventure Training” in Scotland during the Easter holidays.
One of the great delights for pupils and staff was an invitation to lunch or supper where the guests would enjoy both Ruth and Martin’s vast culinary skills. Outside school Martin was a stalwart of the Strollers amateur dramatic company and many staff enjoyed his roles in productions such as “Twelve Angry Men,” “Romanoff and Juliet” and “Enemy of the People”. He also carved himself some neat cameo roles in school summer productions such as “Cabaret,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Oliver”.
It seems fitting to end this tribute with the words of Martin and the Headmaster at his last chapel service in 1991. Martin admitted that “he may have given something to Taunton School, but that he had taken far more”. The Headmaster, Mr Sutton, put the record straight by saying that, “no matter what Martin Beaumont had taken from Taunton School, no-one could possibly have given more”.
If you wish to send a note to Ruth you are most welcome to send it to the Foundation and Alumni Office and we can forward all messages on.