‘We are such stuff as dreams are made on...’

The Finale and Curtain Call were so perfect, so full of warmth and so glorious, Mr Ray and the Tarleton family will forever treasure the memories.

It was done in such style, South Dartmoor style, with genuine fun, affection and the attention to detail that makes the College such a special place to work. From the assembly through to the Marquee Celebration, everything was in the true spirit of our (now your) wonderful school. In part it was like being an award winner at the Oscars for a film that's taken twenty-one years to make; and in part it resembled an out-of-body experience at my own funeral!

The staff gift, a painting by the local artist and former South Dartmoor teacher, Sarah Bell, is a delight. It's called The Journey Home... and those of you who travel the A38 Exeter-bound, will recognise the view from the top of the Haldon Hill. When my children were at the school, as we drove back from Ashburton at the end of the day, I used to tell them to look down on the sprawling lights of the city, aware that one of those twinkles of illumination was home, where their mother would be waiting for us. Sarah's painting, your gift, captures that memory from a daily journey over the years that adds up to thousands of miles- perhaps as far as the moon.

I was especially grateful to Steve for compèring the final section of the assembly- the next Jonathan Ross? And to everyone who contributed to the hilarious DVD- some X-Factor talent there to watch out for, especially the PE Swingers and Pete's new solo bid for fame- KENatra? The students' response was overwhelming- what a wonderful group of young people. No wonder none of us ever wants to leave.

The Recipe Book is an inspired idea: I loved reading it and will truly enjoy trying out every recipe in it- even TAP's Tea. The concept is a winner- congratulations for devising it, Jane; the design is so professional- thanks to Bea and also John, Katie, Adam and Lin, to all of you for creating it. A special thanks to Nick Stimson for his magical opening tribute which reminded me of the start of a novel; and to Paul McCormick for capturing the memory so well of a meal not eaten! The recipeists all bring their personalities to their food choices. With quality photographs, highly original lay-out and easy-wipe pages, it's set to become this summer's sure-fire Amazon best seller.

The staff comments in the tribute book were overwhelmingly powerful and a joy to read. If I ever feel low, that's the book I'll take out to inspire me again. Thank you all: you never really know what people think until they have an opportunity like this. You were all so generous.

The amazing photo montage includes many memorable events and sights from the South Dartmoor past South Dartmoor. Thank you, Governors, for this imaginative gift, and John Bradford and team for shooting and compiling.

I'm unsure who to thank for the Marquee Celebration because of the secrecy surrounding it, but nothing could have been more fitting: delicious canapés from Scoffers washed down with Pimms and bathed in that fine jazz playing. Thanks to the musicians - Rachel, Jonathan, Jo and the students and to Lin who looked to me to have the air of someone in charge.....

I really appreciated everyone’s attendance. How lovely to welcome former Leadership Team colleagues who did so much with me to make the school the place it now is: Andy Hamlyn, Heather Stimson, Rachel Hutchinson, Martin Burt, Graham Allen and Dave Mardall; and former colleague, Paul Cornish. To complement the current Governors, I was also delighted to see former governors James Long, Veronica Groom and Helen Cock.

Phil Norrey, Chief Executive of Devon County Council, paid me a great compliment in attending. It was so kind of him to stay to the end to show his appreciation, a mark of his quality as a leader.

Finally to great teams and what a Team Leadership are. If only England could have played as well they spoke! But I'm not going to continue this sporting analogy- and you all know why. Let me just say that every one of them made me so proud - all those years of coaching them for Presentation Evening finally paid off! Kate led the event with such sparkle and poise, striking just the right tone and remembering everything and everyone.

Many of you told me how much you appreciated what the school did for your children. Me too! I was touched to find mine there, both home from London where they work, Alice at Channel Four News and Ed at Imperial College. They had been smuggled in by my wife, another surprise guest, in on the conspiracy from the start. We left for the final ‘Journey Home ...’ with the car boot bursting with your gifts and cards.

Prospero, the ruler of an imaginary island in Shakespeare’s final play, The Tempest, relinquishes his authority by throwing down his staff. At just the moment a prop was needed, Allan brought forth his majestic, decorated pole and allowed me to make the comparison between an island built on dreams (‘We are such stuff as dreams are made on...’) and a school built on dreams that are now real. My thanks to everyone who made the celebration of that realised dream one of the memorable moments of my life. Now let the curtain fall.

Ray Tarleton
Principal (September 1989-August 2010)