William Arthur Sibly JP (14 May 1882 – 20 September 1959), also known as WAS,[1] was an English headmaster and vegetarianism activist. He was the headmaster of Wycliffe College, succeeding the position from his father, who founded the school. Sibly was a key figure in the vegetarian movement, serving as President of the International Vegetarian Union (1947–1953) and Past President (1953–1959), as well as President of the Vegetarian Society (1938–1959).
W. A. Sibly | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | William Arthur Sibly 14 May 1882 Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, England |
| Died | 20 September 1959 (aged 77) Pitchcombe, near Stroud, Gloucestershire, England |
| Other names | WAS |
| Education | Lincoln College, Oxford |
| Occupation(s) | Headmaster, activist |
| Years active | 1906–1959 |
| Employer | Wycliffe College |
| Known for | Headmaster of Wycliffe College and vegetarianism activism |
Biography
editEarly life and education
editWilliam Arthur Sibly was born on 14 May 1882,[2] in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire,[3] less than a year after the foundation of Wycliffe College, where his father was the headmaster.[4] He spent his childhood within the school grounds, eventually becoming its senior boy. Sibly excelled academically and athletically, earning the affection and respect of his peers. Following in his father's footsteps, he attended Lincoln College, Oxford, which were his only years away from Wycliffe until his retirement.[4] He graduated with an M.A..[5]
Career at Wycliffe College
editSibly started teaching as an assistant master at Wycliffe College in 1906. He became the Housemaster of Springfield in 1910. In 1912, following his father experiencing an accident, he succeeded him as headmaster, at the age of 30. His early years as headmaster were challenging, especially during World War I, but he managed to keep the school running smoothly despite numerous difficulties.[4]
Sibly's tenure as headmaster saw significant expansion and development at the College. He oversaw the construction of several new buildings, including the Berryfield, the Library, the Assembly Hall, and the Memorial Chapel Tower and Spire, among others. His leadership helped establish Wycliffe as a respected institution.[4]
In 1931, Sibly handed over the school to the first Council of Governors, a step he initiated. Despite this change, he continued to work with the Council, contributing significantly to the school's ongoing development.[4]
Contributions to vegetarianism
edit
A lifelong vegetarian, Sibly was deeply involved in promoting vegetarianism.[4] Under his direction, Springfield House at Wycliffe College adopted a vegetarian diet by 1913, and it appears to have maintained this practice until Sibly's death.[5]
In 1923, he attended the International Vegetarian Union (IVU) Congress in Sweden. He contributed a paper on "The Work Done at Wycliffe College", highlighting the school's vegetarian practices. Sibly continued to be an active participant in subsequent IVU Congresses. In 1926, he presided over a session at the London Congress, where he discussed the vegetarian diet at the College and its approval by the New Health Society. He also authored a pamphlet titled "Vegetarianism and the Growing Boy".[5]
By the 1947 IVU Congress, Sibly had become the President of IVU, a role he held until 1953. He was instrumental in reviving the IVU after World War II.[5] He also served as the President of the Vegetarian Society, from 1938,[4] which celebrated its centenary in 1947.[5] Sibly hosted and largely organized the 11th World Vegetarian Congress in the same year at the College, where he was re-elected as IVU President.[5]
During his presidency, Sibly attended the 1950 Congress in the Netherlands, where he delivered a lantern lecture titled "A Vegetarian Wanders Around the Commonwealth", focusing on Australasia. His leadership was marked by a vision of vegetarianism as a hope for the future of humanity, a sentiment he expressed in his opening remarks at the Congress.[5]
Later life
editUpon retiring from Wycliffe in 1945, Sibly embarked on extensive travels, visiting countries such as South Africa, India, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Malaya, Kenya, the Middle East, West Africa, the United States, the West Indies, and South America. He continued to engage with the international vegetarian community and maintained strong connections with former students.[4]
After retiring as IVU President in 1953, Sibly continued to serve as Past President and remained active in the organisation. He chaired several meetings and participated in various Congresses, including the 1955 Paris Congress and the 1957 Congress in India, where he was welcomed warmly and spoke on vegetarianism's impact on culture and health.[5]
In addition to his work with the IVU and the Vegetarian Society, Sibly was actively involved in public life.[4] He was a chairman of the Stonehouse magistrates[6] and was a justice of the peace.[7] He served as a member of the Council of the RSPCA, and was involved with various local and national organisations.[4] Sibly was also a Methodist preacher in his local area.[8]
Death and legacy
editSibly died at the Resthaven, Pitchcombe, near Stroud,[9] following an operation,[8] on 20 September 1959.[2] A memorial service was held in the Wycliffe College Chapel. The service was conducted by Chaplain Rev. F. D. Morley, with readings by Rev. F. F. Clutterbuck and an address by Rev. T. S. Dixon. The College Choir led the singing. Headmaster Mr. S. G. H. Loosley, staff, and a large congregation attended, including representatives from the Gloucestershire Education Committee, Vegetarian Society, Boy Scouts Association, and other organisations associated with Sibly. Relatives were also present.[10]
Sibly Hall at Wycliffe College, commemorating Sibly and his father, was opened in 1964.[citation needed]
Sibly's death marked the end of an era for the IVU, but his contributions to the vegetarian movement were considered to have a lasting impact. His work at Wycliffe College and his leadership in the IVU helped promote vegetarianism and inspired many within the movement.[5]
Personal life
editSibly was a non-smoker and teetotal. He was also an anti-vaccinationist and anti-vivisectionist. He was an avid cyclist and the founder-president of the Stonehouse Wheelers' Club.[8]
Sibly never married, instead devoting his life to his school. He was described in an obituary as being somewhat eccentric.[11]
Selected publications
editReferences
edit- ^ "11th IVU World Vegetarian Congress 1947". International Vegetarian Union. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f "Author names starting with Si". New General Catalog of Old Books & Authors. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
- ^ Census Returns of England and Wales, 1911. Kew, Surrey, England: The National Archives of the UK (TNA), 1911.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Mr. W. A. Sibly: A Memoir". The Star. 1959 – via International Vegetarian Union.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Mr. W. A. Sibly". International Vegetarian Union. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
- ^ "Death of Mr. W. A. Sibly". The Birmingham Post. 22 September 1959. p. p. 4 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "The Vegetarian Society (UK) and IVU, 1950s". International Vegetarian Union. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
- ^ a b c "Death of Mr. W. A. Sibly". Evening Post. 22 September 1959. p. 31 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1861-1941.
- ^ "In Memoriam Mr W. A. Sibly". The Daily Telegraph. 29 September 1959. p. 12 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Obituaries". Lincoln College Record. Lincoln College: 16. 1960 – via Lincoln College Archive Catalogue.
- ^ "Health for our boys and girls / by W.A. Sibly". Wellcome Collection. Retrieved 23 July 2024.