Mercant TaylorsObituaries.qxp_Layout127/02/201813:04Page IN MEMORIAM www.merchanttaylors.com WITH MERCHANTS' TALES SPRING 2018 Mercant Taylors Obituaries.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2018 13:04 Page 2 Merchant Taylors’ Schools Taylors’ Merchant

2 Mercant TaylorsObituaries.qxp_Layout127/02/201813:04Page3 the details below. who have passed away. Please feel free to contact ususing We always welcome any information offered aboutthose it was fitting to publishthese inaseparate booklet. publication we have gathered many contributions andfelt main editionof Merchants' Tales butdueto thedelay in 'In Memoriam' articlesare traditionally includedwithinthe send ourcondolences to theirfamilies andfriends. members thatwe have lost over thelast 18months. We the alumni,staff, former staff andother community It iswithsincere sympathy thatwe remember thelives of In MemoriamSupplement Welcome toour www.instagram.com/merchantscrosby twitter.com/merchantscrosby www.linkedin.com/in/mtsalumnirelations/ www.facebook.com/merchanttaylorscrosby/ [email protected] 0151 949 9351 For boysandgirls aged 4-18years

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Merchant Taylors’ Schools 4 Remembering ourOldBoys In Memoriam Graham Whittaker 1951-58Graham Whittaker 1958-65 Ian Whittaker Bryan Tattersall 1942-49 1933-39 Will ‘Billy’ Reay 1956-65 Michael Grundy 1954-61Derek Wilkinson 1938-45H Gadd 1944-47 R Harris 1945-52 J Anthony Stevenson 1931-38J Malcolm Worthington 1935-43 Harold Rich 2009-16 Wade Neil 2004-11Graham Cunningham 1942-45 Keith Allen 1944-53 Brian Winhall 1961-62 Michael Rank Myles Constantine 1985-90 1975-82 Colin Joy 1951-55 Robert Aldridge Malcolm 1944-50 Chapman 1931-37Geoffrey Cornwall James 1955-62 Clayton 1935-42Raymond Platt 1945-48 Adrian Forshaw 1939-43William Aitken Donald Stewart 1940-47 1946-54 Dr Bernard James 1955-63 John Polglase 2013-17 Louis Simpson 1998-03 James Coyne 1952-60 Richard Chown 1940-49 Walter Holmes Mark Peter Edwards 1984-91 Frank 1946-56 Houghton 1944-53John Abell 1944-51 Robert Glover 1943-50 Geoffrey BEdwards Frank 1932-37 DCole condolences goto theirfamilies. current orprevious presidential years. Oursincere passing hasbeennotified to the Association ineitherthe The names listed below are for those OldBoys whose Old Boys' Council Meeting andattheAssociation's AGM. The lives of deceased OldBoys are remembered ateach AT SCHOOL Colin McFie remembered fondly, andwillbesadly missed. and was conducted by theRev DrBrianLeathard. Heis in London. Hisfuneral was heldatChrist , Chelsea, Old Boys’ Dinners to theJohnHarrison Society Luncheon regular attendee of many functionsover theyears, from Bryan was agenerous donorto theschools, andwas a years. Goodman, where heserved withdistinction for many became of apartner thefirm heworked for, Matthews and generous supporter of theChelsea Society. Heeventually as asurveyor. HemadehishomeinChelsea andwas a ofas part hisNationalService, andlater moved to London surveyor. Heserved intheRoyal AirForce from 1955 –57 Raymond Robinson in1951 to train asachartered Upon completing his studies hebecame to articled T with BrianGoodman. 1949 andserving onthecommittee of thedebating society during histimeatMTS, beingappointed apro-monitor in Navy ship. Despite this, hewas academically successful Second World War whoserved ascaptain onaMerchant his father duringthe – 47) andunfortunately lost older brother Sydney (1938 from 1942 –50, alongwith Corrigan. Heattended MTS his wife DaphneHilda Christopher Corrigan and was theson of James August 19th1932, Bryan Born inGreat Crosby on – 8thFebruary 2017 Died peacefully, aged84 1950 Leaver Bryan ChristopherCorrigan Mercant Taylors Obituaries.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2018 13:04 Page 5

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of his work. His belief that all people Alastair Hall Swayn are born equal and have a right to be heard is evident in many of his 1964 Leaver building designs which treat workers and visitors equitably and eschew a Alastair Swayn, who died on 4 August sense of hierarchy. A common feature 2016 of brain cancer, left his is a generous, naturally lit atrium— distinctive mark on Australia’s reminiscent of the structure of ocean national capital, Canberra, through liners—that distributes light through his many striking and innovative open-plan work areas. public and private buildings designed Alastair drew inspiration from many in his role as director of Daryl sources, including Mexican architect Jackson Alastair Swayn Architects. Luis Barragán and Spanish architect As the inaugural Australian Capital Ricardo Bofill. From Barragán he Territory Government Architect, developed his ideas of breaking down Polytechnic. His final year Alastair ensured that design and the building volume and allowing the project, designing a contemporary thinking was at the structure to blend into its landscape, terminal for Lerwick, in the Shetland fore of decision-making in creating while adding a sense of intrigue and Islands, earned him an additional year Canberra as a small ‘new world city’. openness to the façade. Bofill’s use of at the college to study computer- As Professorial fellow in Architecture robust colours also became a Swayn aided design of housing. of the University of Canberra he was trademark, demonstrated on a grand widely recognised as a distinguished In December 1972, he emigrated to scale throughout the Brindabella teacher and mentor. Australia, and was employed by the Business , the largest group of The boldness and imaginativeness of architectural firm of Collard Clarke office buildings by one architect in his vision are reflected in some of the and Jackson, in Sydney. He moved to Australia. the Canberra office in 1975, beginning city’s most distinctive buildings such An enthusiastic traveller, Alastair his 40-year association with the as the Brindabella Business Park, the drew on influences from many places capital city. Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at and cultures, from the Arabic the Australian National University, the Alastair worked with Collards on architecture of Morocco to the Singapore High Commission, and iconic projects such as the development of nineteenth-century many others. industrial design in British and

Department of Health building before Schools Taylors’ Merchant Alastair Hall Swayn was born on 8 moving in 1978 to Daryl Jackson American cities. From his days at the December 1944 in the small Scottish Architects to take over the Australian Polytechnic he was absorbed by coal mining port of Methil in Fife. With Public Service Commission building Scandinavian architecture and design, and regularly visited Scandinavia to familiarise himself with the latest His belief that all people are born equal and have a right ideas. to be heard is evident in many of his building designs. Alastair’s five-year appointment as the inaugural ACT Government Architect in 2010 reinforced and project. This project was the its industrial maritime feel, the town provided an outlet for his ideas for beginning of a perfect union. Daryl marked the start of Alastair’s lifelong Canberra as a city and the need for Jackson had not done a project on love of ships and industrial built environments of quality and this scale before, and Alastair had architecture. substance to enhance health, experience with large commercial wellbeing and overall liveability. He In 1948 Alastair and his parents projects. moved to Liverpool, where his father, firmly believed that ‘green’ buildings Frank, managed the British Cunard In 1987 the Canberra partnership Line’s laundry service. As a young Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn was boy, Alastair would accompany him formed. As the practice’s reputation aboard some of the line’s famous for award-winning projects grew, ships such as the Mauretania and more major public works projects Caroni. The Art Deco interiors of followed, including the Australian these and other luxury liners inspired Institute of Sport swimming pool and an abiding interest in the form. indoor running track complexes and the CSIRO Discovery Centre. At Merchant Taylors', Alastair showed a flair for architectural drawing, and Alastair’s Scottish heritage and he went on to study architecture at strong family values informed much 5 Mercant Taylors Obituaries.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2018 13:04 Page 6

In Memoriam

create significant economic benefits fund research into domestic and for both business and community, and office architecture in Australia. serve to define the culture of places. The Australian Capital Territory He delighted in mentoring young government marked his death by architects and designers. This has announcing the establishment of an resulted in Daryl Jackson Alastair annual internship for a recent Swayn morphing recently into DJAS, graduate architect in his name. led by a team of four of his mentees. Colour and light, design and function, A natural teacher, it became obvious purpose and good management, that he should teach formally, first as humour and optimism, acceptance a final-year tutor of young architects and inclusion—these mark the quality at the University of Canberra and, of the man and his architecture. from 2010, as professorial fellow in Architecture, a post he held until late A book of his work will shortly be 2015. available at the school library.

Alastair had a great gift for In January 2017, Alastair was friendship, and the warmth and honoured with the following award: For distinguished service to regard in which he was held, OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL architecture in the Australian Capital personally and professionally, was DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF Territory, through executive roles with reflected in the constant stream of AUSTRALIA Australia Day 2017 professional architectural institutes, visitors in his final months. He died The late Mr Alastair Hall SWAYN, and to the community. surrounded by friends and colleagues. (With effect from 23 May 2016) Libby Amiel and Brian Candler, His estate forms the basis of the Late of Kambah ACT 2902 executors of Alastair’s estate Alastair Swayn Foundation that will Merchant Taylors’ Schools Taylors’ Merchant

6 Mercant TaylorsObituaries.qxp_Layout127/02/201813:04Page7 Remembering ourOldBoys 1962 Leaver Patrick (Pat)Myall billeted atThe Bowling Green Hotel in Man Garrison asAdjutant andwas 43 hewas onthestaff of theIsleof rising to therank of Captain. In1942- Regiment where heserved till1946 he was commissioned intheKing’s Lancs RASC, aTA regiment. In1940 recruited to beadriver withtheWest War 2,during1939-40 hewas Tax Officer. With theonset of World Inland Revenue andbecame aSenior From 1934-39 Frank worked for the school in1932. School Certificate before leaving obtained theOxford andCambridge Sargent intheCadet Corps and prize in1929, rose to therank of September 1925. Hewon hisform Merchant Taylors’ School in Crosby Preparatory School entering attended College andthen neighbourhood allhislife. He and heretained hislinks to this Somme. Hisparents lived inFormby beginning of theBattle of The atthe born onJuly7th1916 he muchpreferred to becalled, was Francis Alexander Noble, orFrank as 1932 Leaver (Frank) Noble Francis Alexander exercised to thefull. puckish sense of humourwhichhe dearly. Hewas ahappy manwitha and grandchildren whom heloved him to spend timewithhischildren numerous occasions, thusallowing and forth to theUnited Kingdomon They dictated thatheshuttled back chronic illnesses over hisfinal years. Unfortunately hefought anumberof proximity of extended family. Island’s wonderful climate andthe had decidedto take advantage of the retiring he, alongwithhiswife Mary, Cyprus inJanuary2016. after Shortly know thathediedontheislandof Patrick’s friendsandcontemporaries It iswithgreat sadness thatIlet which Frank was ableto pursue his shared alove of Scotland through spending timeintheLake District and They marriedin1959. They enjoyed known Jean MaryScott, agoodgolfer. Since before thewar, Frank had you see today”. Tennis Clubinto thesuccessful club with “mouldingtheFormby Lawn him Life President. Hewas credited Captain for 4years. Later they made Treasurer from 1954 to 1976 and for of agoodpart hislife. Hewas member of Formby Lawn Tennis Club He enjoyed playing tennis andwas a inLiverpool,Experts retiring in1981. and was oneof theleading Tax Accountant. Hebecame aPartner Secretary andaChartered his exams both asaChartered of Chartered Accountants andtook a Tax Consultant ataLiverpool Firm Back inFormby, Frank went to work as not work out. son joinedhimbutthemarriagedid to hisroots inFormby. Hiswife and to managethehotel thenhereturned demobbed. For two years hehelped the hotel in1946 after hewas end of thewar andFrank returned to His son, George, was bornbefore the first wife: hermother ran thehotel. Douglas. This iswhere hemet his Bob Myall -1958 leaver will lingerinmy memoryfor ever. As abrother hewas unsurpassed and contributions towards thistribute. School archivist, for their son, andTrevor Hildrey, theBoys’ With thanks to George Noble, Frank’s wonderful neighbours. wife, goodfriendsandsome years to enjoy hisretirement, aloving however, agoodlonglife withmany son hadarranged for him.Hehad, birthday andthesmallparty thathis 2016 just 6days before his100th Frank passed away onFriday, July1st the pleasure of eating out. swallow, eventually deprived himof difficulties, includinganinability to wine anditwas sad thathealth food accompanied by aglass of red interest inrailways. Frank loved good

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Merchant Taylors’ Schools 8 In Memoriam his death. by thetree to marktheanniversary of friends. Recently flowers were placed site inthepresence of hisfamily and in Louis’ memoryontheBoys’ School After theservice, atree was planted anthems, was particularly poignant. one of Louis’ favourite Liverpool rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, Middle School ChamberChoir’s and also difficult times. The Girls’ whom they shared laughter, joy, fun such animpact onthemandwith had reflected ontheirfriendwhohad by Louis’s friendsinYear 9–they planned andprepared withgreat love Faith’s Church, Crosby andwas for hislife. The service was heldinSt June to remember andgive thanks Service of Thanksgiving was heldin who diedinatragic accident. A loss of Year 9pupilLouis Simpson, community was devastated by the In Januarylast year thewholeschool 2017 Louis Simpson Mercant TaylorsObituaries.qxp_Layout127/02/201813:04Page9 Remembering ourOldBoys in catching uphetold meof his only to reconnect fairly recently when and Ilost touch for anumberof years few regrets inlife butoneisthatEd in extremely highregard. Ihave very Logica/CGI where Iknow hewas held on to have astellar career at Ed took allthisinhisstride andwent are intheCricket season!). (I have never understood why exams negative impact onourA-level results together, lots of laughsandapretty long away games, great times spent school Cricket team meant lots of his career inIT. Being of part the numbers that would serve himwell in good pointer to hiseye for detail and Frindall method whichgave apretty the MTS first XIandmastered theBill misdemeanour). Ed was thescorer for aspenancepart for some schoolboy members butwere persuaded to take who was whom–we were not VSU and Hardy ataVSU concert (guess including oneof heandIasLaurel birthday doatTwickenham last year, old photos ondisplay atEd’s 50th after anditwas amazing to see the many experiences through school and MTS, leaving in1983. We shared Forefield Lanethrough ourtimeat paths atschool from theageof 5at other inCrosby andran alongparallel literally around thecorner from each Ed Jones (“Eddie”) and Igrew up FROM IANKERR1977-83 Deceased 10thMarch 2016 1983 Leaver Ed Jones and apretty impactonourA-levelresults. negative away games,great spenttogether, times lotsoflaughs schoolCricketteammeantlots oflong Being partofthe watching thegame. was 12thman, whichmainlyinvolved accurate statistics abouteach game. I compiling impressively detailed and was helpful, by actingasscorer, playing department, butatleast Ed particularly gifted inthecricket “around”, asneitherof uswas around thecricket pitch. Isay school we hadmany happy times towards theendof hislife. Whilst at later inlife –inEd’s case, sadly, reconnected, to my great pleasure, for awhileafter school and throughout ourschooldays, lost touch day atschool andwe became friends I met Ed “Eddie” Jones onmy first FROM JONBOND 1977-83 great ladthatwillbesadly missed. unique sense of humour. Atruly on many challenges andallwitha determination atclose handintaking surprised atallhaving seen his sector business atCGI. Iwas not in hiscareer inrunningthepublic I was surprised how far hehadgone When we met upagainheasked meif could have fought harder thanEd. is ahorriblycrueldisease thatno-one under focused area of medicine. This but theprofile of brain tumours asan work doneto raise not just money, battling through, andtheincredible his wonderful family have shown in positivity andtotal focus thatEd and illness. Ihave beenamazed by the his friends. pleasure to know himandto beoneof us too soon, itwas aprivilege and career. AlthoughEd was taken from this passion had inspired asuccessful absolutely delighted to discover that engineering andcomputers andwas passionate aboutelectrical early 1980s. Myfather isstill Merchants' Computer Club inthe attending talks by my father atthe career inIThadbeeninspired by reconnected was thathissuccessful The nicest thingEd told mewhen we was done. was very relieved too thatnodamage colour drained from hisface andhe As we walked those 150yards, allthe least. ever hit, buttheoneheenjoyed the It was probably thebest 7iron Ed anything. Itmust have hittheframe. miraculously withoutbreaking landed onthegreenhouse roof, down thegarden 150yards and he hitthesweetest 7iron, whichflew in my back garden. Ononeoccasion, Ed andIalso enjoyed hitting golfballs

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10 Merchant Taylors’ Schools In Memoriam but youwere centre alwaysatthe ofhis. centreLee neverwantedtobethe ofattention something! Alas, timeran outashe his symptoms! Maybe hewas onto him butcertainly didnot aggravate didnotmust cure admit one'trial' afraid to experiment onhimself andI he could cure himself. Hewas not body so muchthathewas convinced disease andtheeffects of food onthe annoyance ashehadresearched the surgery. This was muchto Lee's underwent major, life-changing reached acrisispoint andat15he absence was aworry, hishealth worse. Although hispersistent this illness became progressively extremely quiet nature. Unfortunately making friendsinspite of thisandhis to hisface! Lee hadnotrouble in steroids andanasogastric tube stuck starting anew school pumpedupwith Crohn's Disease. Ireally felt for him holidays, hewas diagnosed with here. However, duringthesummer successful insecuring himself aplace home. Sure enoughLee was then beingovercome withasense of Taylors’ thinking“whatadream” - that was, andstill is, Merchant shown around theamazingbuilding I distinctly remember Lee &Ibeing MTS 2009 LEAVER 2009 Leaver The Tenacious Hero Lee Newhall have numerous handwritten tributes situations withastounding success. I He practised outhis studies inreal life positive impact oneveryone hemet. achieved hisambitionof being a I can say thatunbeknown to him,he was not to seek fame andfortune but September 2016. Lee's motivation Lee sadly passed away on5 bout of depression. returned homefollowing asevere Distinction inChinese Mandarinbut counselling course andachieved a psychology, heattended another York University and,whilst studying course back home. Hethenwent to and passed aCounselling Concepts achieved practitioner status inNLP answer. Lee went to Croydon and He firmly believed NLPwas the a positive difference to people's lives. so muchto master hiscraft andmake psychology andhypnosis. Hewanted studied linguistics alongside extensively, watched lectures and core of its originalconcept. Heread studied relentlessly, goingto thevery affects ourbodyandbehaviour. He language andhow theirinterplay i.e. thedynamics between mindand NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Through thishefound hispassion for same position. realised many others would beinthe effective helpfor himself andquickly made himdetermined to find rather thangivinguponlife, this various medications andtrips to A&E, Following various forms of therapy, in dueto allhehadbeenthrough. During these years depression hadset several re-starts of years' study. South Sefton 6thform College after at MTS butpassed 4ALevels at Lee failed to complete ALevel study never anoption for Lee. to falling so far behind.This was teachers to drop many subjects due subjects, ignoringthepleas of his home andachieved AsandBs inall10 was hisGCSE year, hestudied at became extremely ill.Althoughthis Newhall Prepared by Lee’s mother, Paula who hadthepleasure to know him. tenacious hero, adored by everyone Lee Newhall, theunassuming light anditnever goes out. Everlasting peace Lee -There isa nature, madehimtrulyremarkable. courageous yet caring andgentle astounding. These, alongwithhis His intellect andwisdom were Determination madehimasuccess. Determination gavehimdetermination Positivity Strength madehimpositive Compassion gavehimstrength His Suffering madehimcompassionate richer to emulate hisfantastic ways.' right whenhesaid 'we willallbefar word for everyone. Hisfriendwas He always hadasmileandkind considerate: hisfamily confirm this. kind, funny, intelligent and would brighten any room. Hewas failed to bringjoy andlaughter and would treasure forever; Lee never turn anaverage day into oneyou now thatismy profession. Lee would played guitar allthrough thenight - were always atthecentre of his. We be thecentre of attention butyou from hisfriends. Lee never wanted to Mercant TaylorsObituaries.qxp_Layout127/02/201813:04Page11 Remembering ourOldBoys mates asthey appear inThe Peter withhisrugby andcricket team Form Union.The illustrations show of theCCF andChairman of theSixth also a Sergeant intheArmy Section Mellor Essay commendation. Hewas rugby, cricket andathletics) anda Cup (for greatest contribution to Dawbarn Prize for Integrity, theAlty Cup (shared) for best all-rounder, the Challenge Cup (Open 200m), Holmes Athletics HalfColours, theFay 1st XV Colours, 1st XIColours, by sharing some of hisachievements: to school life are better appreciated justice. Histalents andcontribution rounder’ perhaps does not dohim To describe himas‘a goodall- House. Head of School hewas also Head of identified. Inadditionto beingvoted leadership prowess andsporting were personal qualities for potential During histimeasapupil,both his who preferred to becalled Peter. is thenameof DonaldPeter Iddon, mates. OntheHeads of School Board refresh memories of team andclass the Boys’ School asthishelps to Boards are afocal point for visitors to Lists of names ontheHonours’ 1974 Leaver Donald PeterIddon fields where hewas possibly at his spent countless hours attheplaying application thatnever faltered’. He classroom withacommitment and preferring ‘to fulfil hisduties inthe latest fad orpiece of technology ‘Schoolmaster’. Hewasn’t onefor the described by acolleague, asatrue The King’s School. Hehasbeen talent. descriptions of hisbowling and rugby ‘excellent’ isused withregularity in Crosbeian magazineandtheword an enormouslyinfluential figure at Special Needscoordinator... hewas Housemaster of Hostel House, Tutor, Head of Boys’ Games, responsibilities including4thForm the years hehadvarious time, theU14Basketball Team. Over various rugby XVs, aswell asfor a in Charge of Cricket andCoach of was very involved insport,asMaster Worcester. Asyou would expect, he a variety of roles atThe King’s School Peter’s career was spent undertaking in both sports. . Herepresented theUAU Universities and2ndX1for Rugby Clubandcricket for English Loughborough College andWorcester He played rugby for Waterloo, credentials extended beyond school. Loughborough College. Hissporting Education Sciences andSports from Peter gainedadegree inPhysical have contributed to this article. have contributedtothis words anddetailofPeter’s life adult The King’s School,Worcester, whose toPeter’s thanks With at colleagues June 2016. He passed away peacefully on21st meet’. people thatyou could ever hopeto ‘Pete was simplyoneof thenicest loyalty. witty, kindandhadagreat sense of those values inourpupils’. Hewas behave anditwas important to instill that there were proper ways to of complete integrity whobelieved as ‘a truegentlemen’. ‘Hewas aman A friendandcolleague described him teams andtheboarders. cultural activities for both thesports put to use inarranging and sporting His great organisational skillswere Boarding Houses happy places to be. intelligence whichmadethese firmness, fairness andemotional last year of boarding. Hedidthiswith eight years andChoirHouse inthe Hostel House atThe King’s School for and children Kate andHarry, ran Peter, withhismuchloved wife, Anita, should becherishedandrespected. traditionalist, believing thatlanguage teacher of English,very mucha happiest. Hewas also aninspirational

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12 Merchant Taylors’ Schools In Memoriam 1963 Leaver Dave Tootill greatest detail! discuss ’s shortcomings inthe beers went down we were ableto a very analytical mindandasthe match against South Africa. Dave had watch Englandlose theironeday ground inPretoria theprevious day to had beento theCenturion cricket Jo’burg for lunch,after my wife andI met inFebruary 2016 atWanderers in The last timeIsaw Dave was whenwe cottage atUmdloti near Durban. lives inCrosby. Heowned aholiday Dave’s sister, Mrs. Sue Williamson, coachsports wholives intheUSA. in Johannesburg andtheirson is a Dave was marriedto Marionwholives production systems. management of inventory control supply chainoptimisation andthe company whichfocused onlogistics, Africa. Hethenstarted hisown settling inJohannesburg, South mine companies, before eventually plus aspellwiththeZambian copper of years atPrice Waterhouse Coopers, graduation, heworked for anumber obtained anMAinClassics. After College, Oxford (1963 to 66)where he to 63. Hethenwent to St John’s Dave attended MTS Crosby from 1956 without seeming to tryvery hard. chaps whowas goodateverything Dave was oneof those annoying writes: Old Boy andfriendChrisDelaney getting theball off him,butitwas recall getting past him,orever despite theembargo atMTS. Inever so good atsoccer, occasionally. Hewas tennis there Park, andalso played incessantly inVictoria who played soccer gang of mostly MTS members of the large both were regular wicket-keeper. We was starting outas a particularly whenhe practising cricket, kicking afootball or hours athisplace subjects. Ispent many for different Olevel desks until we opted sitting inadjacent the first two years We were in2CandLower Remove for SOME OTHER TRIBUTES ARE: sad day. memories now flooding back -areally memorable of all1966). So many finals (1964, 1965, andmost went together to thethree FA cup It was through hissoccer links thatwe competition for thefullback position. achieved hissoccer blueamid much steely determination evident whenhe For allhisquiet demeanour hehada of solidarity atthetop of theorder! He shouldhave openedto give abit get himout, from apart theoddLBW. mainly inthenets whenIcould never We spent muchtimetogether atuni- Really shocked to hear aboutDave. MTS 1963 cricket team: with BrianCarpenter, captain of the MTS cricket team mates –starting many tributes received from his1963 after illness, ashort there have been Since Dave passed away inMarch, lifelong Everton supporter. single drawn game. Dave was a the 1963 season, withouteven a match against other schools during which uniquelywon every single wicket keeper for thecricket team won aBlue atsoccer. Hewas the only OldBoy of MTS, Crosby to have rugby, cricket andfootball. Heisthe Dave was supremely – goodatsport Remembering ourOldBoys owe themfond farewells. (Robin Cox) To those whohave sadly left uswe of usknow whatisaround thecorner. modest. (MichaelGrundy) full of themselves, Dave was still so exceptional most sportsmen, of them, the ‘privilege’ of meeting several been aboxing champion!Ihave had could never imaginehewould have would probably have succeeded atit, I hand to any andalthoughhe sport I amsure hecould have turned his (Richard Norris) skills to handskills-noproblem. the Rugby field, switching from feet but hestill showed enormousskillon skill. Iknow soccer was hisfirst love stumps butthatshowed hisgreat You didnot notice Dave behindthe unassuming butalways gave hisbest. important memberof ourteam, memory of himatschool. Avery Dave hadnot changedfrom my Chellingworth) well. Hewillbemissed. (John mercurial, andhisrugby exploits as keeping prowess-reliable, sometimes I can still see theimageof hiswicket- for life. humour, intelligence andenthusiasm We can immediately remember Dave's Thomas) be not very goodatsoccer. (Peter J BWilliams, itwas atough place to Oxford. With Dave, Walter Herriot and great to hear abouthisBlue at opportunities taken. None the importance of the value of friendship, and few years have emphasised .We shallmiss him.The last the deeperDave Tootill. making onewishto know calm external presence, He possessed thatlovely number of sports. so very talented ina Dave was alovely guy, and (Ferdie Gardner) will besadly missed. was agreat and sportsman footie withourmates. He Park- cricket and back to summers in My memories of Dave go

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14 Merchant Taylors’ Schools In Memoriam talent for filling silences withgentle Bailey’s Nightclub. That’s where his Mary, andthesights and sounds of Watford. There he met his first wife, prospects, hejoinedChrisdown in After a string of jobs withfew Blue Jeans. knowing allthenames of theSwinging him he’d never make aliving from levels, andadespairing father telling verbs, andPhilleft school with no‘A’ interesting thantheintricacies of Latin on local farms were far more But Merseybeat anddrivingtractors trousers. about Chris’ taste inhaircuts and years they never fell out…except generosity lasted alifetime, andin50 after school. That kindness and Chris didn’t have to wait there alone behind onacold rugby field so that lifelong friendswhenPhilwaited society. HeandChrisJames became his success withinthedebating then to mimicthestars of theday, and at theGirls’ School, hisability even his popularity amongtheyoung ladies remember hisquickwit andrepartee, for Oxford orCambridge. Friends Taylors’, where hewas quicklymarked scholarship to board atMerchant wonderful mindearned hima given away herfirst baby, his Norwich to amother who’d already voiceover projects. Born inabedsit through hiswork inmedia and became alegendinhislifetime From very humblebeginnings, Phil DIED 14APRIL2016 1970 Leaver Phil Clift(akaSayer) both pickingupa bitof extra freelance during acigarette break whenwe were of hardship –infact, on thefire escape struggles. Hemet meduringaperiod didn’t mindothers knowing of his different person post-therapy, he sometimes hewas penniless, butasa sometimes hewas infullemployment, Business ebbedandflowed – single Dadto histwo teenage children. even found himself unexpectedly a studied for apsychology degree, and contacts bookfor voiceover work, childhood, beganbuildingupasolid came to terms withhisunhappy had ayear of therapy inwhichhe struggling to cope. Hesought help, without ajob, withoutawife and was not renewed, he found himself and, whenhiscontract withtheBBC the breakdown of asecond marriage During thistimehewould experience and was respected andadmired. presented hisown dailyradio show, For ten years heread thenews, Dad. and enjoyed hisrole asaweekend divorced buthestayed livinglocally time attheBeeb. PhilandMary television beganin1983. Heloved his regional newsreader whenbreakfast Preston andlandedajobasBBC TV, didshifts onRed Rose Radio in continuity announcingwithGranada work front, hehadexperience at were bornintheearly 80s. Onthe their children, Richard andJoanna, Phil andMarysettled inBolton, and radio. sounded unclear onAMfrequency stepfather’s name–because Clift name from Cliftto Sayer –his By thenhehadchangedhisradio excellent. presenter –slick,andtechnically working team memberandabrilliant where heisstill remembered asahard and thenmoved to Piccadilly Radio on UBN,anindustrial radio station, returned to theUKto present music Palestine. After three months he promoting peace between Israel and station anchored off Tel Aviv, on The Voice of Peace –apirate Israel to present hisfirst radio shows Monkhouse. Later hewould head to such asTommy Cooper orBob introduced thebigstars of theday with laughter became evident, ashe patter ormakingtheaudience roar Elinor Hamilton Mind The Gap words: qualities inthose three important little reminded of himandhisunique acquaintances goinlife, they willbe grandchildren, friendsandnumerous No matter where Phil’s children, in thebeautiful send-off hehad. The love heshared inlife was reflected voice that told herthiswas Phil’s. miss itdueto acancelled train: the hoping to attend the funeral hadto him. Oneof hisfriendswho was Prince, whichwould have astounded Last Word withVictoria Wood and Phil shared anobituary onRadio 4’s another. years, they found great comfort inone also seek himoutand,inthelast few In later life, hisadopted sister would school. an enthusiastic parent governor atour where hisfuneral was held)andwas the church where hemarriedme(and and enjoyed beingakeen memberof Phil found hisfaith inhisearly forties for ourtwins. ‘Kooks’ became theparenting manual listening to DadFM.Bowie’s song and hours were spent inthecar trivia knowledge was second to none, that may yet come inhandy. Hismusic and ancient computer components records, pinball machines, bits of wire excellence, andanavid collector of parent, insistent ongrammatical was often chaotic, buthewas aloving the ‘extraordinary’. Inprivate, hislife verbally transform the‘ordinary’ into to share advice, andwithanability to ego, buthelpful, friendly, always willing professional –someone withnobig In work, Philisremembered asatrue three years later. twin sons, Alex andBen, came along minds. We marriedin2002 andour 25-year agegap, we were of like same sense of humour, anddespite the We both shared thesame values, the beyond, ontheLondon Underground. anonymous voices allover theUKand becoming two of themost famous joining forces inbusiness and sharing memories together, aswell as quickly became fourteen years of hour of exchanging life stories quite work atTower FMinBolton –andthat Mercant TaylorsObituaries.qxp_Layout127/02/201813:04Page15 Remembering ourOldBoys colours. years andbeingawarded fullcricket in thesidefor hisremaining school debut inLower 5th,retaining hisplace achieved feat of makinghisFirst XI senior cricket, gainingtheseldom mid-teens from playing agegroup to rewarded withaswift elevation inhis him dedicate hours inthenets andwas improve histechnique andskillssaw school; hissheerdetermination to Cricket was where Markexcelled at School 2nd XV inhisfinal year. captaining anincredibly successful (some may say greedy) No. 8, were best suited –asanallaction to where healways believed histalents although heeventually found hisway predominantly inthe2ndrow, stamina saw himoperate with adistinct lackof pace and innate ‘footballing abilities’ combined During hisschool Rugby career Mark’s the CCF. member of theArmy Section of productions andwas anakeen occasions inhouse plays andschool skills onmore thananumber of Swimming), demonstrated histhespian teamssports (Rugby, Cricket and the school atallagegroups invarious representing hishouse (Harrisons) and He madethemost of histimeatMTS, new friendsinMr. Bailey’s form (2B). Mark joinedtheschool at11,joininghis early, on5thAugust 2017, aged44. Mark was sadly taken from us too 1984 to 1991. Mark Peter Edwards –MTS Crosby 29th June1973 -5thAugust 2017 1991 Leaver Mark PeterEdwards assist young peoplein the The purpose of theFoundation isto Edwards Foundation. friends have inaugurated The Mark Godfather andthree of hisclose long love of hisStepfather, sport his In remembrance of Markandhis life never forgotten. leader of men.Hewillbemissed, but development andasa asasportsman, of itplayed thepart inhis Taylors' School shouldbevery proud enjoy every moment of it. Merchant play hard, play fair, play to winand pursuits. Hisattitude was always to themintheir the girlsandsupport found timeto bethere for Annaand Despite hiscrazy jet set life healways family Anna,Beth, Alex andTori. hadforand support andwithhis to Markandshonethrough inthelove and close family was clearly important was family. The importance of astrong passion for buthisgreat sport love MTS certainly fostered Mark’s great laterally golfatWest Lancs GC. Captain of in2002 Northern andmore CC, having thehonourof becoming cricket CC atNorthern andHongKong rugby, atWaterloo and HonkKong CC, Sunday league Football for Dingwall, beloved Everton, alongwithplaying inMark’smajor part life, following his enjoyed. Hislove of played sport a that heandhisfamily thoroughly Hong Kong, awonderful periodof time taking inan8year spellasanexpat in International ShippingandLogistics, respected career intheworld of went onto buildasuccessful andwell Montfort University inLeicester and Following school Markattended De forward. months to establish itself going Charities Commission inthenext few Foundation willbeapplyingto the have already beenreceived, andthe live on.Several promises of donations passion for sport,nurtured atMTS, will Mark’s nameandhisenthusiasm and benefit from theCharity thatbears Young andwomen sportsmen will and anyone whowishes to help. of donationsfrom family andfriends will beachieved through thecollection membership fees asappropriate. This coaching, mentoring andclub equipment, education, sports be distributed asgrants for clothing, health, by usingthefundscollected to amateur excellence sporting and achievement anddevelopment of

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In Memoriam Remembering our Old Boys

Graham Cunningham 2011 Leaver

Graham was a keen sportsman and America and more closer to home represented the school in a number of geography trips to Hull and Bowness. fields most notably athletics, cricket These trips were always eventful and and rugby. It was in athletics in the never short of a few laughs with many 100m, 200m and long jump that saw stories best remaining untold.

A popular, kindhearted, witty & cheeky character who had many friends across the school.

Graham achieve his first sports tie, Aside from his sporting achievements soon followed by his full colours in Graham was highly academic and Rugby. It was Graham’s electric pace secured his first choice place at and quick feet that made him the Newcastle University to study A few words about Merchant Taylors’ perfect winger, and regularly one of Economics in 2011. After a successful Old Boy, Graham Cunningham, who the top try scorers throughout his year degree he graduated in 2014 and sadly passed away on 3rd September group. This all accumulated in returned back to Liverpool to pursue a 2017. reaching a Lancashire Cup Final in career in Finance. Upper Sixth Form which has to be put Graham followed in older brother A popular, kindhearted, witty and Andrew’s footsteps, joining the school down to numerous lunchtime training Merchant Taylors’ Schools Taylors’ Merchant cheeky character who had many sessions, fuelled by a Hampers’ from Forefield Junior School in 2004 friends across the Schools. He will be Vienna. and successfully completed his studies deeply missed and fondly remembered through Sixth Form where he studied There were many school trips over the by his classmates. Economics, Mathematics and years to California, Meymac, South Geography. Prepared by Graham’s classmates

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18 Merchant Taylors’ Schools Mercant TaylorsObituaries.qxp_Layout127/02/201813:04Page19 In Memoriam Remembering ourOldGirls home on4th April 2017 asnotified from hersolicitor. FLEMING Birthday in April2016 asreported by Margaret Owers. DRURY Malcolm. Willerby near hersister. Asreported by herhusband August 2015 of cancer, after abrave anddignified fight in DOWNEY she was making arecovery, so herson Rob reported. prolonged periodbutherdeath came whenitwas believed 11th November 2015 following problems heart over a CYPHUS please. Seeds’ family inOrmskirk.Any details further welcome detailsfurther obtainable yet. of MarriedMartin ‘Clucas 2016-2017. Mailreturned marked ‘Deceased’ but no CLUCAS 24th December 2016 asreported by SheilaDuncan CLAYTON Paton. died on24th December 2015 sister aged91, to Sheila CHEVIS when atschool. was back livinginthesame house shelived in,inWaterloo, housebound for 2years. Reported by herson Robin. Avril January 2017 after suffering withM.S. &COPD andbeing CAIN nephew. Sister to Rita (see below) -reported by Rob Cyphus, her days after beingadmitted to Dorset County Hospital. 12th August 2015 after afullandactive life, amatter of BROTHERTON detailsNo further available. been recorded ashaving diedon19thAugust 2008. BREAR form 1990-1992 andnow lives inBristol. Anne’s daughter Deborah Hadwinattended MTGS Sixth by herfriendSue McKillop (NeeBlackledge 1976-83). September 2016 inLiverpool of lungcancer, asinformed ASQUITH (MTOB) lives inAuckland N.Z. Mollie’s death. Mollie’s brother, Bishop Peter Atkins Williams (nee Lucas). Mollie’s son notified Margaret of to asheepfarmer andkept intouch withMargaret January. Molliespent many years inNew Zealand married May 2017 inWellington, New Zealand following astroke in AMOS condolences goto theirfamilies. current orprevious presidential years. Oursincere passing hasbeennotified to the Association ineitherthe The details listed below are for those OldGirlswhose Avril Ninette (NeeOver 1958-65) diedon8th Mollie Dorothy (NeeAtkins 1945-52) diedon10th Joan (1937- 45) of Waterloo; a‘lost has member’ Vera ‘Avril’ (1941-48) after diedshortly her85th Lois Francis (NeeBirch 1933-41) of Haslemere, Jean Rosen (NeeCairns 1948-55) died between Dorus ‘Rita’ (NeeBrotherton 1934-40) diedon Niccola (NeeGreaves 1962-71) diedon20th Dawn (NeeMetcalfe 1928-35) diedinaNursing Anne (NeeMorton 1958-65) diedon5th Sheila V. (1945-52) of Scarborough, diedon Eileen Adela Charlotte (1932-40) diedon March 2017 details. inDundonald.Nofurther WILSON died after battling cancer, on 10thOctober 2013. her husband Reginald William Almond(ExMTBS1938) also mother, Joan MarjorieAlmond(NeeCameron) says that Jean diedquite awhileagoinLudlow, Shropshire. Susan’s her nameinthelast newsletter andemailedusto say buthernieceMember’ Susan Pettican (NeeAlmond)saw WILLIAMS Lost OldGirls’ List. Maureen Andrews (NeeSmith1946-53) after reading the April 1997 inHorncastle, Lincs. As informed by herniece WILLIAMS Williams. beside herasreported by JanEaton andMargaret 11th January2017, withherdaughters Sally andJane SQUIRES Rosemary Lambert. 2016 inSt Nicholas’ Care Home. Cousin to Jean Smithand PARKER 2017 asreported aged91 by herson DrStephen Orritt. ORRITT September 2016 asreported by herson IanMTOB. NEVISON Group, whoreported herdeath. some relatives. Margaret was oneof our‘Cornflower Girls’ suddenly on19thDecember 2016 aged88,whileoutwith MUSKER Sister to MTOB. Martin suddenly athomeon14thApril2017 after illness. ashort MORTON 2016 asreported by SheilaDuncan. MCCALLION of Julie. 2016 aged88asinformed by hernephew Ian Turner, son LUCAS Any details further welcome. ‘Addressee Deceased’ onthelast mailinginearly 2016. No date of death available butnotified by atyped note LOUDEN Home. 89, asconfirmed by Pam Dunnof AnnandaleNursing JACKSON Pathologists asDrSally Hanson. Pathologist obtaining Fellowship of theRoyal College of at CharingCross Medical School andpractised asa Peter Goddard. Sally qualified in1958 withtheGoldMedal died on3rd March 2017 asreported by herhusband DR GODDARD Mary M.(NeeTurner 1939-45) diedon19thMay Nora (NeeFreeman 1936-43) died on14thMarch Sheila McQuiston (1947-54) diedaged80on21st Daphne (NeeMahon1944-52) diedon15thMay Christine ‘Chris’ (NeeWalker 1954-61) died Margaret Phyllis (NeeWoods 1941-46) diedvery Dr. Lois MaryRobertson (1948-56) of Lancaster. Lilian (NeeRayton 1939-47) diedinhospital on Joan Anne(NeeMacLeod 1943-50) diedon9th Kathleen M(1928-35) died1st July2008 aged Jean Allison (NeeSmith 1940-44) was a‘Lost Phyllis Stanton (Nee Smith1926-31) diedin M.B.B.S. Sally Georgina (NeeHanson 1944 -53) Jean (NeeFrazer 1944-51) on29th March

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20 Merchant Taylors’ Schools In Memoriam friends andcolleagues. was keen to hear aboutthe families of children Kate, Peter andLeon and the most recent photographs of her important to her. Shealways carried starting thefamily whichbecame so both working in Long Island,before formative exchange year inAmerica, After theirmarriage, they spent a Moores University. Environment atLiverpool John of theSchool of the Built later became professor anddirector Old Boy), ateacher andlecturer who her much-loved husband Ralph (an left-wing politics, whichwas shared by lifetime of interest andinvolvement in Margaret. This was thestart of a Aldermaston march in1961 with (where shemet Ralph), goingonthe Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament She was anardent supporter of the District andSwitzerland. together inherbeloved Wales, Lake Later they went Youth Hostelling eventually becoming aQueensGuide. they joinedtheGirlGuides, Chris the rest of theWalker family. Together ‘gang of four’ asthey were known to entering themainschool to form the Derricourt (née MacDougall)on also met Margaret andIsobel the next sixty nineyears. They remained goodfriendsfor five atStanfield and Chris andSue met aged (née Bateson) wrote: Seed) andSue Graham Margaret Brown (née her life. Waterloo for therest of United States, lived in timespent inthe a short Road West, from andapart She was brought upinBrooke in theearly hours of themorning. and Geoff, anddiedon14thApril2017 (Nee Reynolds 1930-37) (an OldGirl) was bornon22nd March 1943 to Kit Chris Morton (née Walker, 1954-61) 1961 Leaver (née Walker) Chris Morton encyclopaedic knowledge of wildlife. walking was accompanied by her and untimely death. Herlove of these withMargaret after Ralph’s sad Uzbekistan, andAlbania, some of Peru, Ecuador, Turkey, Morocco, visiting amongst other places Italy, photographer andkeen traveller She was anaccomplished her children intheNetherlands! status asherdaughter Kate lived with become eligiblefor frequent flyer her family -she would surely have Distance was noobjectinsupporting Lauren, Conor, Oscar andJasper. family, includinghergrandchildren interest inandlove for herexpanding before hertwelfth birthday) andher for Sue (whose father diedshortly work. Examples of thiswere hercare for people, both insideandoutside fundamental interest inandconcern Underlying thisrichvariety was a has two ears butonlyonemouth”. exemplified theprinciplethat“one as awork colleague putitshe abilities asalistener were legendary: and ability to putpeople atease. Her great quality was herapproachability mentor for new panel members. Her very highlyregarded, actingasa including asavery active national voluntary social housingsector, continued herinvolvement inthe mental health daycare centres, she development andorganisation of Sefton, withresponsibility for the senior social services managerin length andvariety. After retiring asa career whichwas remarkable for its Therapist was onlythebeginningof a Her training asanOccupational in herother career roles, shewas board memberof theHabinteg Mental Health Act. Here, as Housing Association, detained underthe providing housingfor appeals for patients disabled people conducting managers’ integrated into new panel member housing for Merseycare asa developments. She retirement worked also after when sheworked asanOccupational Queen Elizabeth to New York in1965, traveller, starting withhertripon Chris soon became aninternational District. After marrying Ralph in1962, first visitin40 years to theLake some quality timetogether onher this year, itrained abit, butwe spent Derwentwater, asrecently asJanuary our timeshare apartment overlooking when Iwelcomed Christo Underscar - One of my happiest memories willbe unique smellof Calor gasmantles. clothes, plastic Pakamacs andthe distinctive holiday aromas of wet in aleaky caravan, filled withthe usually intheLakes, often intherain family holidays withMumand Dad, lived herentire life, butwe hadmany Crosby, thenWaterloo where Chris first time. We grew uptogether in three year olddaughter for thevery came homefrom thewar to meet his African campaign against Rommel, Dunkirk agedjust 26, andtheNorth Dad having survived thehorrors of Walker! ended upasjust Christine andMartin Tim), my sister andIshouldhave Ravenscroft Walker (aka Grandpa Reynolds Percy andArthur called Thomas George Reuben the fact that, withtwo grandfathers is theonlypossible explanation for from sweets to Christian names; that War II,wheneverything was rationed, 1943 -right inthemiddleof World life" so, inChris's case, on22nd March begin my life withthebeginningof my character, not themagician) putit"To As David Copperfield (the Dickens (CHRIS’ BROTHER) (1958 -65) EULOGY WALKER'S EXCERPTS FROMMARTIN her friendship. whose lives were greatly enrichedby and especially by herfamily andthose enhanced by hercare andconcern, many peoplewhose quality of life was She willbesorely missed by thevery of music, especially classical piano. 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Therapist at Pilgrim Hospital, while join Ralph for one last time on the she DID seem to be getting smaller; Ralph was on a Fulbright teaching slopes of Cader Idris. After the kids and I have almost forgiven her and scholarship; that visit marked the left home, her globetrotting with my mother for my acting debut as a beginning of her lifelong association Ralph increased dramatically ranging five year old spider, as we won a fancy with so many American friends and from the Inca Trail and Macchu Picchu dress competition somewhere in colleagues. to the Crusader castle of Krak Des Crosby; Chris was (of course) dressed Chevaliers in Syria. by Mum as Miss Muffet! Her first choice holiday destination was, however, always Tyn Y Ceunant I will also remember her as my 'big Martin Walker (Old Crosbeian) near Dolgellau, where she will now sister', although as the years passed,

We both returned as qualified primary Margaret Musker school teachers with jobs in Liverpool, Margaret and I were then able to (née Woods) enjoy several short holidays in London, staying at the Regent Palace 1933 Leaver Hotel and being entertained by my father who worked there at the time. The Royal Court Theatre on a Friday night was a favourite place to be and we also spent several holidays in Cumbria with Margaret's previous college landlady.

As time went on we both met our Four years ago my husband died and future husbands, married and settled we supported one another, meeting down to family life; our children were one day a week in Liverpool or born and I have a lovely memory of for lunch, shopping and a visiting Stan and Margaret's farm with long chat. We spoke to each other on my boys. My eldest son loved to camp the phone, usually for an hour long

on their site and I remember Margaret Schools Taylors’ Merchant call as we were both alone. would make sure they were well fed. This year started well, but slowly Our husbands, Stan and Fred got on Margaret's health deteriorated and very well together and as our families our outings and then phone calls grew older and left home we would stopped. I do miss her as a very dear often holiday together. The next friend over the years, but we were milestone was when our both so lucky to have such a long and grandchildren were born, we have a THE STORY OF A FRIENDSHIP constant friendship. video of our first grandchildren, I met Margaret at the end of 1939 as a William and Lauren, playing with Stan Kathleen Callcott new pupil at Merchant Taylors’ School on the farm. in Crosby. It was wartime, a period of Margaret and Stan retired to their threats of evacuation, air raids and cottage on the caravan site and farm half-day school. I had just moved up that they ran and as we had also from London with my family; we both retired, we again enjoyed days of lived outside Crosby so would often holiday together. After Stan was killed meet in each others homes at times. in a tragic car accident, Margaret was As we grew older both of us decided left alone except for Phyllis and her we would like to teach so after taking family. Fred and I supported her as school certificate and enjoying a year best we could and included her in our in the Sixth Form, Margaret entered days out, usually to car boot sales! St Katherine’s College, and I Edge Hill College.

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In Memoriam

Charities, being especially generous to By 2010, our last reunion in London, Daphne Parker those concerning medical research, Daphne had been widowed and had children, seafarers, the environment developed dementia which necessitated (née Mahon) and local churches. her being cared for in a nursing home. Autumn 2014 saw us deciding to meet 1952 Leaver Her bubbly sense of humour and hearty again, this time in Liverpool. It was chuckle always made her a lively every bit as successful as we repeated companion to her many friends and the visit to Liverpool the following year family. in April. We were sad to learn that Jean Smith née Mahon Daphne died in May 2016 and 3 of us MTGS 1943-1952 were able to attend her funeral in Crosby. We were dumbfounded to be told that she had left five of us money that was to be spent on a weekend away DAPHNE'S LEGACY in her memory. The Christmas cards I sent to my MTGS school friends - Eunice Bagshaw, We decided it would be better to go Daphne Mahon, Shirley de-Snoo, Doreen sooner rather than later as our Thompson and Julie Wild - in 1984 husbands were becoming somewhat announced that I, Dilys Williams, fragile. Doreen had lived in Guernsey for husband Peter and our family had just many years and had always had the moved to Lincolnshire after living in most difficult journey to meet us in Scotland for the past 14 years and I London. Her husband was in hospital on the island so we developed a cunning My cousin Daphne died on 15th May wondered if we might meet up for a plan to enable her to join us in Jersey 2016 after a long illness. weekend reunion. for the whole day on the Sunday. The Daphne started school at St Luke’s, With two school teachers and a dinner rest of us made our flight reservations , and won a scholarship to lady in our midst, it was decided that to arrive in Jersey on a Friday, meeting Merchant Taylors’ where she was a pupil the February half-term would be at the hotel between 1pm and 2pm. from 1944 to 1952. She went on to read suitable and London would be a good French and German at Westfield venue as we were scattered around the Here things began to unravel. Shirley College, London. This was followed by country. developed a stomach upset which teacher training at Homerton College, prevented her from catching her flight . She taught in Europe for This proved very enjoyable and became from Gatwick and there was no some time before returning to work at an annual event continuing each year subsequent seat available on any of the Merchant Taylors’ Schools Taylors’ Merchant Wirral Girls’ Grammar School, Waterloo until 2010 - the 10th reunion held in weekend flights, so we were down to 3 Park Girls’ School, Chesterfield High Dublin, and the rest in various parts of until Sunday. Eunice, Julie and I flew in School and Warwick Bolam High School. London with the Russell Square area from Birmingham, Liverpool and becoming the most popular. Format was Doncaster and went to the theatre as After taking early retirement from as follows: arrive hotel Saturday arranged - the show was about John teaching, Daphne married John Parker lunchtime, theatre in the evening, Lennon and the fans seated around us in May 1985. Together they were to Sunday 9.30 service in choir stalls at were delighted to learn that we had all share many interests: gardens of all Westminster Abbey, walk in park, been born and lived in Liverpool. kinds, the RSPB and The , cinema 3pm, gossip and photos in hotel Saturday we had a very good guided working as volunteers at Rufford Old room Sunday evening. Shops and tour around the island which was most Hall. Daphne also became a Blue Badge exhibitions Monday, leaving for home interesting and so pretty. Liverpool Guide, where her knowledge early evening. It worked very well with of languages was a great asset. the odd year when someone would be Dor was to arrive at our hotel by missing for various reasons, but would 10.30am - a 15 minute flight from Daphne had always enjoyed holidays in be there the following year. Guernsey - literally up and then down! the Lake District with family and school Unfortunately, the flight was delayed friends. Now, with John, in their Daphne was still single in 1985 and over and she arrived instead at 1pm. We had ‘camper van’, she was able to visit the next years met and married John lunch, caught up with our news and in friends in this country and abroad. Parker. She retired from teaching, they no time, it was 5.30pm and time for her Friends were very important to Daphne. bought a camper van and holidayed in to return to the airport for a 6.30 flight. She visited them and entertained them, France with John being introduced to Again, more delays, with her eventually and kept up a voluminous her many friends acquired while arriving back at Guernsey after 10pm. correspondence over many years. She studying and teaching there. She We three returned home on Monday even had a ‘library’ of all birthday and started suffering with arthritis and and yes, our three separate flights were Christmas cards received, and her found dipping in and out of the London all delayed! It unfortunately turned out replies! She had a true feeling for Underground painful, and after 3 or 4 to be a disastrous week-end but what a words. reunions no longer accompanied us but lovely thoughtful idea of Daphne's to always received a card from us with our give each of us such a generous gift. Daphne had a wide range of interests doings recorded. and a great love of travel and nature. Dilys Harvey. She contributed to a great many 22 Mercant Taylors Obituaries.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2018 13:04 Page 23

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the first wives who hosted the soup that met monthly in each other’s Muriel Elwood Clulee and sandwich ‘counting up’ evenings houses to support our husbands and at the end of each Carol Wagon trip get to know each other socially. (née Wilson) round the houses. This was because Muriel was usually the first to suggest 1940 Leaver with each evening session’s early start, most of the collectors had ideas or volunteer if help was needed. Phil and Muriel moved to Muriel Elwood Clulee (Nee Wilson) volunteered to come straight from several years ago but kept in contact lived most of her life in Formby, her work without their tea! We needed to with their Rotarian friends. family had Wilson’s Garage. I first met count up the night’s takings and put the carol wagon to bed after we Muriel in 1969 when I was recently Unfortunately Phil died before Muriel finished the 3 hour collection session married and my husband Barrie was and eventually Muriel had to go into a at 9pm. Muriel was always cheerful the youngest Rotarian in the country. nursing home where she died very and although deaf in later years she Phil Clulee, Muriel’s husband, was a suddenly. We missed her over the past still had a sense of humour and was founder member of the Formby few years. She leaves a son John and full of fun. We didn’t have an Inner Rotary club, so we met them on one his partner. of the first Formby Christmas Rotary Wheel club then in Formby for the Carol Wagon sessions in 1969. We Rotary wives so Muriel helped to Judith Hawkins soon found out that Muriel was one of found the Formby Rotary Fellowship

Daphne died suddenly while travelling She spent the last ten years living in Daphne Maltpress through Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, 6th Ireland where she taught meditation May 2014, aged 73 years. and spirituality. According to her (née Smith) wishes, a funeral service was held in She will be sadly missed by her family Abu Dhabi. 1960 Leaver and by those who knew her through MALTPRESS, Daphne Gordon (Nee teaching at The Perse School in (as reported by her friend Diane Smith) 1953-60. (Twin to Leslie MTOB) Cambridge from 1980 to 1993 and her Ashworth) voluntary work in Guyana and Ghana.

Nora Margaret Orritt attended Merchant Taylors’ Schools physiotherapist. After working locally

as a boy, often telling mother of the Nora moved to St Thomas’ Hospital Schools Taylors’ Merchant (Née Freeman) time his class marched from the Old in London as a lecturer in Merchant Taylors’ School to the Physiotherapy. In 1952, following her 1943 Leaver ‘newly-opened’ Merchant Taylors’ work at St Thomas’, she was invited Boys School in 1874. With strong ties over to Saskatoon in Saskatchewan, to the School and Nora’s mother Canada, where she helped set up and being acquainted with Miss Fordham, develop a physiotherapy department headmistress of the Girls school at in the newly built University Hospital. the time, it was hardly surprising she Following the death of her father in started at Merchant Taylors’ Girls 1957, Nora returned to physiotherapy School in 1933-4. Unfortunately, this in Oswestry. It was there where she was a difficult period, with her mother met my father, 10 years her younger, a dying aged 45 in 1933 and World War toy-boy, but they were smitten and 2 looming, but Nora had a big family their marriage lasted 52 very happy for support and enjoyed school, years! winning form prizes and developing a liking for literature. She wasn’t just On reflection, Nora was an inspiration, academically successful but also passing on much she had learnt at enjoyed sport, playing netball, Merchant Taylors’ School and in her hockey, and cricket, and developing own life to our family. A stable loving an interest in rugby, all of which she family life, a deep Christian faith, the Died peacefully, aged 91 passed on to her children and love of sport, academic success and 14th March 2017 grandchildren in later years. never being afraid of trying new things or travelling. Last year, three of Born in December 1925 in Myers Nora left Merchant Taylors’ School in her grandchildren played for regional Road, Crosby - Nora was the youngest 1943, commencing orthopaedic representative teams in rugby, cricket of seven siblings, five of whom nursing at Oswestry Orthopaedic and hockey in New Zealand! attended Merchant Taylors’ Schools. Hospital, helping nurse the returning Her father, Commander CP Freeman wounded soldiers and qualifying as a Gordon Orritt 23 Mercant TaylorsObituaries.qxp_Layout127/02/201813:04Page24

24 Merchant Taylors’ Schools In Memoriam 1971 Leaver Downey Niccola (Niccy) vigour. varied hobbies andinterests with school inCrosby, shepursued many administering to asmallprivate After other positions, culminating in in thecity as secretary to theConsul. enjoyably intheAmerican Consulate the Liverpool tax office butmost ensured heremployment; firstly in secretarial course inLiverpool which Dad, Bruce, insisted ona‘post ‘A level’ four choirsandachimesgroup. She lovedsingingandmusicbelongedto leave until theday shemarried. She loved homeandwould never Manchester. Itwould not betaken up. was thenknown asUMIST in a place to study engineering,atwhat she would deny this. Shewas offered was pensive andstudious although At Merchant Taylors’ School, Niccy after hersister Lyn. 27 March 1953, three years andaday doting parents, Bruce andJoyce on Niccola Elizabeth Yvonne Greaves, to spelt withTWO C's) Downey was born Niccola (I’m sure you ALLknow it’s over to East Yorkshire. they andmum,Joyce, would move that whenMalcolm stopped working, home territory. Itwas Niccy’s hope FerribyNorth inEast Yorkshire, Lyn’s together. This was repeated around arguing andenjoying just beingfamily Lancashire countryside, laughing, They enjoyed jaunts into the living atopposite endsof theM62. would regularly get together, despite Niccy andLyn, often withJoyce, four choirs andachimes group. singing andmusicbelongedto Talking Newspapers’. Sheloved Niccy was avolunteer with‘Sefton enthusiasm even through herillness. willallvouch for her The ‘Quality Street’ Girlsfrom least –shecontinued joininggroups. civilisation –well, nearer to shops at Even after moving back nearer to Lancashire. particular, theolderladies of rural huge pleasure inbeingableto helpin qualities from members and took commanding presence, thebest ability to extract, withher on herattributes asanorganiser and the Lancashire W.I. The latter drew and became acommittee memberof joined thelocal ladies Monday Club Labradors, Tara andPippa, Niccy acre field andtheirtwo Chocolate rural livinginacosy cottage witha5 and Niccy enjoyed 12idyllicyears of Lancashire inBescar, where Malcolm After moving to theedgeof desired. were unableto have thechildren they devastated whenthey learnt they married on23 August 1975 andwere caring husband inMalcolm. They found herawonderful, gentle and ballroom dancingandAlevel lessons for Niccy. The joint sixthform much more thanaformal education Merchant Taylors’ was ableto provide that sheisatnow peace withGod. beliefs andwe shouldallbethankful committed to herChristian faith and friends was ajoy to see. Shewas also energy andcommitment to her loved by those whoknew her. Her There isnodoubt shewas greatly cared for wonderfully. when treatment allowed, shewas at hersideandfamily visiting House, Hull.With Malcolm constantly to another marvellous Hospice, Dove seriously illandwas thentransferred Niccy againbecame unexpectedly lasted 7days onlyashort sadly, when her dream to live nearer hersister. It enough to make thejourney, fulfilling Queenscourt Hospice, sheimproved HospitalSouthport thewonderful medical care andhelpof both her medication but, through the unexpected andserious reactions to record time. Niccy suffered completed allthenegotiations in drive from Lyn’s homeandMalcolm suitable property onlyafew minutes’ Niccy was ableto Internet-locate a that herprognosis was not great. 2015 andshelearned onlyinMarch Niccy was found to beillinJanuaryof Mercant Taylors Obituaries.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2018 13:04 Page 25

Remembering our Old Girls

Ruth was a compassionate and caring overflowing, which demonstrates the Dr Ruth Kennedy doctor and had a devoted following in love that those knew her had for her. the community which she served. It is 1975 Leaver a testament to her care that so many She brought joy to everyone who of her patients attended her funeral. knew her and she will be very much She was also a GP trainer for most of missed and mourned. her career.

She always had a great sense of fun and was very fond of the great outdoors, so it was no surprise when she became a Guide leader in her local pack at Dore.

She met her husband Mike [an engineer] through their love of walking and climbing and they married in January 1989. She and her brother Nick were extremely close and her nephews, Peter [former MTBS pupil] and Tim loved her dearly.

In February 2016, Ruth retired and soon afterwards, so did Mike. They had planned a carefree retirement Ruth was one of the girls who came to exploring Scotland and beyond in school on the bus from Ormskirk. their new camper van. However, very soon, it became apparent that Ruth She was and remained great friends was unwell and in August 2016, she with Sara and Alison Beazley who Written by Heather Kennedy was diagnosed with an aggressive and [sister-in-law] travelled on the bus too. They tell me terminal brain tumour. There was no that Ruth was a very popular girl and hope of a cure so she declined any I am not surprised. She loved sports, treatment. Merchant Taylors’ Schools Taylors’ Merchant

She always had a great sense of fun and was very fond of the great outdoors.

and the theatricals which provided an Mike cared for her at home with love opportunity to meet the students and devotion. from the boys’ school. She was a Harrison scholar and was elected She always appeared cheerful but she Head Girl in 1974-5. Alison still has the must have felt that what was speech she made at Speech Day. I am happening to her was very unfair as told she was very nervous about she had always led such a healthy mispronouncing the guest speaker’s lifestyle. namewhich was 'Mr Oliver Van Oss'. She died from a brain tumour on She then went to Liverpool University 24/02/17 at home. She had just to study medicine. She frequently enjoyed a jolly lunch with Mike, her attended the student reunions in brother Nick, me [her sister-in-law] Liverpool. Once qualified, she moved and Peter. She had seen her dear to Sheffield to become a GP. She friend Sarah Beazley that very spent some time practising in rural morning, and was in company with Canada but returned to Sheffield. She her former partner in the practice remained there for 30 years in the when she unexpectedly collapsed same practice which was in a and died. deprived area of that city. She Her funeral was attended by so many became a partner. people that the crematorium was

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26 Merchant Taylors’ Schools In Memoriam bought the beautiful St Mary’s contrast to those inLondon. They journeys to school were avast the Flamborough School. Their Bridlington andSheilaheadteacher of became headteacher of aschool in relocate to Yorkshire in1974. Pat London, SheilaandPat decidedto After many years of working in confidently andwithgreat skill. issues. Shedealt with them in Brixton which hadhugesocial became headteacher of alarge school became apparent, andsheeventually qualities asanatural leader soon of schools inthearea. Sheila’s Streatham, they worked inavariety college, andwhilst livingtogether in to London. Shehadmet Pat at time inLiverpool, butthenrelocated After training, shetaught for ashort In 1952 shewent to Gypsy HillCollege. returned to Scarborough. in Yorkshire, andeach summershe Whilst atschool, remained herheart with pleasure, gratitude andaffection. schooldays were always remembered ethos meant muchto Sheila,andher cricket. MTGS withits wonderful was keen –especially onsports loved singingintheschool choir, and Academically sheexcelled; shealso family (Joyce Ewbank). been particularly close to theLeigh lifelong friendships. Shehasalways education, butinforming life, not just for her massive impact onher 1945. The School hada Taylors’ School in pupil atMerchant and Sheilabecame a moved to Crosby, Company. The family Docks andHarbour ofpart theMersey firm whobecame employment witha Navy, gained been intheMerchant her. Herfather, whohad extended family livingnear Sheila was borninScarborough with 1952 Leaver Sheila Clayton gardening andgrowing many fruits with NADFAS, RSPB, JohnLewis, Ryedale Festival), lectures andtours theatre andmusic(Opera and North fundraising withfriends. Sheloved committee work, electioneeringand Conservative party included more involvement withthelocal diocesan synod for many years. Her the deanery andwas amemberof the devotion. Sheserved aslay chairfor a fitting memorialto hervisionand took place atthechurch. The result is when developments andrenovations liaising withsurveyors andcraftsmen Recently, shewas responsible for many years asChurchwarden. time, butSheilawas supported by unexpectedly. This was adifficult Very sadly, in1979 Pat died rest of herlife. renovation. Sheilalived there for the Cottage, whichwas inneedof much Mary’s Church, where sheserved for new friendsinEbberston. Some Sheila’s life. Shewas devoted to St years later Sheilawas forced to There were so many aspects to take early retirement onhealth grounds. Shethenbegan(on a epidemic in2001. small scale) to breed cattle, at devastating foot andmouth first Friesians andthen her last cows before the Limousins. This became abig years. Fortunately, shesold part ofpart herlife for many Barbara Guest (Shoesmith) memories. her. We are left withso many happy privileged to have known andloved loyal to allherfriendswhohave been example to usall.Sheilawas hugely demeanour was ashiningChristian devastating news of hercancer. Her and trusting –shebravely faced the and generous. Herfaith was resolute passionate, thoughtful, very caring and independent butwas also all shedid.Shecould beforthright Sheila was always fullycommitted to living relatives. sadness thatsherealised shehadno died from cancer. Itwas withgreat years later Sheila’s brother Stuart before her100thbirthday. Oneortwo years old.Shediedonlyshortly near Scarborough until shewas 99 Her mother lived inherown home in herhand. probably withaglass of malt whisky radio programmes, listened to Questions were amongherfavourite and vegetables. The Archers andAny Mercant TaylorsObituaries.qxp_Layout127/02/201813:04Page27 row College. forthe to foundtime andstill busy sociallife rather a with She combinedheracademicstudies Remembering ourOldGirls debating society atschool and she was akeen memberof the In additionto heracademic studies Liverpool. Day atthePhilharmonicHallin them onstage attheAnnualSpeech and Iremember herproudly receiving many subjectprizes over theyears English, French andHistory. Shewon school, excelling particularly in Moira was anoutstanding pupilat 1979) October 2017 (MTGS OldGirl1972 – the passing of Moira Shannonin It iswithgreat sadness thatIreport 50 yearsoffriendship,August2016 The twoofusinBarcelona tocelebrate 1979 Leaver Moira Shannon Australia andMalaysia, andmaking over theworld, includingto Brazil, successful career there, travelling all house lawyer andforged alongand shemovedIn 1991, to Shellasanin- Boston. on secondment withHaleandDorrin them for seven years, includingayear clerk,andremainedarticled with subsequently joinedLinklaters asan with ayear atLaw School. She to London to complete herstudies After graduating witha2.Ishemoved time to row for theCollege. rather busy social life andstill found combined heracademic studies witha By allaccounts, atUniversity she 1980. College, Cambridge to study Law in offering, before goingupto Clare revelling inthecity's richcultural year inVienna learning Germanand After leaving school shespent agap place inrecent years. the class reunions thathave taken she stayed incontact withthanks to wide circle of friends, many of whom was apopularandsociable girlwitha During hertimeatMerchants’ she School. The CruciblewithSt Mary’s Boys’ performance inajoint production of society, includingamemorable active memberof thedramatic with theBoys school. Shewas also an participated inmany joint debates Lesley Meadows and wise advice. highly-developed sense of humour valued herstimulating company, how many friendsandcolleagues associates from Shell,atribute to students from Cambridge and including ex-MTGS girls, fellow attended by ahugenumberof people, The funeral service inLondon was husband andtwo sons. on October 18th.Sheleaves a proved to beincurable andMoira died close friends. Tragically, thedisease love anddevotion of herfamily and and radiotherapy, supported by the underwent repeated chemotherapy courage anddetermination, she cancer early in2017. With great Moira was diagnosed withpancreatic Shell last year. Trustee. Moira celebrated 25 years at served asaShellPension Fund For thelast three years shehad become Associate General Counsel. her Shellcolleagues. Sherose to many international friendsamongst

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In Memoriam

When the pilot later recounted the not only to her family and friends, but Ms Sian Tickle tales of The Little Prince, he said also her colleagues and students, in the many school productions she has 1983 Leaver “If I try to describe him here, it is to been involved in, along with helping make sure that I shall never forget out on school trips and the Duke of him. If I forget him, I may become like Edinburgh awards. I learnt from other the grownups who are no longer people talking that day, of just how interested in anything but figures” loved and respected she truly was.

This is reference to the business man I will never forget Sian; I have many that The Little Prince met on his happy memories of us growing up travels, who was only concerned with together. matters of consequence and had no time for anyone or anything other Growing up, Sian was like my big than counting, even though he had sister. As she said when she lost sight of the reason for all the introduced me to people, we were counting. I’m sure many of us can friends before we were born, as our relate to that, being so engrossed in mothers chatted in the playground work that we lose sight of what is waiting to pick up our big brothers During November and December of important in life. Stan and Graham. 2017, as I was visiting Sian at But I know that one of Sian’s favourite We went to play group together, Hospital, and then later at Woodlands, stories of The Little Prince was his Infants and Juniors at Crosby Road we had some really interesting and encounter with the Fox (Monsieur Le North, and then on to Merchant deep conversations that I will treasure Renard) Taylors’ School for Girls. Forever in forever. We laughed, we came close the same class as each other. to tears, but throughout it all she was The fox is the one who taught the so strong, so brave. Indeed it was Sian Little Prince what it means to be Being 5 months older, Sian always got comforting me when the realisation of tamed by someone, in other words, to to try things first, like Brownies and how serious her condition had grow to love people and their Dancing, and I soon followed in her become started to dawn on me. It was uniqueness. Once you have shared footsteps, although the dancing was during one of those conversations, that love, you are somehow changed, definitely not for me! that she asked me to speak at her and you cannot forget the effect that • I remember many a sleepover in Merchant Taylors’ Schools Taylors’ Merchant funeral, and suggested that I talk they have had on your life. about Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Buttermere Gardens where Sian Saint-Exupery. “It is only with the heart that one can grew up. see rightly; what is essential is • Dressing up as an Elephant for a Here follows an abridged version of invisible to the eye – you become Fancy Dress Parade with a papier what I said on that sad day at the responsible for what you have tamed” memorial service kindly hosted by the mache head made by our parents – school: Sian was the front of course, leaving me to bring up the rear. The Little Prince, or Le Petit Prince as • The Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 we first knew him when studying and the party on the Green in French at school, is an incredible book Buttermere Gardens, where we which remained one of Sian’s were allowed to sit at the kids’ favourites throughout her life. table and the adults left us in In it, a pilot was forced to land in the peace (although I know now it was Sahara and he met a little prince. actually the other way round). They shared stories of his journey • Visiting her Grandad’s sweet shop that brought him from Asteroid B612 on St Johns Road. to earth. • Sunday school outings to Through these stories we learnt many Trentham Gardens things, like how as grownups, we lose By this we learn that Life is sight of what is important because we meaningful when it is filled with • The Bike rides as we ventured are all too busy to stop and think. caring relationships. further afield on our own.

The book conveyed an important The amount of people, from all parts • The time spent at All Saints, as not moral lesson, in that life is only worth of Sian’s life, that attended the only were we at Brownies together, living when it is lived for others, not memorial service was testament to but her mum, Molly, was Akela, as for oneself. the love and care that Sian showed, my Dad, Ken, was Scoutleader. 28 Mercant Taylors Obituaries.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2018 13:04 Page 29

Remembering our Old Girls

• We all spent many a weekend at as a replacement! I count myself very because of her example that a large Waterloo Sailing Club with her fortunate and blessed that for the group of us were inspired to join Team Dad, Stan teaching us how to help past 13 years we shared a number of Tickle and walk or run the Liverpool sail a dinghy, mind you, think we passions and had an enormous Race for Life in June and it was were more of a hindrance than a number of giggles. fantastic that she was able to join us help. But we had such fun. on the day. Because she was used to Sian firmly believed in giving students giving to others, she did not find it • The night we missed our last bus the opportunity to learn outside the easy to accept help but she was truly home from town as we hung classroom and organised trips to grateful to all those volunteered for around after the concert to meet theatres all over the country including the Clatterbridge Shuttle Bus in the Bono from U2, having earlier met to Stratford, Salford and Leeds. Some summer or sent messages and visited the support band, The Alarm – a of these were to enhance while she was in hospital. night that was to truly change my understanding of texts being studied, life as I still follow The Alarm now some to show professional versions of Of course we think of her as a gifted (and her brother Stan still gets the an up and coming school production, director, set designer, costume credit for that one!). and some for pure enjoyment. None designer and all those other behind of the students or staff will forget the the scenes things because she was These memories will stay with me trips to New York, the highlight of last self-effacing and did not like to be forever. one was undoubtedly taking part in a centre stage. She encouraged the students to be the ones to showcase After university, we went our separate workshop with some of the cast of the their talents and provided the ways on the journey of life, making Lion King and seeing the show on environment for them to do so. the ‘matters of consequence’ more Broadway. She was also generous However, she was also a wonderful important than sparing the time to with her time in accompanying trips actress and had a beautiful voice share with each other, as we gave in of other departments especially which most people did not hear. The to being grownups. Well partly in my Classics and History. She always won cast of Crucible were among the case, as I think it is always good to try the game of who could bring the honoured few. not to grow up completely! And then smallest bag and then had the biggest on to our new roles as mothers to Ben extra luggage for her cameras. We were always on the look-out for new It is probably for the Joint School (Sian), and Paul and Sarah (me). Productions that most people will However we were always there for patches and button badges for her camera bag. remember Sian. I cannot begin to each other throughout our lives when count the number of students the need arose. Sian was a huge part of the DofE including my own daughters, who Merchant Taylors’ Schools Taylors’ Merchant have been given confidence, a sense Sian was, and always will be, a team allowing girls to develop of inclusion and belonging, pride and massive part of my childhood, as were important skills in camping and absolute joy through being part of the the whole family, and I thank them for navigation, teamwork and resilience. Dram Fam. Every show family the many happy memories. She was unfailingly cheerful, encouraging and kind, and that was developed their own in-jokes which She was so very brave and strong to just to the staff. She was an expert in they still talk about years later the end. getting girls to resolve problems and (Crouching Squirrel, Hidden Badger!) taught them invaluable lessons like RIP my big sister, my friend, sleep don’t leave your outside your For those of us in the show team, the tight. Everytime I hear the stars tent in the rain, and you really don’t months and weeks before show were laughing, I will remember you. need to carry a hairdryer. frantic and chaotic with Sian having new ideas for costumes, props, Sue Owens 1983 Leaver Her generosity and determination to scenery, lighting and additions to the help others was most evident in her cast almost up to the week of the FOND MEMORIES OF A MUCH sustained support for projects in show. But it was all worth it in show MISSED COLLEAGUE Sierra Leone and in the number of week when all of her plans came Sian and I were unlikely friends. We charity running events she took part together. I think that the bonds of the disagreed about some of the most in; 5ks, Muddy Runs, Santa Dashes, Dram Fam are the strongest ties of all. fundamental things in life; she hated runs for the Hillsborough 96 and Rhys Gilbert and Sullivan operas which hurt Jones, despite being in pain herself So Skippy would like to thank Sian for me deeply, she was a veggie and I am from arthritis. Some she walked, all the passions she allowed me to most definitely not, and we had very some she partly ran and she share and say to her Allons-y, different views on politics, and continued to register for these even Geronimo, and always carry a Jammy religion. However, it turned out that when she was ill. She mainly ran these Dodger in your pocket because you what we had in common was much to raise money for Cancer charities in never know when you are going to more significant than all those things; memory of our good friend and need a Tardis self-destruct button. the main thing we agreed on was that colleague Debbie Butler and then David Tennant was the best Doctor Caroline Grindley most recently for her dad, Stan. It was Who, but that Matt Smith was not bad 29 Mercant Taylors Obituaries.qxp_Layout 1 27/02/2018 13:04 Page 30 Merchant Taylors’ Schools Taylors’ Merchant

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Remembering our former staff In Memoriam and other members of the community

we took so much for granted, her During her 23 years of retirement she Christine Parr constantly outstanding administration designed and planted 2 gardens from skills which she made seem entirely scratch, or should I say mud and 1970 – 1990 effortless and for her unfailing stone! personal integrity and quiet kindness.” Her determination to master all aspects of IT (putting me to shame) Yes Chris was an outstanding Deputy and her love of music – following her Head, but, and equally important, she Grade 8 violin at school – were all was a loving daughter, wife, mother aspects of these very active years, as and grandmother. was her regular attendance at Church reflecting her quiet Christian faith. A friend observed “I only met Chris She gained further fulfilment from on a few occasions but she left an being a loving grandmother to her 5 indelible impression on me. She was grandchildren. invariably smiling with a sense of goodwill and attentive to those She and I walked and explored the around. On one occasion, at a local Dolomites and Drakensburg, Alps and restaurant, I remember her Pyrenees, Andes and Himalayas, surrounded by her grandchildren – Arctic to Antarctic, and the Tropics. the centre of attention. They were We saw many sights and sites of this full of laughter, chatter, respect and wonderful world we all inhabit, all affection. I was very struck by her described in her detailed logs and An obituary is a difficult task; writing place in their lives.” diaries and illustrated by her one for a much admired colleague wonderful photographs. and later much loved friend, is a In the academic year 1988-89 Chris mountain to climb. lost both her mother and her Appropriate, therefore, to finish with husband, Brian, and gained her first an appreciation from an American Chris (née Marsden) graduated from grandchild, William. As a result she student who passed us on the Everest Girton College Cambridge in 1954 postponed her retirement which was trail. As he loped past the 14 of us, he with a double first in Natural a great benefit both to myself and to noticed Chris – who was at 79, many Sciences. She went on to St Thomas’ the School. years older than the rest of the party. Hospital Biochemistry Dept. She

returned to the North in 1956 being Schools Taylors’ Merchant awarded an M.Sc by the University of Chris stands out as someone whom I could both like London. She began work at Waterloo Park School and married Brian Parr in and respect for every kind of reason. 1958. Christopher and Elizabeth were born in the following years. She organised some unique moments He stopped, “Excuse me ma’am; can I in the school’s history. The 100th ask you how old you are?” On being After part time teaching she began anniversary which we all, pupils, work full time at MTGS in 1970. She informed, he shouted with disbelief parents, staff and friends shared with and wonder – “God bless you ma’am, was appointed Senior Mistress in 1976 the Archbishop of Canterbury in and became the School’s first Deputy God bless you!”, and he picked her up Liverpool Cathedral in 1988 stands in a big hug. Head in 1981. out. I later discovered Chris had I first met Chris in 1987 when she managed to acquire the actual copy A wonderful memory of a very special ‘interviewed’ me as a candidate to of the Archbishop Runcie’s speech daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, succeed Margaret Davies. She was that day – special words. She also colleague and friend. pleasant, fair, rigorous and thorough. masterminded the Royal visit of the Duke and Duchess of York in 1988. Jane Panton Looking back I realise how very October 2016. importantly the governors regarded In the many letters and cards received her opinion. after Chris’s death some observations With this ability she brought other are repeated – her smile, her sense of outstanding personal attributes. One humour, meticulous attention to colleague wrote “among all my detail, generosity, integrity and memories of working at MTGS, Chris elegance. stands out as someone whom I could both like and respect for every kind of reason; for her academic rigour which

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In Memoriam Remembering our former staff a

Some of the happiest years of JKS’ feature of John and Barbara’s John Kemsley life were spent at the University of married life and cultural trips to Smallcombe (JKS) Cambridge. As an undergraduate of Theatre Clwyd with another good Peterhouse he enjoyed an active friend and colleague, John Kent, and Assistant Master social life, taking part in plays, wife, Mary, were much enjoyed. attending balls and competing on the MTBS 1963 - 1988 sports field. During holidays skiing In retirement, with another close trips were taken abroad with friends, friend and former colleague, Charles and horse riding and mountain Bailey, the two travelled by train to climbing were also enjoyed. places where they could go walking for miles, enjoying the fresh air and On leaving Cambridge JKS worked at attractive scenery of the English Harrods and then for a furniture countryside. Dedicated to help company, Horrockses, before deciding improve the quality of life of those to go to Bristol to qualify for a less fortunate and privileged than teaching certificate. himself, JKS became involved with adult literacy and numeracy classes Throughout his time at Merchant held at the Cambridge Road, Waterloo Taylors’ Boys’ School JKS enjoyed Centre. As well as the important maintaining close links with his alma voluntary work he did as a Samaritan, mater and, in his role as Careers at the age of seventy four JKS Master, was instrumental in enrolled on a counselling course at organising boys’ visits to his old John Moore’s University. This co- college of Peterhouse and in his incided with the then Prime Minister’s support of the Old Crosbeian wife, Cherie Blair, becoming Cambridge Dinners. Many pupils were Chancellor of JMU. As the most given valuable help and senior student on the campus JKS encouragement by JKS in the careers was asked to make a speech and, guidance he gave at school and his Having been appointed to teach years later, revealed a hand written wisdom and sagacity were much note from Mrs Blair saying how geography and to take responsibility appreciated and valued. for careers, John and his wife, wonderful it was to have met him and how inspiring his speech had been. Barbara, moved from the south of JKS’ contribution to the life of MTS

Merchant Taylors’ Schools Taylors’ Merchant She signed off with “Much Love, England to 54 Coronation Drive, was not limited to the areas of Cherie Blair”. JKS completed the Crosby in the summer of 1963. For geography and careers. An active counselling course and went on to put the next five decades JKS was to and enthusiastic sportsman, he it to good use in the help and support become a familiar figure in the local assisted with junior rugby teams and he was able to give to others. area, often to be seen riding his ‘sit up in the years following the opening of and beg’ bicycle in the vicinity of the the swimming pool showed a strong All those who met him or knew him College Road shops. commitment to swimming and to the well, recognized JKS as being a John Harrison Club. His first-hand Born in Sittingbourne, Kent, JKS was quintessential gentleman. Following experience of flying also proved Barbara’s death in November 2014, the middle child of three siblings. His invaluable in the work and leadership younger sister, Jean, moved to south and or the last two years of his life, he gave to the Air Force Section of JKS lived with increasing dementia eastern Australia many years ago and the school’s Combined Cadet Force. was, in the last two years, delighted to and received twenty four hour care. For many years cadets benefited Lorna Cooney, his chief carer, who be able to chat with her brother via greatly from his considerable the use of Skype. became a close and trusted knowledge and expertise. companion to JKS wrote, “The time I spent with John will remain a special JKS attended Chippenham Grammar JKS’ home and social life were also of time in my life and that’s because of School where he was Head Boy. immense importance to him. A close the gentleman John was. He was old Always an enthusiastic sportsman he friend and colleague on the MTS staff school, a man who exuded charm and enjoyed many outdoor pursuits and, was the Art Master, Trevor Hughes, sophistication irrespective of on leaving school, he joined the with whom JKS enjoyed many bicycle whatever situation in which he would Forces towards the end of the Second outings, riding along the Leeds find himself. John had this natural World War and trained as a pilot. He Liverpool canal towpaths, often ability to hold a room, to command spent time in the Far East in a number involving refreshment breaks for cool attention without uttering a word. of places, including Rangoon, and, for beers carried in the basket of JKS’ This was the man who still tipped his a period, worked as a code- bike. Holiday coach excursions the hat if he passed a lady. A man who at decipherer. length and breadth of Britain were a

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and other members of the community'

ninety years of age would stand aside charisma played a part in this. He Attended by family, friends and to let a mum pushing a pram go had a way about him that made former colleagues, JKS’ funeral was ahead of him through a door, despite people want to do the best they could at Thornton Crematorium on 24th the fact that it was difficult for him to by him, simply because of the person November, 2016. On Saturday 10th stand. A man who never forgot to he was.” December, the anniversary of Barbara express his gratitude for any gesture and John’s wedding in St Peter’s of help or support offered him. A Even past the age of eighty, JKS’ Church, Woolton, their ashes were man with a wicked sense of humour passion for swimming never waned. scattered among the sand dunes of and a sparkle in his eye. Lorna In the company of former colleagues, Crosby’s beach, a place they had so further observes, “John was also Phil Judge and Dave Blower, he often enjoyed walking together, diagnosed with end stage kidney maintained his round the year routine accompanied by their dog, Dougan. failure and the medical team that of three early morning swims of forty supported John throughout that time, lengths in the school pool. Photo from The Crosbeian 1988, on were wonderful. John’s charm and his retirement.

Mary College and obtaining a degree Eloise Cook in French and Latin. After a year at the Insititute of Education, her first (née Wilson) post was at the Henrietta Barnett School in North London. She worked MTGS 1972 - 1974 in a variety of schools in England and Scotland following her husband Peter's career in the NHS. She loved Eloise Cook taught at MTGS from teaching and got on well with her September 1972 to July 1974. She colleagues and until recently was still moved to Cheshire and finished her in touch with Sybil Thomas and Gillian career at Stretford Grammar, but Banks. Her later years were spent in always said that Merchant Taylors' Norwich, where her younger daughter School was her favourite. lives. She died in January at the age She went to Carlisle High School from of 91. Her daughters, Jane (left 1969) where she gained a scholarship to and Jo (left 1971) are both Old Girls of Schools Taylors’ Merchant London University, attending Queen the School.

On the Board he served with John Sutcliffe distinction as the Chair of the Estates Committee helping the School MTBS 2013 – 2016 successfully complete a number of large projects during his term of John, who served as a Governor from office. His practical, common sense 2013 to December 2016, died from a approach and cheerful humour will be long-term illness on 2 January 2017. missed by his fellow Governors and staff alike. His connection with the School stemmed from the time his son Steve Wilkinson Jonathan attended the Boys’ School. (Friend and Governor) A successful business man, having formed his own Chartered Engineering Company in Liverpool in 1985, he was also Chairman of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce from 2011 until 2016.

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Remembering our former staff In Memoriam and other members of the community

himself took the lead role of Private Sixteen years ago, after starring in Jeremy Le Poidevin John Hamp, a shell shocked and the BBC’s Escape to the Country, he MTBS 1980 - 1986 trusting young man from Lancashire and Cheryl moved to Gadlas, near who is court-martialled for desertion Ellesmere in Shropshire. From here they built Practical Magic into a Smike – a pop musical with a time- premier dealership for children’s travelling theme, an adaptation of an entertainers worldwide, designing and extract from ' manufacturing many unique tricks and effects. They travelled Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor throughout the UK and ventured to Dreamcoat – memorable for the Europe and the USA to attend and choreographic workouts, given to the lecture at trade shows and cast by Margaret Mann, said to be conventions. His video more exhausting that a 1st XV training demonstrations of products and session; and for the gold painted routines have been invaluable to both Sinclair C5 electric three-wheeler aspiring and experienced magicians used as the chariot in the finale and and along with his hilarious Fireside test driven by Jeremy up and down Chats are still available to view by the main corridor in the dead of night. following the videos link on the menu bar of the website www.practical- He also inaugurated the Staff Revue magic.com. persuading colleagues to take part in a surprise performance of various To try to sum up Jeremy’s all too comedy sketches to an audience of short time with us is difficult. Teacher the whole school. Jeremy performed and Magic Dealer … this is not even in a sketch in which he shaved, using the tip of the iceberg. Polymath is a Born August 16th 1954 a cut-throat razor, accompanied by label that sits comfortably upon Died November 13th 2016, age 62 the accelerating music of “In the Hall Jeremy, for he truly was a man of of The Mountain King” and ever wide knowledge and learning. He had Although his tenure at MTBS was increasing volumes of theatrical interests in stamp and coin collecting, relatively short, “J Le P” is well and blood. literature, art, the natural world, fondly remembered by colleagues and football (as a lifelong Stoke

Merchant Taylors’ Schools Taylors’ Merchant pupils alike as an inspiring and Jeremy was born in , raised in supporter) and music – notably Bob dedicated English teacher, hockey Uttoxeter and educated at Smallwood Dylan, The Beatles, Leonard Cohen coach and producer of some Prep School and Repton before and Thea Gilmore along with outstanding school plays. In the reading English at the University of Gregorian chant and the more words of one of his brothers “He was York. standard classical repertoire; in the a warm-hearted, generous, last few years he had become a enthusiastic and insanely active Prior to joining MTBS he taught for competent guitar player, person” and from a member of staff three years at Colston’s School in accompanying himself to his favourite “One of the most valued colleagues I Bristol and from MTBS went on to songs. ever had”. Silcoates in Wakefield. He met his future wife Cheryl while in Crosby and Gone too soon and sadly missed, but In 1980 he was convalescing after conducted a long distance courtship those of us who knew Jeremy are all knee surgery and arrived at school a from Wakefield before proposing and better off for having known him and few weeks into the term. He was marrying in 1991. he will certainly live on through our walking on crutches, unfortunately memories. billeted on the top floor of the Towards the end of each stage of his boarding house, but immediately teaching career he would get “itchy Stephen J Williams threw himself into life at MTBS. feet” and look for new challenges Former teacher at MTBS beyond teaching. In 1995, Jeremy He will be particularly remembered finally realised this long held desire for the plays and musicals he for a new adventure. He and Cheryl produced, including: bought a small and run down business called Practical Magic; essentially a The Ghost Train – a comedy suspense mail order business supplying props thriller with eerie sound effects to children’s entertainers, in reality a Hamp – a gripping and compelling name and a garage full of plastic drama set during WWI; Jeremy accessories.

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The Best Education for Life

The Merchant Taylors’ Schools Liverpool Road, Crosby, Liverpool L23 0QP.

Call: 0151 949 9351 @MerchantsCrosby www.merchanttaylors.com /merchanttaylorscrosby