The club is sad to announce the passing of former President, Ian Williamson. He died surrounded by his family after a short illness on the 27th December in Salisbury hospital in Wiltshire.
The club has sent its condolences to his wife, Patricia, and his wider family.
The OCC is saddened to hear the news of the passing of former club secretary, Eric Kennett.
Eric passed away at the age of 94 peacefully in his sleep after a short illness in the early hours of Friday 12th December 2025 at the Edgehill Care Home in Swindon. He had been visited by many of his family in the previous hours who are all greatly saddened by his passing.
Eric served for 7 years as Secretary of the Old Cryptians’ Club and he still treasured the tankard presented to him upon his departure to a new position at Warwick School.
A great life well lived,
Graduated from Oriel College Oxford 1950-53
For almost 40 years he taught French & German Language & Literature at:
Bridlington School 1953 – 1968
Head of Department at Crypt School Gloucester, 1968-1977
Head of Department at Warwick School 1977-1990
and like many teachers he also taught other subjects including P.E. Geography and History.
An active man for most of his life, he excelled at most activities including Rock Climbing (he climbed the Alps) Cycling, Golf, a Rugby referee and until his late 80’s regularly walked 7 or 8 miles around the Lower Quinton Villages. He was a keen Photographer, Painter, Woodworker and Gardener (He even grew his own pipe tobacco)
He was a very religious man and a very active member of St. Swithins Church Lower Quinton, serving as Church Warden and a regular reader.
A new exhibition about a poem written by a Gloucester-born writer has opened.
The exhibition, at St Mary de Crypt in Southgate Street in the city centre, tells the story of the poem ‘Invictus’ by William Ernest Henley and how it has had a major impact across the world.
The poem was written in 1875, so this year marks its 150th anniversary. The exhibition has been put together by history students from The Crypt School, which Henley attended and which was founded at St Mary de Crypt, in conjunction with the Friends of St Mary de Crypt.
Most famously, Invictus was read daily by Nelson Mandela while he was in captivity but it has also been quoted from at different times by major figures including Winston Churchill and Barack Obama. It was also the inspiration for Prince Harry’s Invictus Games for injured service personnel and for the 2009 film about South Africa winning the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Paul James, Chair of the Friends of St Mary de Crypt, said, “We are very grateful to the students and staff at The Crypt School for putting this exhibition together. It is remarkable just how much influence Invictus has had on events around the world and we should be proud that its roots are here in Gloucester.”
James Higgs, Head of History and Politics at The Crypt School, said: “Our students have relished the opportunity to research, collaborate & present their ideas on William Henley and his poetry. They have enjoyed seeing the myriad of ways it has influenced figures way beyond Gloucestershire, and throughout the world. Henley’s themes of resilience and inner strength are all incredibly relevant to our students today.
The exhibition is free to view and St Mary de Crypt is open Wednesday-Saturday from 11am-3pm (except the morning of Wednesday 19th November when it will be closed due to a theatrical production). The exhibition will run until the end of the year.
INVICTUS
Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley 1849 – 1903 Born on Eastgate Street, Gloucester, Crypt School alumnus, William Ernest Henley, went on to become a celebrated poet, writer and literary critic. He was moved to write the 1875 poem, ‘Invictus’, whilst recovering from surgery to save his remaining leg, having lost one when he was 16 to complications arising from tuberculosis. Evoking the indefatigable spirit, self discipline and fortitude in adversity, Invictus has inspired many and was quoted at different times by leaders including Sir Winston Churchill and Barack Obama. Whilst incarcerated at Robben Island prison, Nelson Mandela recited the poem to other prisoners and was empowered by its message of self-mastery. He was forever linked to ‘Invictus’ when his early presidency of South Africa and the 1995 Rugby World Cup triumph were immortalised by the 2009 film of the same name.
The Club is saddened to learn of the passing of Richard Lloyd on October 4th 2025. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Richard Lloyd was born in Gloucester and attended the Crypt School. After university, which included a First and two London M.Phils (M.Phil and Bar, he called them), he spent his whole career working for the environment, with his first post as an ecologist with the then Lindsey County Council.
A move to the Countryside Commission in London in the 1970s included policy and research work. Soon after the Commission’s move to Cheltenham – and still at a very young age – he was appointed as the Commission’s Regional Officer for the South West. A visit to Richard’s Bristol Office and his small, lively team was always a cheery experience. Later, back in the Cheltenham HQ, Richard energetically headed Countryside Commission policy units covering, variously, land-use planning, designated landscapes, and agriculture. From there it was a seamless move into CPRE. In retirement, and by then with an MBE for his environmental work, he was appointed by the Secretary of State to the Board of the Cotswolds AONB. Again, he made an impact as one of the more active and supportive Board members.
There is a full obituary on the CPRE website and a interview on the BBC Gloucestershire you tube channel below.
Sad to announce the passing of Michael Jones, a Gloucester lad who became a respected journalist and political commentator.
Michael was the first son of Glyn & Betty Jones. Some may remember Glyn who went into business with his Brother in Law Les Browett opening a betting shop ’Jones and Browett’ close to the Wagon Works and Morelands Match Manufactory on the Stroud Road. Peter, Michael’s younger brother worked for many years at Impregnated Diamond Products in Gloucester and continues to live in the city.
Michael was born in about 1937 and attended the Crypt School between 1948 – 1956. I believe Michael’s first steps saw him in a lowly job at the Citizen/Gloucester Journal in the late 50s where he worked his way up and from where eventually he joined the then Manchester Guardian. As a respected journalist he later worked in Hong Kong and also on The Times, Daily Telegraph and Financial Times. He retired as Associate Editor (Politics) of the Sunday Times in 2002. Thereafter he worked closely with Betty Boothroyd on her autobiography. For many years he lived with his wife Sheila in Orpington where their own family grew up. Michael was a much older cousin of mine and a fascinating chap to talk with. RIP.
Originally posted by Chris Coopey in the “Gloucester: A trip back in time” Facebook page
We’re sad to announce the death of Charlie Partridge from cancer. He was at the school from 1964 x1971 and lived in the Longlevens area of Gloucester . He went to work extensively for the BBC and was the Editor of BBC Radio Lincolnshire for over 21 years . He was a keen cyclist, skier and supporter of Plymouth Argyle and Lincoln City. We send our condolences to his widow Jill and their three sons .
Charlie’s funeral will be on Tuesday 26th August, 12.30 at Welton St Mary’s church followed by a family cremation. There will be a wake at the White Hart hotel in Lincoln.
The Cryptian Magazine is now available on line. Please follow this link for the full magazine.
Once again, the school has provided a lot of interesting and informative content – there is so much going on at the school these days both inside and outside of the classrooms – all put together by Chris Cobb.
Steve Knibbs has taken on the editorship for all of our Cryptian community input. Please contact Steve or Adam with any comments or content for next year.
The Old Cryptians’ Club will be providing a light supper after the Founders’ Day Service at The Dick Whittington Pub, a short walk from the Cathedral from 8.30pm.
If you would like to meet up after the service for supper, please let us know by emailing admin@oldcryptians.org by Thursday 12 June as we need to know numbers for catering.
The Dick Whittington Pub 100 Westgate St, Gloucester GL1 2PE
