Ralph Russell (1950 – 55)

Katharine has informed us that Ralph collapsed and died at home yesterday. Funeral arrangements are still being made.

Patrick Nigel Culley

Pat died suddenly at home in the Philippines on 14th October 2007. A memorial service will be held at St Swithun’s Church, Hempsted on Friday 2nd November 2007 at 2pm.

Simon Birch (1979 – 83)

Simon Birch (1979-83) has written a book called The Last Generations which tells the story of those Old Cryptians killed in the two World Wars of the 20th Century. He has been helped by his wife Sarah and by Ray Pocock who has two grandsons currently at the Crypt School. It is hoped that this book will be published early in the New Year and further details will be available on this website at that time.

John Paddock (1962 – 70)

John Paddock(1962-80) who is the Vicar of St. George’s Tuffley and who preached at the Founders’ Day service in the Cathedral in 2004, has been awarded a Ph.D by the University of Glasgow for his thesis on 16th Century Spanish Literature.

David Barton (1995-2002)

After leaving school, David has pursued a career in private instrumental and vocal teaching and in 2004 gained the Certificate in Vocal and Instrumental Teaching from The Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He currently teaches flute, piano and singing; with perhaps the biggest achievement being that his 68 year old pupil recently gained distinction at grade 1 piano.

He is actively involved in Musical Theatre in the area, where recent productions have included the rock musical “The Little Shop of Horrors”, and Gershwin’s toe-tapping “Crazy for You”. He has continued to compose music too, and has recently had several pieces published including ‘Two Pieces for Flute Duet and Piano’ ‘On the Box for Flute and Piano’ and ‘Five Fanfare for Organ’. He has been commissioned on a number of occasions to compose organ music for special services in churches around Gloucester.
(more…)

Ofsted Report

Reproduced below with the kind permission of The Citizen is an article by Peter Orchard which appeared in the Monday, 26th April, 2004 edition:

One of the grammar schools earmarked for closure in Gloucetershire County Council’s review of secondary education has been praised by education watchdog, Ofsted. The Crypt School in Podsmead has been described as “good and improving” in its latest inspectors’ report. There is some criticism of modern language provision – particlularly French – and ICT facilities.
(more…)

Iain McKillop (1965-72)

Iain McKillop (1965-72) has recently completed a commission for the Lady Chapel in Gloucester Cathedral. The Altarpiece was dedicated at a service in the Cathedral on 22 February and can now be seen by visitors. In addition, Iain’s 2003 series of Stations of the Cross: Stations in a Suffering World is also to be seen in the Cathedral. This is a very busy year for Iain for he has already had works exhibited In Guildford and St. Paul’s Cathedrals and he will also be exhibiting some of his work at Worcester Cathedral in April and in Lichfield Cathedral in July-August 2004.

Horace Edwards

Horace Edwards, a rugby master at The Crypt School for 31 years has died, aged 86.

Reproduced below with the kind permission of The Citizen is an article by Emma Smith which appeared in the Sat., 26th January, 2003 edition :

“The man who shaped the early careers of England and Gloucester legends Peter Butler and Charles Hannaford has died at the age of 86. Horace Edwards was a rugby master at Crypt School, Gloucester, for 31 years, during which time the school produced five junior England internationals.
(more…)

Patrick Gwilliam

Sad news recently received by the Old Cryptian Club is that of the passing of Patrick Gwilliam, 67.

Crypt School : Most Improved

Recently The Crypt School was ranked eighth nationally in the Department for Education’s list of ‘Most Improved Schools’. Headteacher, David Lamper, said that “the recognition was welcome and that it reflects on the achievements of students over a number of years and the work of a dedicated staff team”.