Obituaries

Peter Goscombe (1935 -42)

With sadness it is recorded that Peter Goscombe of Hempsted, Gloucester died recently.  His funeral will be held on Thursday, 23rd July 2015 at St Swithuns’s Church in Hempsted at 12.00.  Peter was very proud of his Crypt education and all that the school did for him.  Chris Goscombe has been contacted and has said that Old Cryptians and other friends of Peter are welcome to attend the funeral.

Frank Anthony Little, 1939-1949

We have learned that Tony Little, an Old Cryptian who retired to Lichfield, has died.  The funeral will be held at Sutton Coldfield Crematorium at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 16th June 2015.

Steven Pedlar (1957-2015) Staff 1980-85

We have recently been told of the death  of Steven Pedlar.

Steven Pedlar, a Cornishman by birth, became Director of Music at Crypt in 1980 on the completion of his studies at the Royal Northern College of Music. He was quickly recognised as one of the school’s true characters. He was a superb musician, and pupils and parents were lucky enough to hear him perform on the organ and piano on many occasions. However, he will be best remembered for his conducting, especially of voices. He was passionate about choral music, and created a Chamber Choir with whom he performed challenging repertoire to a very high standard. His enthusiasm and energy resulted in superlative performances at all kinds of events, from the Christmas Wassails and Gilbert & Sullivan operettas to the more serious occasions of Founders Day and Commendation Services. He was a rigorous teacher, never allowing slackness, especially in his more able pupils.

 After Crypt, he taught at Worksop College and King Edward’s School Witley, before taking early retirement and moving to Lincolnshire. Sadly, his last few years were plagued by ill health. He leaves his widow, Griselda, and two grown-up children, Giles and Imogen.

Charles Lepper – Memorial Service

With great sadness we record the passing, on 27th January 2015, of Charles Lepper who taught at the Crypt School from 1954 to 1967.  A talented English teacher, Charles produced a string of Shakespearian plays to great acclaim. He will also be remembered as the author of the exhilarating narrative covering ‘The Crypt School Gloucester 1539-1989’.

The funeral service has already been held however a Memorial Service is being arranged, to be held at the School on Saturday, March 21st at 12.00 midday.  If you intend to be present would you please contact Richard Briggs Tel no 01344 485273, email Ri************@th****.org or Richard Browning  Tel no 01452 310321, email Ri*************@li**.uk by the 16th March.

Tony Howarth

Tony Howarth has passed away after a short illness. Tony was at the Crypt School in the years 1951-54.  A private family funeral will be held on 24th October.

John Hawkes

We report the death recently of Old Cryptian John Hawkes, a Past President of the Old Cryptians’ Club.  John was educated at Calton Road School like so many Cryptian alumni.  He commenced his life-long contact with the School in September 1928.  He was in West House.  John was an engineer who lived and worked mainly in the Midlands.  John was a modest and very likeable man and always a welcome presence at Club reunions.

Robert James (Tim) Hughes

This is a late posting to record the death of Mr R.J. Hughes on 13th December 2013, aged 95. Mr Hughes joined the staff of the Crypt in 1951 from Loughborough Training College and was in charge of Woodwork until 1959 when he left for Tonbridge School. In 1953 Mr Hughes formed the Meccano Club and in 1955 assisted Charles Lepper in his production of Henry VI Part 1 dealing with the scenery and banners, and also supervised the construction of the scenery for the next production by Charles – The Tempest. His other lifelong interest was as a Radio Amateur (G3GW) and he was an active member of the RSGB.

Bob George (1931-39)

It is with sadness that we report the death, on 9th November, of R.S. (Bob) George. Bob taught at the Crypt School from 1948 – 52. As yet there are no details of the funeral arrangements.

Jim Thompson (1955 – 62)

We regret to inform OCC Members and former Cryptians of the death of Jim Thompson who became a pupil of the Crypt School in 1955. A private funeral will be held next week. A memorial service in Gloucester cathedral is planned – details to be announced.

Jim was an active member of OCC whilst teaching at the Crypt and at King’s School. He was a fine hockey player and played many games for Wales.

Bernard Stephens (1945 – 53)

The Old Cryptians’ Club regret to announce Bernard’s death on 6th August 2013 at his home, Brook Farm, Westbury-on-Severn after a long period of illness.

The Funeral Service will be held in the Parish Church of Westbury-on-Severn on Tuesday 13th August 2013 at 1215 p.m.