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.
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The Club and the Bursary are deeply saddened by the passing of past president Peter Hobbs.
The recent news that Peter Hobbs had died came as a big shock to me. I knew that he was unwell (cancer had been mentioned) but I was unaware of the seriousness of his condition. From far away in Kent news travels slowly and only those with recent knowledge of Peter’s wide-ranging projects, including those for the Old Cryptians’ Committee could know that we were about to lose one of the most steadfast and loyal of Colin Ewan’s star performers.
When I, as a young sprog, joined the Crypt School in the 1950s, it quickly became clear that, although difficult to articulate, Headmaster Colin Ewan was on a mission to produce well rounded and cultivated young men fit for the highest position in society. Peter (P.T.G. Hobbs) Hobbs easily adopted the role of excellence in all things, taking forward the magnificent traditions of the Gloucester school founded in 1539. Peter glided through attainment levels in academia, sport and, above all drama. The long-lamented figure of Charles Lepper, appointed by Colin Ewan in a stroke of genius, started a tradition of Shakespearian drama which brought many fine productions to the first-rate scale of the architecturally perfect proportions of the recently completed Podsmead building. Peter Hobbs was chosen to be the young Arial. He and the Company received many plaudits and the “Citizen”s glowing reviews helped to generate big audiences for 10 live annual productions. Charles Lepper left to re-join his alma mater in Berkshire (Radley College) where he could develop his talent for more purist classical productions.
From Head Boy at the Crypt, Peter gained a place at Exeter College, Oxford and soon carved a career in the Government’s Forensic Science Service. There followed a distinguished career in industry and was able to use his influence to acquire for the school the magnificent boardroom table that stands today in the Crush Hall.
Over the decades Peter played a tremendous part in the maintenance and development of the Old Cryptians’ Club (founded in 1901). He served twice as President and through his encyclopaedic knowledge of Procedure shaped the future health of this ancient institution. Specifically, Peter can be credited with:
- With Howard Allen ensuring succession planning in particular the vital role of Club President
- Supporting the continuation and success of the main social events – March Dinner, Pembroke Dinner, Founders Day Social Evening and may more.
- Taking part in the Remembrance Day Parade and March in Whitehall
- Contributing in generous measure to the 2001 Centenary Bursary Fund
- Supporting, with enthusiasm the OC digitisation programme to bring the mountain of longhand and other historical documents to all interested in Old Cryptians’ history so that is available instantly on home devices and computers. (This work continues.)
Peter’s record at Committee was tireless. He would travel from London or Kent and stay overnight in order to attend evening meetings and discuss important issues. He had a reputation for always knowing how to proceed in novel situation.
Our thoughts go out to his wife Victoria and daughter Katharine and other family members and his many friends and former colleagues.
Richard Briggs – 13 March 2025, Cape Town
Hobbs, Peter Thomas Goddard was born on March 19, 1938 in Gloucester, England. Son of Reginald Stanley and Phyllis Gwendoline (Goddard) Hobbs.
Education
- The Crypt Grammar School, Gloucester 1949-1956
- Master of Arts, Exeter College, Oxford, England, 1962. Doctorate (honorary), International Management Centres.
Career
- Manager Imperial Chemical Industries, England, 1962-1979.
- Board director Wellcome Foundation Ltd., Wellcome Plc, England, 1979-1992.
- Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, England, 1993-1998.
- Member, chairman Employment Affairs Board and Council, Chemical Industries Association, England, 1979-1993.
- Deputy chairman Pharmaceuticals and Fine Chemicals Joint Industrial Council, England, 1979-1989.
- Member education and training committee confederation British Industry, London, 1989-1994.
- Chairman Education Centre, University York, England, 1992-1994.
Achievements
Peter Thomas Goddard Hobbs has been listed as a noteworthy Inspector of constabulary by Marquis Who’s Who.
Membership
- Member, chairman Learning From Experience Trust, London, since 1988.
- Deputy Chairman. Roffey Park Institute, Horsham, England, 1989-1993.
- Founder, chairman Employer’s Forum on Disability, London, 1990-1993.
- Member Edexcel Foundation, London, 1995-1998.
- Board directors Forensic Science Superior vena cava syndrome United Kingdom, since 1996.
- Past country member Management Centre Europe, Brussels.
- Captain Royal Logistics Corps., Territorial Army, 1957-1968.
- Fellow Royal Society Arts United Kingdom, Institute Dirs. United Kingdom (member employment affairs committee since 1989).
- Member Institute Pers. and Development (companion, international v.p.1987-1989, 90-91),
- United Oxford and Cambridge Club.
Interests
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It is with sadness that we have learnt of the death Graham Russell (1944-1952), a very proud and active Old Cryptian for many years. He was President of the Club 1992-93.
His widow, Joan, wrote to us with this obituary.
If there is anyone still alive of his vintage, they will know more of Graham’s school days than I do. I have heard that in his early years at the Crypt he struggled with a loyalty he felt for a football club with which he had played for many years and this was not well received. Eventually he changed loyalty to the School and that never altered. He played in 1st XI cricket team in 1950 and 1st XV rugby teams in 1950-51 and 51-52.
Graham studied medicine at Bristol, played rugby and Captained the Hospital team one year. In 1957 he qualified M.B.Ch.B. After some House jobs in different specialities in Bristol he came to Gloucester to work in General Medicine at the City Gen as it was then known on the site of the present GRI. The Royal Infirmary was in Southgate Street. I was a Radiographer at City Gen and had met some Old Cryptians at the nurses dances; Patrick Gwilym, Charlie Counsell and Malcolm Haines and was asked to tell Dr. Russell that they hadn’t seen him at The Fountain for some time!
His next job was in Paediatrics at Battledown Children’s Hospital, Cheltenham after which we married and moved to Plymouth for a 12month job in a fevers hospital where Graham saw smallpox and diphtheria. He was refused any more deferment from National Service and had to sign up in the last year before it was abolished. He was able to take up the chance of 3 years as a Commissioned Officer in the RAF which meant a better lifestyle and in theory, married quarters. We had a good year at Cranwell and then he was sent to Sharjah for a year – no married quarters available – but he managed to get me out there for 4 months. It was before oil money transformed the region. Dubai had simple rowing boats (abras) to cross the creek and the old houses built with cooling wind towers. The road from Sharjah to Dubai was compressed sand which would break up and so the ‘road’ got wider. Our time there was an incredible experience. I digress.
Coming out of the RAF Graham did a 6 month job in Gloucester in Gynae and Maternity. He became adept at transfusing rhesus babies, whose inherited bloods were not compatible. It is not easy to find a vein in a newborn. He continued to be available for this procedure when he was working in General Practice but still had to be in for morning surgery etc.
He quickly became connected with the O.C.s again, particularly Dennis Mundy and Les Davies, meeting weekly for a chat and a beer. Graham frequently took O.C. Friends to Twickenham and to Cambridge for O.C. Dinners at Emmanuel College where the Master at the time was Dr. Derek Brewer, Old Cryptian, (35-41) These dinners were well attended but finished when Dr. Brewer retired in 1990. A magnificent painting of the scene was made by Roger Phelps, (42-47), every person identifiable including Roger himself standing at the back talking with Dennis Mundy. Roger was a wonderful portraitist. I see Graham at the top table presumably because he was doing much of the organising of the event at that time.
It was decided to re-connect with Pembroke College, Oxford which had a long link with the Crypt School via the Townsend Scholarship and Graham started to make the necessary contacts. The first of these dinners was held in January 1992. At Cambridge and Oxford the menus are mouth watering; five courses followed by College Port, conversations continuing over breakfast as they were happy to spend the night in College accommodation, which all contributed to the ambience of these occasions. There were usually over 40 O.C.s enjoying these meetings. The London O.C. Dinners were often attended by Graham, particularly when they were at the Chelsea Hospital,
Graham was active in the setting up of the Bursary Fund: there are many letters from O,C.s far and wide replying to his request for contributions to help set up the Fund. Graham also wrote a history of the O.C. Club, which, co-incidentally, is included in the 2023-24 magazine. There are records of meetings available from 1901 and it seems there were sporadic meetings of “Gentlemen educated at the Crypt School” as far back as 1760. What would these Gentlemen have thought when it was proposed that spouses and partners of Old Cryptians could become full members of the Club? Possibly as unhappy about it as Graham was.
Graham had many good friends in the OCC and took great pleasure in re-unions and their never-ending conversations. As he says in his history of the club, “It has been a great privilege for me to have known Old Cryptians who were at the school in the last quarter of the 19th century right through to present day Old Cryptians, some of whom I helped to deliver into this world.” He was a true and loyal member of the Club and a wonderful G.P. in Gloucester. He is much missed by me, Graham, Sarah and Rachael and the grandchildren.
In memory of Graham Alfred Russell, MB., ChB., D.C.H., D.R.C.O.G. And Old Cryptian (44-52)
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We are saddened to learn of the passing of Richard Abraham who attended the school from 1953 – 1960.
Richard was an outstanding member of the galaxy of actors directed by Charles Lepper during his golden era of Crypt School productions.
An inspirational teacher throughout his professional career, Richard was also a published author on Russian History.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Richard’s family and friends.
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The Club is saddened to receive the news that Gerald Rudge has died aged 78 years.
Thanks to Dr. Graham Russell who sent us the following…
Gerald Rudge (1955-60) died on 21 July 2022, aet 78 yrs.
Gerald was a journalist & one time Literary Editor of the Daily Mail.
He subsequently returned to live in Ross & worked for the Western Daily Press. On retirement he moved to Brixham & Burgundy, France.
He was a great supporter of the OCC, regularly attending London & Oxbridge dinners.
I am in touch with his sons.
I will attend his funeral on 17 August @ Linton Church, nr Ross.
Gerald’s son Duncan sends this obituary.
My father Gerald Rudge (1954 – 61) described himself to me as “a reluctant pupil” for his first three years at the Crypt. It seems his elation at having passed the 11-plus and being rewarded with the customary new bicycle was short-lived. He quickly found himself being compared unfavourably with his academically gifted elder brother, Edward, in whose shadow it seemed he was destined to exist.
Fortunately there were exceptions. At the beginning of Year Three he found that Fred Strachan was his new French teacher, Bernard Jones for art and, best of all, Charles Lepper for English Language and English Literature.
Immediately these three encouraged him to believe in himself. Charles Lepper discovered an embryonic creative writing talent in my father which he encouraged him to pursue and develop in his spare time. In his last year at the Crypt he decided on a career in journalism and began writing to local newspapers to try to find a vacancy for a junior reporter.
The Crypt’s maths master A.L.C. Smith also doubled up as Careers’ Master at that time and apparently made no secret of a bizarre distaste for newspapers and journalists.
This is how my father recalled his conversation with A.L.C. Smith:
“We don’t like to think of boys from the Crypt becoming newspaper reporters. Do you really want to spend your time hanging around in the rain on street corners? Newspaper reporters are in the same bracket as second-hand car salesmen and estate agents.”
Much to A.L.C. Smith’s chagrin Gerald began work as a junior reporter at The Citizen, then in St. John’s Lane connecting Gloucester’s Northgate and Westgate streets, in 1961 and after completing a satisfactory six-month probationary period signed his indentures for a three-year training.
It was the career of his dreams – and for the rest of his working life he never wanted to do anything else.
After his three years at The Citizen he moved to the Western Morning News, the regional morning newspaper at Plymouth, but eight months later, on learning that they were short of a sub-editor, he returned to The Citizen.
He then moved on to the Western Mail, the regional morning newspaper in Cardiff until, inevitably, Fleet Street beckoned and he joined the Daily Mail sub-editors’ desk. After six months he joined the Daily Sketch, which then merged with the Daily Mail and that was where he stayed for the next 25 years.
He became Executive Features Editor and eventually Literary Editor, responsible for book reviews, serialisations, commissioning authors to write feature articles and arranging literary lunches.
In 1994 he left the Daily Mail to become consultant editor at the Western Daily Press in Bristol until he retired from full-time work in 2000. Afterwards he was commissioned to write travel articles, which took him to France, all around the Mediterranean and Europe and further afield to the Maldives, Singapore and Hong Kong for several newspapers and magazines including The Independent, the Jewish Chronicle and the Eastern Daily Press in Norwich, for whom he also wrote a weekly food and wine column. He was also for many years editorial consultant to both the Egon Ronay Organisation and an English-language magazine group in Helsinki.
In 2006 he moved from Bromsash, near Ross-on-Wye to a cottage in the village of Domecy-sur-le-Vault in Burgundy and split his time between France and his flat in Brixham in Devon. Until well into his seventies he was paddling his canoe regularly on the rivers in Burgundy.
He always attended the OCs’ Oxford dinner until it ceased and the London OCs’ dinner every year.
DUNCAN RUDGE
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