We are indebted to the families of OMs, staff and governors for letting us know the sad news of their passing. If you would like to pass on that news as well as an overview of their life and a picture, we will keep a record on this page. Please contact David Stevens stevensd@omamembership.co.uk
Barry Hoile (Manwood's 1959-1964) passed away on the evening of the 24th March 2025. His daughter writes "it is my sad duty to tell you that Barry has passed away. He just sat down in his chair and fell asleep. It was all so very peaceful".
Derek Tyrell Collins (Manwood's 1945-52) passed away on 17th April 2025 aged 92. He was a contemporary of the Firmingers and is pictured in the 1950/51 photo of the rugby 1st XV with them. A front rower “a sound scrummager who was always working in the tight. Certainly did his share of work”. Derek was a Knolles House prefect and was awarded School rugby colours 1950-52 and house colours in hockey and cricket. He left School for National Service in the RAF in 1952 then completed a degree in Metallurgy at Imperial College before moving into industry.
Brian Clarke (Manwood's 1958-1965). It is with great sadness that we received the following from Andrew Gregory. ”I have recently returned from the funeral of Brian Clarke, one of my oldest friends and one of the few that I kept in touch with since my days at Manwood's . Brian came to Manwood's in the sixth form – his father was in the RAF and because of his incessant travelling, Brian never settled at a school for more than a couple of years. Brian arrived in 1963 and left in 1965. Brian was a good sportsman; he played for Sandwich Town at football, but his main contribution to Manwood's was his ability at tennis. He was a shoo-in for the Men’s 1st VI and he and I had a successful partnership for a couple of years. In those days there was little support from the teaching staff for tennis – we organised our own matches against local schools, as well as our own transport. Brian and his brother Dennis had motor scooters and four of us would travel to matches on the scooters and one of the parents (Denise Collier) would take the other two players by car. Not sure this would be allowed these days! As a team we were reasonably successful, certainly winning more matches than we lost.
The highlight of the two years we played together was the Youll Cup that was played each year at Wimbledon. This was a knockout competition for schools that were part of the Headmaster’s Conference. The format was two doubles pairs and a singles play off in the event of a draw. In the second year, we contrived to lose our first-round match, which qualified Manwood's for the Plate. We reached the final and lost a very tight match (2-1) to Dulwich College
After leaving school, Brian qualified as an Accountant and had a hankering to travel, particularly in Africa. He did tours to Zambia (the copper belt), Kenya (Nairobi) and Botswana. Wherever Brian went, he succeeded in picking up silverware as the local tennis champion! He was also the natural choice as Club Treasurer and held the role of treasurer or chairman at numerous clubs. In the latter part of his career Brian turned to lecturing in Accountancy.
Three years ago, Brian was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease, his final challenge which he fought very bravely. Brian leaves behind his wife (Ruth) of more than 50 years and two daughters Jo and Fran of whom he was immensely proud. Our thoughts and best wishes go to his family and friends.
Jennie Shaw (Manwood's staff) who taught English at SRMS from the late 1980’s to the mid 1990’s. The funeral will be held on Thursday 24th July at 11am. The wake should be at the church hall afterwards. Our thoughts and best wishes go to her family and friends.
Marlburian approach