We are saddened to bring you the news of the passing of three members of the Old Bristolian and BGS community recently. 

It is with sadness that I am writing to let you know that Steve Marsh passed away on Thursday following his battle with cancer. He will be remembered fondly by many staff, pupils and parents at BGS. Steve was a fantastic teacher and an inspiration to many.  He will be missed greatly by all those who knew him.  On a more personal note, I found his determination to raise money for Macmillan and the Velindre Cancer Centre by completing all the 23 Welsh Park-runs in 23 weeks whilst undergoing treatment for his own cancer both inspirational and humbling.  It was a privilege to be with Steve, Celia, his friends, colleagues and some BGS pupils in Newport as he completed the last of the 23 runs. 

Over the Easter break, I know that several members of staff and pupils had reached out and written as well as spoken to Steve and Celia, his wife, sharing memories of his time at BGS. He was heartened by this support offered by the BGS community which had been a large part of his life.  We will be sending our communal condolences to Steve’s family next week and we can include any notes should anyone like to add them, please pass them to the Junior School office.

Edward Towne, who taught History at BGS in the 1970s and early ‘80s, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday. Some will remember him as Queen Elizabeth l at a Midsummer Fair, and as Lady Dundown and Miss Czechoslovakia in the staff production of Alan Bennet’s “Forty Years On” in 1975. Edward was a big man physically and a larger-than-life large character who was well-liked at the school and has kept in touch since moving on, attending OB Dinners. He will be greatly missed.

Additionally, we have just heard the sad news that John Clarke died in January. John was the School Deputy Sergeant for 15 years and retired in 2001. John and his wife Jan, also a BGS staff member, were a formidable duo at the heart of the support service. John had a detailed knowledge of the 'ways' of the pupils, of the site and in particular of the hundreds of keys needed to secure the site!