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Richard Morgan Memorial
Richard Morgan's life was remembered at Radley by family, friends, ORs and colleagues on what was a special day at the College.
Opening with the fanfare commissioned from Franics Jackson for the installation of Richard Morgan as Warden of Radley in 1991, the Memorial service held at the College on 10th November was a deeply personal affair.
From the choice of music and hymns, to the readings by Thomas Seymour, Mike Hodgson, Martin Stanley, the tribute by Alexander Boswell and the prayers led by Katie Jones with Richard's daughters, Pippa and Tooey, the packed Chapel remembered a husband, father, schoolmaster, Warden and friend whose influence touched so many lives.
Our own tribute to Warden Morgan begins with a look back at the vales written for him from his two stints at Radley as don and then as Warden. We shall remember him for many things: for the true schoolmaster's genius of making a boy he had once taught feel that Richard still knew him and that he remained interested in his life; for attacking vigorously his part in a Dons' Play ('Bottomley' or 'Player'); for his enthusiasm; for the warmth of his friendship but, above all, for his love of all that is best at Radley.
From SJB Langdale's valete for RMM, 1978
Following Dennis Silk as Warden of Radley in 1991 was one of the hardest acts in education. That he succeeded brilliantly is testimony to Richard Morgan’s skill, energy and, above all, love for a school with which he has been closely connected for 38 years. Having “hit the ground running” in 1991, Richard Morgan took off in 2000 having hardly paused for breath in the interim. There was no time for complacency. Every aspect of life at Radley was under constant scrutiny. Not change for the sake of change but for the purpose of improving the boys, of giving them every opportunity of developing their skills in preparation for their future. In Council, the Warden’s reports never failed to stimulate, his proposals seldom failed to persuade. They reflected a man who respected the institution of Radley, and had the confidence and experience to help it on in its journey and leave it far stronger for his visionary leadership.
From Mike Hodgson's valete for RMM, 2000
Left: Richard in the Royal Glimpses video, filmed on the occasion of the Queen's visit in 1997. A photomontage from The Radleian 1995, featuring RMM with a larger-than-life Bumpus, the Morgan family dog.
Richard Morgan Thanksgiving Service
A packed Chapel congregation gave thanks and remembered the life of Richard Morgan. After the service a collection was made for two charities that Richard had supported wholeheartedly – Alabare, a charity for the homeless in Salisbury, and S.W. Mencap, who support people with learning difficulties, and their families, to lead fuller lives.
A video of the Service is available: www.vimeo.com/radleyvideo
After the Service in Chapel, guests made their way to Clocktower Court Coffee Shop for refreshments – a chance to catch up with each other and reminisce.
Richard Morgan Trophy
To finish off the day, the Junior Colts took to Bigside to compete against their Cheltenham College counterparts, for the inaugural Richard Morgan Trophy.
Boys, ORs, guests, current Head of Cheltenham College, Nicola Huggett, as well as Richard's family, watched a spirited match played with enthusiasm and pride. Radley's organisation up front and pace in the backs proved to be too strong for the visitors, and the home side walked away with this year's honours. At full-time, both teams gathered under the posts to hear from the Warden, before Margaret Morgan awarded the trophy to the Junior Colts.
A fitting end to a day in honour of RMM.
