OPEN MORNING | SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER 2025 - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
  • Homepage
  • Admissions
  • Stanfield Prep
  • Senior School
  • Sixth Form
  • Merchants+ Facility Hire and Children’s Activities
  • Calendar
  • Events
  • Latest News
  • Contact Us
  • Job Vacancies
  • Alumni & Development
  • SOCS Sports
  • Stanfield Prep
  • Seniors
  • Sixth Form
  • Menu Spacer ALWAYS KEEP IN MIDDLE
  • Admissions
  • Our Family
  • Merchants+

MENU

David ‘Dave’ Tootill – In Memoriam

Chris Delaney writes:
Dave was one of those annoying chaps who was good at everything without seeming to try very hard.

Dave attended MTS Crosby from 1956 to 63. He then went to St John’s College, Oxford (1963 to 66) where he obtained an MA in Classics.  After graduation, he worked for a number of years at Price Waterhouse Coopers, plus a spell with the Zambian copper mine companies, before eventually settling in Johannesburg, South Africa.   He then started his own company which focussed on logistics, supply chain optimisation and the management of inventory control production systems.

Dave was married to Marion who lives in Johannesburg and their son is a sports coach who lives in the USA.  Dave’s sister, Mrs. Sue Williamson, lives in Crosby. He owned a holiday cottage at Umdloti near Durban.

The last time I saw Dave was when we met in February 2016 at Wanderers in Jo’burg for lunch, after my wife and I had been to the Centurion cricket ground in Pretoria the previous day to watch England lose their one day match against South Africa.  Dave had a very analytical mind and as the beers went down we were able to discuss England’s shortcomings in the greatest detail!

Dave was supremely good at sport – rugby, cricket and football. He is the only Old Boy of MTS, Crosby to have won a Blue at soccer. He was the wicket keeper for the cricket team which uniquely won every single match against other schools during the 1963 season, without even a single drawn game.  Dave was a lifelong Everton supporter.

Since Dave passed away in March, after a short illness, there have been many tributes received from his 1963 MTS cricket team mates – starting with Brian Carpenter, captain of the MTS 1963 cricket team:

– Really shocked to hear about Dave. We spent much time together at Uni -mainly in the nets when I could never get him out, apart from the odd LBW. He should have opened to give a bit of solidarity at the top of the order! For all his quiet demeanour he had a steely determination evident when he achieved his soccer blue amid much competition for the fullback position. It was through his soccer links that we went together to the three FA cup finals 1964/65 and most memorable of all in 1966. So many memories now flooding back – a really sad day.

– We were in 2C and Lower Remove for the first two years sitting in adjacent desks until we opted for different O level subjects. I spent many hours at his place kicking a football or practising cricket, particularly when he was starting out as a wicket-keeper. We both were regular members of the large gang of mostly MTS who played soccer incessantly in Victoria Park, and also played tennis there occasionally. He was so good at soccer, despite the embargo at MTS. I never recall getting past him, or ever getting the ball off him, but it was great to hear about his Blue at Oxford. With Dave, Walter Herriot and J B Williams,it was a tough place to be not very good at soccer. (Peter Thomas)

– We can immediately remember Dave’s humour, intelligence and enthusiasm for life. I can still see the image of his wicket-keeping prowess-reliable, sometimes mercurial, and his rugby exploits as well. He will be missed. (John Chellingworth)

– Dave had not changed from my memory of him at school. A very important member of our team, unassuming but always gave his best. You did not notice Dave behind the stumps but that showed his great skill. I know soccer was his first love but he still showed enormous skill on the Rugby field, switching from feet skills to hand skills –  no problem. (Richard Norris)

– I am sure he could have turned his hand to any sport and although he would probably have succeeded at it, I could never imagine he would have been a boxing champion! I have had the ‘privilege’ of meeting several exceptional sportsmen, most of them, full of themselves, Dave was still so modest. (Michael Grundy)

– My memories of Dave go back to summers in Victoria Park – cricket and footie with our mates. He was a great sportsman and will be sadly missed. (Ferdie Gardner)

– Dave was a lovely guy, and so very talented in a number of sports. He possessed that lovely calm external presence, making one wish to know the deeper Dave Tootill. We shall miss him. The last few years have emphasised the value of friendship, and the importance of opportunities taken. None of us know what is around the corner. To those who have sadly left us we owe them fond farewells. (Robin Cox)

SHARE:

Previous Post All News Next Post

Latest News

  • Celebrating Achievement Across the Curriculum at Merchant Taylors’
  • Merchant Taylors’ Pupils Celebrate Excellent GCSE Results
  • Pupils Celebrate A Level Success Across Merchant Taylors’ Sixth Form
  • Merchant Taylors’ Celebrates Speech Day 2025 at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
  • Acclaimed Musicians Lead Inspiring Music Masterclasses at Merchant Taylors’ School
View All News

Upcoming Events

  • Open Morning 2025 on October 11, 2025 9:30 am
  • Sixth Form Open Evening 2025 on October 14, 2025 5:30 pm
  • October Half Term Holiday Club on October 20, 2025 8:00 am
  • October Half Term Holiday Club on October 21, 2025 8:00 am
  • October Half Term Holiday Club on October 22, 2025 8:00 am
View All Events

Join our family

admissions information sign up to our newsletter

SHARE:

Back to top

Instagram Feed

On Wednesday morning, the entire Merchant Taylors’ community, from our very youngest pupils in Reception through to the Upper Sixth, together with teaching and support staff gathered for a whole school photograph 📸

This was our first whole school photo since the end of 2019, which was taken ahead of our 400th Anniversary celebrations in 2020. It also carries added significance as our first photograph as a fully co-educational school, capturing in one image the unity and strength of our community from ages 4 to 18.

There was a wonderful sense of excitement as everyone assembled on the Senior School field, creating a snapshot that symbolises both our shared history and the exciting journey ahead.
After the opening of Mulberry House, our @merchant After the opening of Mulberry House, our @merchant_taylors Company Prize winners from Speech Day enjoyed a special Tuesday afternoon tea with Brigadier Christopher Coles and Rebecca Pirt from the Merchant Taylors’ Company.

These prizes are awarded each year to pupils from Year 7 to Upper Sixth who show intellectual curiosity and academic ambition across the curriculum.

It was a wonderful way to celebrate our prize winners once again. ✨
Yesterday we were proud to open Mulberry House, ou Yesterday we were proud to open Mulberry House, our new Welfare and Wellbeing Centre at Merchant Taylors’.

Thanks to a generous grant from the @merchant_taylors Company, the refurbished building now brings together our pastoral leaders, nursing and healthcare, learning support, and counselling teams under one roof - creating a dedicated hub of support for every pupil. 💙

We were delighted to be joined by Brigadier Christopher Coles, Clerk of the Merchant Taylors’ Company, and Rebecca Pirt, the Company’s Education, Grants and Relationships Manager, alongside our Headmaster Mr Dearden. We also welcomed governors Charles Cowling, Philip Marshall KC and Gareth Mawdsley to mark this important milestone.

Mulberry House will be at the heart of pupil welfare at MTS, ensuring that care, guidance and wellbeing remain central to school life. 🌿✨
🌟 Sixth Form Open Evening 2025 🌟 Thinking a 🌟 Sixth Form Open Evening 2025 🌟

Thinking about your next step after GCSEs? Come and see what makes Merchant Taylors’ Sixth Form such a special place to learn, grow and thrive.

📅 Tuesday 14th October 2025
🕠 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Join us to:
✨ Explore our wide range of A Level subjects
✨ Meet our inspiring teachers
✨ Hear from current Sixth Formers about their experiences
✨ Discover the outstanding support and opportunities that prepare pupils for top universities and careers

Book your place today via the link in our bio 🔗
This morning, our Reception pupils enjoyed their u This morning, our Reception pupils enjoyed their usual morning snack - but this time in a very special setting!

They visited Headmaster Mr Dearden in his office at the Senior School, where each child received a commemorative badge to mark the beginning of co-education from ages 4–18 at Merchant Taylors’.

The children asked Mr Dearden lots of questions, before tucking into toast, fruit and drinks, finishing their visit with a round of high fives! 👏

It was a memorable morning that helped our youngest pupils feel part of the wider school community and this exciting new chapter.
To mark the first week of co-education at Merchant To mark the first week of co-education at Merchant Taylors’ Senior School, we were pleased to welcome Mr Matthew King, one of our governors, into school on Thursday to see daily life in action.

Across the day, Matthew visited a variety of lessons, including Geography, Computer Science, Biology, Maths and History. He also joined pupils for lunch and enjoyed the buzz of the Dance Auditions in Williams Hall.

Reflecting on his visit, Matthew said:

“It's been a very encouraging day. I have shadowed a Year 9 class in their lessons and I've been able to observe their learning with a variety of hats on: as a governor; as a teacher myself, and also as an Old Crosbeian.

"It was an absolute privilege to spend time alongside pupils and staff in this landmark week for the school. The enthusiasm, focus and energy I witnessed were inspiring, and it was wonderful to see how quickly and confidently our pupils are embracing co-education.

"I was sat there today thinking about what 15-year-old Matthew King would have thought of this and I think today marks the start of a very positive, new chapter in Merchant Taylors' history.”

We are grateful to Matthew for his ongoing commitment as a governor and for supporting our vision to create the very best environment for every pupil to flourish.
A royal treat for Year 6! 👑🚁 After Her Roya A royal treat for Year 6! 👑🚁

After Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal arrived by helicopter on our Senior School field yesterday, our Year 6 pupils were given the rare chance to step up close to the impressive Leonardo AW139.

The pilots kindly took the time to chat with them, answering their many questions and making it an experience they’ll never forget. 💫
We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Merchant Taylors’ this afternoon.

Princess Anne arrived by helicopter on our Senior School field as she travelled to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, where she attended the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce’s 175th Anniversary celebrations.

It was a privilege for our school community to host her arrival.
Merchant Taylors' image

ADDITIONAL INFO
Disclaimer
Privacy
Cookie Usage
Terms & Conditions
Website Credits

LINKS
Intranet
iSAMS – Staff Portal
iSAMS – Student Portal
iSAMS – Parent Portal
SOCS Login
SOCS Calendar
Library

 
Contact
Join Our Team
Policies
Events
Governance

Admissions: 0151 949 9366
Prep School: 0151 924 1506
Senior School: 0151 928 3308
Sports Centre: 0151 949 9355

The Merchant Taylors’ School
Liverpool Road
Crosby
Liverpool
L23 0QP

Our social links

© The Merchant Taylors’ Schools, Crosby
Company No: 6654276
Registered Charity No: 1125485

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT