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Giles Watson 1954-2015 (Leaver 1972)

giles img001

Giles was born in Scotland in 1954. He showed a passion for languages at Merchants, where he slipped in extra O-levels in Spanish, Russian and Modern Greek, learning the latter from the ‘Teach Yourself.’ book!  In 1976,Giles gained a First from Peterhouse, Cambridge, in Modern and Medieval Languages, and then spent some years working in South America.  In the early 80s he moved to Italy where he initially taught English to the Roman Police, then moved to Udine, teaching at the Oxford Schools of English, based in Venice.  His love of language, though, led Giles to translation, working for the University of Udine before going freelance.
In 1985, Giles married Grazia, an English teacher, and with her travelled widely, from the Americas to the Far East, but his home from now on would be Italy.  As a translator, Giles specialised in wine and the arts, creating his own website, ‘Watson’s Wine Glossary’, as a resource for translators. He translated, co-ordinated the team of translators, and edited the yearly guide ‘Italian Wines’ from 2001 onward.  Giles translated over fifty books, most notably those by Beppe Severgnini, foreign correspondent for the Italian newspaper ‘Corriere Della Sera’, many of which were best sellers. He also contributed a column to the newspaper, and when they started to publish a daily online edition, Giles was the obvious choice.
Giles fully immersed himself in Italian life, and was an enthusiastic member of the ‘Slow Food’ movement, reviewing restaurants and food producers for the group. He was a keen mushroomer, and enjoyed getting up early when at their chalet in the mountains to hunt for the best.  Meals with Giles and Grazia would always include hand-picked mushrooms.  He was also very active with the local Multiple Sclerosis Group, working tirelessly as secretary and fundraiser.

As the tribute in the Corriere, by Beppe, and the many messages of sympathy on the Pro-Z.com translators’ forum attest, Giles was a much loved and respected man.

‘His contributions were unmissable, not only on wine, but particularly on linguistics and etymology, of which he had an encyclopedic knowledge.  A man of great intellect but always of great humanity, a real gentleman’;   

 

‘a man of culture, intelligent, extremely prepared, witty, with a nice sense of humour’;

 

‘I will miss his professionalism, his witty speeches, and his gentle irony’;

 

‘we all learned something from Giles, all of us will remember him with admiration and regret, but also with gratitude.’

Giles died suddenly and unexpectedly on July 26th 2015, soon after his 61st birthday, and just a few weeks before his 30th wedding anniversary. He is very sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

Maurice Watson MTBS 1966-1973.

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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.
Lost luggage. Cancelled flights. Endless delays ✈️

That was just the beginning of Headmaster Mr Dearden’s holiday nightmare, which he shared at our very first co-educational assembly this morning. Thankfully, the trip turned out wonderfully in the end, and from it came an important reminder for our pupils.

Just like at school, the journey won’t always go to plan. But if you’re prepared and organised, accept help when it’s offered, and have the courage to be adventurous and take a risk, you’ll always get where you’re meant to be.

A brilliant message as we begin this exciting new chapter together. 💫
On Friday, Merchant Taylors’ marked the beginnin On Friday, Merchant Taylors’ marked the beginning of a new chapter as we welcomed our very first co-educational Senior School pupils.

From roll call on the Parade Ground, where our new Headmaster Mr Phil Dearden and Chair of Governors Mr Philip Marshall KC addressed pupils from Prep and Seniors, to the presentation of commemorative badges, it was a morning filled with pride and anticipation for the future.

The day ended with pupils gathering on the school field to spell out MTS – a striking start to this exciting new chapter in our history.

Here’s to a future shaped by ambition, character and excellence.
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