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Christine Parr (1932-2015), In Memoriam

An obituary is a difficult task; writing one for a much admired colleague and later much loved friend, is a mountain to climb.

Chris (née Marsden) graduated from Girton College Cambridge in 1954 with a double first in Natural Sciences. She went on to St Thomas’ Hospital Biochemistry Dept. She returned to the North in 1956 being awarded an M.Sc by the University of London. She began work at Waterloo Park School and married Brian Parr in 1958. Christopher and Elizabeth were born in the following years.

After part time teaching she began work full time at MTGS in 1970. She was appointed Senior Mistress in 1976 and became the School’s first Deputy Head in 1981.

I first met Chris in 1987 when she ‘interviewed’ me as a candidate to succeed Margaret Davies. She was pleasant, fair, rigorous and thorough. Looking back I realise how very importantly the governors regarded her opinion.

With this ability she brought other outstanding personal attributes. One colleague wrote “among all my memories of working at MTGS, Chris stands out as someone whom I could both like and respect for every kind of reason; for her academic rigour which we took so much for granted, her constantly outstanding administration skills which she made seem entirely effortless and for her unfailing personal integrity and quiet kindness.”

Yes Chris was an outstanding Deputy Head, but, and equally important, she was a loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother.

A friend observed “I only met Chris on a few occasions but she left an indelible impression on me. She was invariably smiling with a sense of goodwill and attentive to those around. On one occasion, at a local restaurant, I remember her surrounded by her grandchildren – the centre of attention. They were full of laughter, chatter, respect and affection. I was very struck by her place in their lives.”

In the academic year 1988-89 Chris lost both her mother and her husband, Brian, and gained her first grandchild, William. As a result she postponed her retirement which was a great benefit both to myself and to the School.

She organised some unique moments in the school’s history. The 100th anniversary which we all, pupils, parents, staff and friends shared with the Archbishop of Canterbury in Liverpool Cathedral in 1988 stands out. I later discovered Chris had managed to acquire the actual copy of the Archbishop Runcie’s speech that day – special words. She also masterminded the Royal visit of the Duke and Duchess of York in 1988.

In the many letters and cards received after Chris’s death some observations are repeated – her smile, her sense of humour, meticulous attention to detail, generosity, integrity and elegance.

During her 23 years of retirement she designed and planted 2 gardens from scratch, or should I say mud and stone!

Her determination to master all aspects of IT (putting me to shame) and her love of music – following her Grade 8 violin at school – were all aspects of these very active years, as was her regular attendance at Church reflecting her quiet Christian faith. She gained further fulfilment from being a loving grandmother to her 5 grandchildren.

She and I walked and explored the Dolomites and Drakensburg, Alps and Pyrenees, Andes and Himalayas, Arctic to Antarctic, and the Tropics. We saw many sights and sites of this wonderful world we all inhabit, all described in her detailed logs and diaries and illustrated by her wonderful photographs.

Appropriate, therefore, to finish with an appreciation from an American student who passed us on the Everest trail. As he loped past the 14 of us, he noticed Chris – who was at 79, many years older than the rest of the party. He stopped, “Excuse me ma’am; can I ask you how old you are?” On being informed, he shouted with disbelief and wonder – “God bless you ma’am, God bless you!”, and he picked her up in a big hug.

A wonderful memory of a very special daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, colleague and friend.

Jane Panton

October 2016.

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Before the end of term, our Year 9 pupils explored Before the end of term, our Year 9 pupils explored the rich architectural heritage of both Merchant Taylors’ school sites, capturing their memories and experiences through art.

With the move to coeducation this September, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the legacy of the MTGS site and reflect on the spaces that have shaped so many lives - while looking forward to the next exciting chapter in our story. 🏫✨
Join us for an action-packed Cricket Camp at Merch Join us for an action-packed Cricket Camp at Merchant Taylors' this August! 🏏

We’re excited to welcome boys and girls aged 8–14 to our two-day Cricket Camp, led by Gary Yates (former Director of the Lancashire CC Academy) and Simon Sutcliffe (former Head of Cricket at Merchant Taylors’). 

Together, they bring years of top-level coaching experience to help young cricketers build their skills, confidence and enjoyment of the game.

🗓️ Thursday 14 & Friday 15 August 2025
🕤 9.30am - 3.30pm each day
📍 Merchant Taylors’ School, Harrison Site, L23 0QP
💷 £36 per day or £60 for both days

Throughout the camp, players will work on key aspects of the game, including:

✅ Seam and spin bowling techniques
✅ Batting drills and shot selection
✅ Fielding and catching skills
✅ Game awareness and match situations
✅ Small-sided games and match play

Whether your child is new to cricket or already playing regularly, this camp is a great opportunity to develop their technique, meet new friends and learn from two outstanding coaches.

📲 Places are limited – Book via the link in our bio.
We’re hiring! 📢 Merchant Taylors’ is seeki We’re hiring! 📢

Merchant Taylors’ is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team in the following roles:

🏑 Hockey Coach
🏐 Netball Coach
🎖️ CCF Contingent Commander

If you're committed to inspiring young people and want to be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking school community, we’d love to hear from you.

Find our more via the link in our bio ⤴️
Our Reception pupils marked the end of a fantastic Our Reception pupils marked the end of a fantastic year with a joyful celebration before the end of term.

It was a lovely opportunity to reflect on how far they’ve come - from those first few days in September to the confident, curious learners they are now. There were plenty of smiles, songs and proud moments as we celebrated their achievements together. 💛

We’re so excited to see all they’ll go on to do in Year 1!
A proud moment for our Year 2 pupils as they celeb A proud moment for our Year 2 pupils as they celebrated their achievements and looked ahead to their exciting next chapter in the Juniors.

Our Year 2 Prize Giving was filled with smiles, memories and well-deserved recognition, marking the end of a wonderful journey in the Infants and the start of a new adventure beyond.

Well done, Year 2 - you’re more than ready for the next step! 🌟

Full gallery available via our Facebook page.
Join us this summer for the Sale Sharks Rugby Deve Join us this summer for the Sale Sharks Rugby Development Camp at Merchant Taylors’! 🏉

📅 Thursday 31 July & Friday 1 August
⏰ 9.00am – 3.30pm
🧒 For U7s to U12s
📍 Merchant Taylors’ School

Delivered by the award-winning @salesharksfoundation, this two-day camp is a fantastic opportunity for young players to sharpen their rugby skills with expert RFU-qualified coaches.

Each day features high-energy activities, adaptive games and core skill development – all built around the Sharks DNA coaching philosophy.

Expect a fun, challenging and inspiring rugby experience – find out more or book a place via the link in our bio ⤴️
Last week, we celebrated our Stanfield Prize Givin Last week, we celebrated our Stanfield Prize Giving, marking a proud moment for our Year 6 pupils.

We were honoured to welcome Deborah MacLaren, Managing Director of LoveReading and an Old Girl of the School, as our guest speaker. Her thoughtful and inspiring address encouraged pupils to stay curious, keep reading, and embrace the exciting journey ahead.

It was a joyful and memorable occasion for pupils, families and staff and a fitting celebration of all that our Year 6 pupils have achieved during their time at Stanfield.

Full gallery available via our Facebook page.
Join us for exciting Summer Holiday Football Camps Join us for exciting Summer Holiday Football Camps led by former professional footballer and UEFA licensed coach, @bobbygrantcoaching! Perfect for young football enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Bobby, who has played for clubs such as Accrington Stanley, Wrexham, Scunthorpe United, and Fleetwood United, brings his expertise and quality coaching to these camps.

As a UEFA licensed coach, Bobby ensures an unforgettable and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Find out more or book a place via the link in our bio ⤴️
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