It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we have to inform you that three very long serving and dedicated members of staff have died recently.  Mr Martyn Garner passed away unexpectedly on Saturday 26 May. Martyn was one of life's great guys and will be hugely missed by us all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time.

Following the tragic news of Martyn’s death, we have further sad news to share.  Two incredibly kind and gentle former colleagues died on Monday 4 June: Denis Tomlin and Phil Holt. Many members of the school community will have been tutored, taught or mentored by Denis and/or Phil. Denis later went on to be the School Archivist and both contributed to the wider life of the school in many ways.

We will miss Martyn, Denis and Phil deeply.

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Commemoration and Funeral Events

Mr Martyn Garner

We will be holding a memorial service for Martyn Garner on Monday 25 June 2018 at 6:00 pm in the Bushell Hall, followed by refreshments in the Refectory immediately afterwards.  

If you wish to attend, please contact Mrs Tracey Duggan in the School Reception as soon as possible, either by phone on 0121 705 0958 or email duggant@solsch.org.uk.  Please specify whether you wish to attend the memorial service only or the service and the reception in the Refectory.

A book of condolences and memories is currently in the Chapel foyer and will remain there until shortly after the service.

The family have made two requests.  Firstly, that those attending wear clothing befitting a celebration, i.e. “joyous clothing”.  Secondly, instead of flowers, charitable donations can be made to one or both of the following charities:

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity   https://www.midlandsairambulance.com/how-to-support-us/ways-to-donate

Mountain Rescue England and Wales   https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/how-you-can-help-us/online-donations

Collection boxes will be in the Bushell Hall foyer or alternatively, please use the links above to donate.  Both of these charities were close to Martyn’s heart and reflect his passion for outdoor education and expeditions.

Mr Phil Holt

The funeral service will be held at Robin Hood Crematorium on Wednesday 27 June at midday.  The burial at Widney Manor Cemetery after the service will be for family and very close friends only.

We will hold a memorial service here at school for Mr Holt during the Christmas term.

Instead of flowers, the family would prefer charitable donations to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.  If you wish to donate, please follow this link:

https://www.roycastle.org/

Mr Denis Tomlin

I can now confirm that Denis Tomlin’s memorial service will be held on Wednesday 11 July at 1:30 pm in Chapel, followed by a reception afterwards at the Old Silhillians’ Association Clubhouse.

Instead of flowers, both Mr Holt and Mr Tomlin's families would prefer for donations to be made to the Silhillian Fund Sixth Form Bursary set up in Phil and Denis’ name.  Gifts can be made via a dedicated Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/denisandphil or directly to the school via Ms Lunt, Director of Development & Alumni Relations.