RIP Sir Alan Traill

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Sir Alan Traill 7th May 1935 - April 18th 2020

I am sorry to read of his death on the CH website.

He was Lord Mayor of London 1984-5 and then went on to become an Almoner of CH for many years.

As a member of the Band and the Orchestra I fleetingly encountered him on several occasions. He was always jovial with a beaming smile and showed a genuine interest in us housey boys.

I'm not sure if this had every been done before or since, but on Speech Day he took to the stage and conducted the orchestra in a rousing performance of Pomp and Circumstance.

On a previous Sunday morning he had rehearsed us in The Octagon under the watchful eye of John Stilwell and thoroughly enjoyed himself. He really seemed to love the school.

For me, as a housey boy and as an adult, I have always thought Sir Alan Traill embodied the very best traditions and aims of the Christ's Hospital Foundation.

RIP Sir Alan