Tower and Town, December 2020 (view the full edition)Family NewsSheila Hanson has a new helper when she delivers Tower & Town around College Fields. Her grandson Harry, aged 5, loves delivering the magazines and she is not allowed to go without him! He and his little brother Jack have recently moved to Marlborough from Devon, together with their parents who grew up here and went to local schools. Revd Michael Cripps, who had a background in history teaching, was ordained in 1959. Ministries followed in Cambridge, Kandy in Sri Lanka, Swindon (working ecumenically with a Methodist minister), Aldbourne and Baydon, until 1981 when Michael joined the Marlborough Anglican Team. Working alongside Wilfred Down, then Henry Pearson, his enthusiasm and gifts of encouragement saw him quickly become a much-loved member of the team. He was totally committed to the Marlborough Ecumenical Partnership and Christian Aid. He is remembered for his care over baptisms and bereavements, his skill in confirmation and house groups, and for his stimulating sermons. People also recall his lively conversation and debate. Later, he flourished in a Quiet Group that brought together Anglicans and Quakers for times of shared reflection and silence. He 'retired' in 1994 and then took up a post as Chaplain to St Andrew's Church in Pau (SW France), returning to Marlborough in 1996. As Chair of Tower & Town from 1999 until 2004, he established Bill Spray's new ways of working, with a rota of compilers and editors; this magazine has thrived ever since. Music was a constant part of his life. He played the piano with enthusiasm and loved listening to classical music (and conducting the radio!). He spoke French, and some German, having done his National Service in Austria. He and Kay enjoyed getting out onto the Marlborough Downs, and loved their walking holidays in the Lake District, and in Scotland and Wales. Most importantly, he revelled in family activities, enjoying his children and grandchildren, particularly the special family holidays and Christmas celebrations with all 23 getting together. Michael died peacefully at home in the early evening of 14th October 2020. He was 92. A family funeral took place at St George's Church, Preshute, on 3rd November. He leaves his wife, Kay, five children, five sons-/daughters-in-law, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild - plus another one expected in November. Sir John Sykes who died on October 15th was a familiar sight at 6' 4", striding down the High Street. Sue, supported by their three sons, Charlie, Edward and Alexander and their six grandchildren with close family, celebrated his life at St. John's, Minal on October 29th. They moved to Marlborough in 1974 and John continued working in Swindon until he retired. They felt very privileged that their sons enjoyed the stability of a childhood in Marlborough and its glorious countryside. A wholehearted family man, John enjoyed introducing the grandchildren to many of his favourite country walks. He earned an Oxford Half-blue (twice) as a Modern Pentathlete and in retirement took up Venetian Rowing, participating in 13 annual Voga Longa regattas in Venice, a course of 21 miles through the city canals and its islands. John was a key and enthusiastic founder of The Merchant's House Trust with Michael Gray, Vic Chinnery and Diana Keast, which is looking forward to its 30th anniversary in 2021. He also worked hard for the Wiltshire Community Foundation, the Marlborough Literary Festival, the Wilson Trust (Swindon) and was President of the Reading Centre of the National Trust and the Swindon Strangers Gallery. He was a keen member of the Marlborough History Society, u3a in Kennet and St. Peter's Trust. Jessy Pomfret |