Dear Orley Community,
I am sorry to be sharing sad news with you today. Over the weekend, Justin Davies, the 7th Headmaster of Orley Farm (1968-1990), passed away peacefully with his family around him. Alison, his daughter, wrote to me to share this sad news but added that on Thursday he was still throwing himself into the newspaper crossword with his usual tenacity!
Under Mr Davies, Orley Farm literally doubled in size and he was the first non-proprietary Headmaster of the school. He was especially passionate about his music and it was particularly appropriate that he was able to join the school in the summer of 2016 as we opened the new Elliott Music and Drama Schools as well as reopening the Davies Library. I have toured countless former pupils of his era and they all spoke so highly of Mr Davies. I suspect that there are few Headmasters who can look back over a career of 22 years dedicated to one school – testament of all the values that we hold so dear.
With the wonders of modern technology, I hope that we will be able to reach as many former pupils and staff as possible who will want to get in touch to express and share stories, something that Justin’s family will certainly appreciate. In addition, I have attached a letter from Justin’s daughter inviting these connections.
I have no doubt that everyone will join me in keeping Justin and his family in our prayers and thoughts at this challenging time.
Kind regards,
Tim Calvey
Dear Family and Friends,
Justin’s funeral will be held at 11.15 on Wednesday 19 December 2018 at Hereford Crematorium, Westfaling St, Hereford HR4 0JE. The wake afterwards will be held at Hereford Rowing Club, 37 Greyfriars Ave, Hereford HR4 0BE.
We will be glad to welcome anyone who wishes to attend to say goodbye and remember Justin. Please contact Alison by email on justindaviesmemories@gmail.com to advise us how many will be attending, so that we can get an idea of numbers for catering.
There will be family flowers only please. If you would like to donate in Justin’s memory, the family have set up a donation page for World Vision, a cause very dear to Justin as he supported 2 children abroad for many years. The address for an online donation is https://justin-davies.muchloved.com.
Alternatively, there will be a collection at the funeral which will be split between World Vision and the Residents’ Amenity Fund at the Leominster BUPA Care Home who looked after Justin so well for the last year of his life. Dad so enjoyed the outings, films and regular crosswords and we wish to provide support for other residents to enjoy these things as well.
We are sending this email to everyone who has contacted us, even if you have said you will be unable to attend the funeral, so that you have the details to think of Dad. We have been greatly touched and blessed by all the thoughtful and amazing memories of Justin you have shared with us.
Please pass on this email to anyone who you think would wish to attend. Thank you.
Alison and Andrew