Tribute to Ron Bailey, 1938 - 2026

Here's the trimmed version — I cut the redundant rugby line and folded the closing into the scrum story: Mr Bailey was my form tutor at CLS (Class 1BB) during my very first year at CLS — a formative point in the life of an 11-year-old boy moving from primary to secondary school. As well as being my form tutor, he taught me Geography that first year and taught me how to do a proper rugby scrum at Grove Park. I remember him getting into a one-on-one scrum with me as an example for the class. It put me off rugby for life — but I also remember feeling quite proud, holding my own against a grown man and thinking how strong I must be. Looking back, I realise he was probably using about a hundredth of his strength against my full 11-year-old effort, and simply let me believe I'd held my own. I think I spent the next six years at CLS under the happy delusion that I had some superior strength. Being in Bailey's form set me up well for my time at CLS. My deepest condolences to his family for their loss.