Arthur Taylor Memorial Service

More than 300 people packed into the RGS assembly hall on November 22 to celebrate the life of Arthur Taylor CBE, a former deputy chairman of the board of governors of the school, captain and president of Old Novos’ rugby club, who died on April 9, 2009.

Speakers recalled Arthur’s service to the school, the city of Newcastle, the National Health Service, the legal profession and the Jewish community as well as his selfless work on behalf of a range of causes such as St Oswald’s Hospice, which he co-founded, and the Association of Jewish ex-Servicemen and Women. School musicians Helena Pearson (harp) and Ben Rowarth (piano) provided delightful musical interludes.

With Arthur’s widow Maureen Taylor, children and grandson present in the front row, former chairman of the RGS governors Nigel Sherlock recounted how Arthur had diplomatically managed to lower the average age of the board by proposing a retirement age of 70 and applying it immediately to himself. Barry Speker, Arthur’s law partner and successor as head of solicitors Samuel Phillips, praised his high ethical and professional standards and told of how he insisted on wearing his bowler hat to work, even when driving a borrowed sports car.

Professor Alex Crombie, former dean of medicine at Newcastle University, described how Arthur was widely respected as chairman of the Newcastle Health Authority for his sound judgment and for helping win extra resources for patients in the Northeast.

Freddie Hoult, a friend and neighbour on Holy Island, remembered being taken as a child to watch Arthur play rugby for Old Novos. He also told of how Arthur once serenaded his guests with Gilbert and Sullivan from a window at their holiday cottage on the Northumbrian coast. Judge Peter Fingret, a longstanding holiday companion, raised laughter by recounting how Arthur, “an innocent abroad”, would wander off alone into the souk in Luxor in search of someone with whom to discuss the National Health Service.

“Arthur was a thoughtful man, a cerebral but witty man, a reflective man, constant and lasting in his friendships, never unkind to anyone and assiduous in all he attempted and achieved,” he said.

A collection after the ceremony raised nearly £800 in donations in memory of Arthur for the RGS Educational Trust Bursary Campaign.

Maureen Taylor (middle) surrounded by family and friends. Photos by Louis and Kate Taylor