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Louis Carr (2018) Sara Carr writes:
“One of a kind” was how Henry Tully (2018) described Louis, speaking at his funeral.
We lost our beloved Louis on 21 November 2018. He was the funniest, most handsome and clever boy (and naughty).
Louis joined The Perse in Year 8 and soon made the most lovely, lifelong friends. He adored the School and met such amazing young people who we are all still in touch with and regale us with hilarious antics both in and out of school (some of which I’m not sure I should know!).
Louis suffered from anxiety and mental health issues but one would never pick up on this, despite how close we were. He reminds me of Robin Williams, whose friends said “He was always happy. Everyone adored him.” Anthony Bourdain’s best friend also said “He loved his life and had this extraordinary ability to just connect with people.”
Louis had such fun being part of PES even though we’d wait on a Friday night in the car park to see what injury had occurred!
A highlight of his life was the South Africa Rugby tour. I missed him so much and never saw anyone devouring bacon sandwiches the way he did when I picked him up from school! He was awarded “Bloke of the Tour” – I did remind him that this wasn’t “player of the tour”... After his death Colesy (Alex Coles, 2018), as Captain, told me that the vote was pretty much unanimous – we had a cry together, and yes, I had to climb on to a chair to give Colesy a hug!
He also loved the football tour to Porto and had a fabulous time. Louis got incredible marks in his history, classics and politics A Levels and I’m so, so proud of him. He played hard, but worked hard too.
It is a testament to The Perse that his friends are still constantly in our house, which I adore. So polite but so, so loving and funny. Louis was there for all of them 24/7 and they adored him. Some of the videos that they’ve shown me, filmed in the Sixth Form Common Room shouldn’t really be mentioned though (sorry Mr Morgan).
Paul Gething has lovingly planted a tree in the grounds, which I can’t wait to see in the spring, and I thank The Perse for their support and for the lovely tribute at the rugby match back in December.
In memory of Louis, I would like to thank you all – I have been overwhelmed by the kindness of pupils, staff and parents – and just to remind you that sometimes, the biggest lie we tell is the smile on our face.
In Memoriam
Colin whitworth Allen (1945) died 5 February 2019, aged 89 years
Thomas John Bartaby Russell (1951) died November 2018, aged 84 years
Ralph George Birch (1958) died October 2018, aged 78 years
david Tullideph Birnie (1961) died 5 September 2018, aged 75 years
John Lester Clayson (1950) died 7 December 2018, aged 87 years
michael peter Cliff (1986) died 22 October 2018, aged 50 years
Colin william Grommet darkin (1964) died 8 May 2018, aged 72 years
This list was up-to-date when we went to print. Obituaries may be read in full on our website: perse.co.uk/obituaries
PerSe PLAYerS gALA diNNer:
Saturday 9 February
In February we held a gala dinner celebration of the performing arts at The Perse, 70 years to the day since Peter Hall took to the stage in the title role of the Perse Players’ production of Hamlet. We were joined by 100 guests, including some members of the original 1949 cast. After touring the Peter Hall Performing Arts Centre, guests enjoyed an exclusive production in the auditorium, where OPs and current pupils reprised their roles from past Perse Players shows. Guests then enjoyed a three-course dinner in the main hall before Kenneth Tharp (1978) took to the stage as guest speaker, reminding the audience about the wide-ranging benefits of the arts in education.
OP SPOrTS FeSTivAL:
Saturday 30 march
Over 200 Old Perseans and current pupils took part in fixtures as part of our 2019 Old Persean Sports Festival. The sun was shining as OPs competed in seven sports: the Roman Road Run, tennis, basketball, netball, football, hockey and touch rugby. We were delighted to see OPs from the Classes of 1987–2018 competing and look forward to an even bigger event in 2020! For match reports and photos please visit perse.co.uk/recent-events.
