Frank is a people person and it is for this we will
remember him with such affection. He has that
unerring trick of keeping us all on track and ensuring
that standards of respect and courtesy are stuck to.
Shirts are tucked in, manners watched, rules kept in
his presence. Above all his talent lies in his ability to
relate to people, his team, the academics, students,
administrators and visitors alike.
Frank is a born showman. He is an outstanding
percussionist, having trained with the Royal Marines
and played on many state occasions, notably on The
Royal Yacht Britannia. We too have been witness to his
talents, in particular his virtuoso xylophone rendition
of ‘The Two Imps’ in an Aisher Hall concert. Of course,
though, it is Frank’s jokes that we will all remember.
There is never an encounter with Frank without a
‘have you heard this one?’ It is of no matter if the
jokes are bad or brilliant, for they are always told with
enthusiasm and utter conviction.
Frank Richards
All institutions, and schools are no exception, need
their institutional treasures and there is no doubt that
Frank, long-serving Marshal, is ours. There can be no
one who does not know, or does not quickly get to
know, who Frank is. Undoubtedly the smartest man
in the school, Frank is never other than suited and
booted with shoes of astounding military grade shine.
Frank spent 20 years in the Royal Marines. In 1994
he joined the Marshals team. Frank has worked
tirelessly, and no detail is too large or small to ensure
that we all have what we need to make the school
run properly. Frank has loved working at Sevenoaks.
He takes genuine pride in the beautiful grounds and
buildings. Who else could speak with such passion
of the beautiful wooden floor in Johnsons? Frank’s
knowledge of the history of the school is immense,
and nothing delights him more than in telling visitors
about it.
150
During his Navy career Frank has been all around the
world. We are privileged that he decided to dock with
us for so long. We will miss his efficiency, quiet acts
of kindness, jokes and friendship. He will spend his
well-deserved retirement with his wife Marlene and
his grandchildren, and is hoping to do some more
travelling. Bon voyage Frank.
Jane Henshaw
Just one of Frank’s many jokes:
A chap from the north of England decides
to come to London. He parks up in Oxford
Circus and gets out of his car to ask
someone directions. “Please could you tell
me the quickest way to get to Trafalgar
Square from here?”
The other man says, “Certainly Sir. Are you
walking or driving?”
He replies “I’m driving.”
“Yes, that’s the quickest way!!”
VA L E T E
WE ALSO SAY
GOODBYE TO
Pauline Acott
Jessica Boehm
Clare Boland
Patricia Cachafeiro Vieites
Maria Camarero Hernanz
Alexandra Churchward
Louise Collins
Tegan Eldridge
Carlos Iglesias Gallego
Julia Hopkinson
Marnie Lines
Sharon Mantell
Jamie Mardon
Laurence Mead
Craig Moore
Anne-Gaelle Musset
Trevor Owers
Helen Prince
Julie Redding
Marie-Sophie Reijers
Wanqi Su
Jan Tan
Christopher Wickens
Catherine Willard