What’s Happened Since Then…
This page is a 'work in progress'. Let us know what you think. If you have any news you feel we should add here, please let us know
We continued to receive so many cards and letters from Michael’s friends and family, and in some cases from people who had never met him, for weeks after we all met in April in Brighton. One of the most touching gestures was from Charlotte and Gaetan (who had never met Michael) who amazingly have arranged for a star to be named after him!
Apparently, you need to be in the Southern Hemisphere to see Michael’s Star, ideally somewhere like South America around this time of year, i.e. October to December. Do let us know if anyone is successful. If you are, please try and take a pic or a vid so that we can attach it here…..
The School of Humanities in Brighton has been truly fantastic. Dr Kate Aughterson, Head of Faculty and Dr Emma Bell, Michael’s Philosophy in English Literature tutor were hugely influential in making sure Michael was awarded an honorary degree for the work he had completed at Uni.
The presentation was held at the Brighton Centre on 25th July. Sara and Richard received the award for Michael. As Michael’s name was read out the auditorium irrupted in the most incredible cheer from the other students. We cannot describe how that lifted our emotions and made the day a truly joyful event!
Then in early September, Tim Jones, Michael’s guitar teacher at Downside very kindly sent us this…
'Hi Adrian, I have found this Jimi Hendrix song which features Michael on guitar, bass and vocals. I am having trouble locating another song that he recorded with me, there should be a copy somewhere in the music department, I am at Downside tomorrow so I will try and have a look. Will be in touch again soon, Tim'
On Tuesday, 5 September 2017, 11:01, Tim Jones wrote:
Dear Adrian, I have only just accessed this message due to new email procedures at Downside, until this term only certain school emails were sent to the personal email addresses of the music staff, [ ] and I am currently working through many years of unread emails that have been lost in the system as it were. I am extremely shocked and saddened by this news and I can't understand why it wasn't shared by the main school to the music department, the school should have let us know so that we could have paid tribute to a dedicated, talented music scholar. Michael was a very good guitarist and a lot of fun to teach, I also have very fond memories of playing bass guitar at several school Rock nights with Michael's band. If I remember correctly the band featured Hector Selby, Jack Goulder and James Barge. I believe I do have a couple of recordings featuring Michael's guitar playing. I will have a look through my old hard drives to see what I can find, and will send copies as soon as I can. Please accept my condolences, and those of the whole music department. I will be in touch again as soon as I can. Again, please accept my sincere apologies for only just responding after all this time. All the best, Tim Jones (Downside guitar teacher)
Guys in Smythe may recognise Michael's old room.....
And we have to say really a BIG thank you to Hugo Spink who risked life and limb to run in the Salisbury Half-Marathon and raise money to donate to the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club. Hugo completed the 13 mile course in a very creditable 1 hour 47 minutes. What is even more spectacular is that he managed to raise nearly £1,000 which has gone to the BSLSC.
Clare Edes of the BSLSC has since written to say...
'At the last Trustee committee meeting it was decided that the money donated from Michael’s Memorial fund would be used to buy equipment to enable the club to teach and improve the skills of resuscitation. This equipment will be used by our club members and trainers and also used with other community groups who partake in training delivered by the club such as those attending the Beach Lifeguards and last year members of Sussex Police.
I will draft a letter of thanks to all donators and send it by post, by the end of this week.'
There is a video on the Laerdal website which shows the equipment and how it can improve the delivery of training in this vital skill.
http://www.laerdal.com/gb/products/simulation-training/resuscitation-training/resusci-anne-qcpr/
Please keep in touch and do let us know if there is anything you would like to share on Michael’s Website