Chris will be sadly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him at the school.

We are conscious that some people from his time at school may not be in contact with us and we would ask if you could pass on this information to those that you know.

As is the usual practice, we would like to place an obituary for him in the 2023 OI Journal and would be very grateful for any stories or memories you may wish to share which we could put together for the publication. Please address any contributions to me through oldipswichians@ipswich.school.

With best wishes,

Iain Chesterman

OI Chairman

Christopher Baynes (who boarded in School House from 1952 to 1956) died in Johannesburg South Africa on the 9th July 2022 after a long struggle with illness. He leaves his wife Judy and their three children: Nicola (Nicky), Tim and Jason.

Chris' father Norman emigrated to Salisbury Rhodesia (now Harare Zimbabwe) in 1947 with his wife Betty (née Payne James) who was from Ipswich and their three young children: Christopher, Martin and Katherine. Martin also boarded at Ipswich School, and both boys undertook the long journey back home by flying boat or stayed with local relatives.

Norman took his expertise from the family timber firm in Reading to Africa, founding N K Baynes Ltd in 1952. Chris spent time in New Zealand and South Africa learning his trade in timber and forestry, joining the company in 1970.

Chris diversified and expanded the business beyond timber and paper, with excellent contacts in Germany, Finland and the UK. After Zimbabwe became independent, the family and the company relocated to Johannesburg.

Both Chris and Judy's sons subsequently joined N K Baynes, and it is now managed by son Tim.

Obituary Supplied by Judy Baynes