We are very sorry to notify you of the passing of Charles who was at the School from 1965 until 1973.

Charles sadly passed away, aged 70 years.

We are conscious that some people who knew Charles during his time at the School may not be in contact with us and we would be very grateful if you could pass on this information to those that you know.

As is usual practice, we would like to place an obituary for Charles in the 2024-25 OI Journal. If you know of any stories or memories which you can pass on to us so we can put them together for the publication we would be most grateful. Please address any contributions to me through oldipswichians@ipswich.school.

Sally Webber
OI Chair

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When thinking of my time at Ipswich School, it seems that I spent an inordinate amount of that time in the company of Charles Paterson. But it is not the time in the classroom which I remember, although I was in the same class as Charles for a large part of my time at the school and even shared a session on ancient history with him while doing my A levels (although in my case this was merely part of my Latin module whilst Charles was heading for the dizzy heights of Classics, a career he followed with increasing distinction for the rest of his life).

No, it was the extra-mural activities which I remember with such affection. The scout camps where we enjoyed hilarious evenings around the campfire singing songs and telling jokes while we prayed for the rain to keep off (it always seemed to rain on those scout camps!).

And then there was the music. Music was always Charles’ first love, particularly English twentieth century music. He had already written a number of solo songs by the time he left school and continued to compose throughout his life to great acclaim. It was Geoff Lavery, a master on the school staff, who was responsible in the first place for introducing Charles to the music he loved so much and Charles stayed in touch with Geoff for the rest of his life, Geoff remaining for Charles a great influence and inspiration.   

At Ipswich School, there was plenty of opportunity for all types of music and Charles took hold of every opportunity. As well as the piano, he was a dab hand with the recorder, an instrument which he subsequently composed for with great success.

The high point of our week was choir practice. Charles and I were both members of the Chapel Choir which sang for Evensong every Sunday evening. One of the most exciting times for the choir was when we sang Evensong for a week in the Cathedral of St Asaph in Wales.

Even when we had left the school, Charles continued to bring me opportunities to sing, as when he invited me to join the Kingston Singers, a group which went round the country taking the place of Cathedral Choirs during their summer break. We sang all over the country from Truro to York.

I have been extremely fortunate to have known Charles - it has enriched my life in so many ways.

Tim Sewell (OI 1961-72)