St Edmund's College mourns death of former groundsman

Charlie Smith

It is with great sadness that St Edmund's College announces the death of one of its longest-serving members of staff, Charlie Smith, on 6 March 2010 at the age of 80.

Charlie came to the College as an assistant gardener in 1946 at the age of 16, at a time when the school was largely self-sufficient in growing its own food. Universally popular with staff and students alike, Charlie was always cheerful, greeting everyone with a smile and a wave, whatever he was doing. Working his way up from assistant gardener to Head Groundsman, the condition of the College's sports fields, and in particular its cricket pitch, were a tribute to his efforts over many years. Charlie married Maria, who came to work at the College in 1957 from Italy, and they moved into a College's house - "The Laurels", where they brought up their daughter Carla.

Charlie retired at the end of 2007 after nearly 62 years' service to the College. To mark his retirement, a special Dinner was held in his honour and he was presented with an inscribed silver pocket watch and a plaque to mark 60 years of devoted service. The College's Edmundian Association also organised the planting of a commemorative tree in the College grounds, which serves as a permanent reminder of Charlie's dedicated service to the College.

Funeral Arrangements

A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at the College Chapel on Monday 22 March 2010 at 1.45pm, followed by interment in the College grounds. Following the service, a reception will also be held in the College grounds.

On Saturday 15 May 2010, at 11am there will be a Memorial Service and Reception at the College. If anyone wishes to attend either the Requiem Mass or the Memorial Service, please contact the College for further details on 01920 824358, or ssutterby@stedmundscollege.org