Phil arrived at QEH in the first intake after the war in September 1945.

His memories of academic school life were of having been distinctly average across most of his studies despite his best efforts otherwise.  He liked music and played the piano and organ to a good standard. However, Phil did excel in the sporting side of school life.

He played 1st XV rugby, being Captain in his final year and earned athletics and swimming colours.  He represented Bristol schools at rugby, swimming and water polo. He was captain of Hartnell’s in 1951/2 and a prefect.

After his National Service, Phil joined the bank and forged a lifelong career with NatWest eventually retiring as Exeter Trustee Branch manager in 1992.

Phil thoroughly enjoyed returning to Bristol for OE dinners; he regularly met up locally for lunch with members of the “Class of 45” and with other OEs who lived of the South West region. He was honoured to serve as OE president 2002 (passing the honour to his brother-in-law Jim Clarke the following year).

Phil, a true gentleman, passed away peacefully on 15th Feb 2024 aged 89.

~ Written by Phil's son, Paul Avery