Our school community is deeply saddened by the death of Old Elean and former Chair of Governors, Richard Slogrove.

Richard was a student and Cathedral Chorister at King's from 1955-1963. He became a Governor of the school he loved in 1998, and he was Chair of Governors from 2005-2012.

Richard died suddenly on October 6th, aged 79, following a spontaneous brain haemorrhage. He is survived by his daughter Emma, her husband Phil, cherished granddaughter Isabella, younger brother Will (also an Old Elean), and family.

During his seven years as Chair of Governors, Richard was instrumental in leading and supporting so many significant developments at King's, not least the purchase of the Old Bishop's Palace, and the founding of Ely Cathedral Girls' Choir.

Sue Freestone, who was Principal of King's from 2004-2019, said: "The role of Chair of Governors in an independent school is not for the faint-hearted. The list of responsibilities is vast and more than a little daunting. The reality of the job can be overwhelming; but it is also a source of great joy. Richard was neither faint-hearted nor daunted, and he knew how to be an excellent Chair of Governors. 

"He was challenging, demanding, probing, and unfailingly thorough in his understanding of issues and preparation for meetings of every kind. He held school leaders to account for educational and financial performance, for business management, and educational outcomes. Richard was also empathetic, compassionate, generous, and kind. He was the personification of the critical friend. His innate sense of service and deep love of the school lay at the heart of all he did, and he took great pride in knowing many staff and pupils by name."

During Richard’s time as Chair of Governors, he supported the school through the financial challenges of the late 2000s. He relished strategic planning and, in collaboration with the Chapter of Ely, the school established the Ely Cathedral Girls’ Choir. After many years of negotiation, King’s also purchased the Old Bishop’s Palace, turning it into an enviable Sixth Form Centre. 

Mrs Freestone said: "These were the jewels in the crown of Richard’s stewardship but through challenges and adventures large and small, Richard was always available as a listening ear and ready to offer objective evaluation, advice, support, or affirmation. He gave selflessly to the school and he did so with joy. Every member of the King’s Ely community owes Richard a huge debt of gratitude."

Richard's wife, Jo, passed away in 2018 after a long illness. They met in the 1960s in Bahrain, when they were both serving in the Royal Air Force. Richard's RAF career was short but illustrious, with highlights including his passing out from RAF Cranwell having won the rare combination of the Sword of Honour and the Queen's Medal. His ambition was too great for the RAF, however, and he left in the mid 1970s, moving into the computing sector during its meteoric expansion in the late 20th century. His career spanned many sales and later global senior executive roles in the technology sector, latterly as President of BT Global Marketing, and then President of BT Asia Pacific until 2000, from which point he retired. He devoted his retirement to an avid love of gardening, and as a devoted grandparent. 

Richard longed for purposeful work and was drawn to give his time and experience to matters close to his heart. His dedication to King's was the impetus for a relocation to Ely, and he and Jo enjoyed twenty years living in the city. Richard was a Patron of the Old Eleans' Club, and he served a number of years as a Trustee of the Ely Cathedral Trust, working hard to steer fundraising and investment. He was also critical in setting up the Cranwellian Association, an alumni organisation for former RAF officers. Sadly, with Jo's worsening health, Richard resigned from these roles and dedicated himself to her care until she passed away. Jo is buried next to the Cathedral in the north burial ground. Richard will join her there in due course.

Richard's funeral is being held at Ely Cathedral on Wednesday 5th November at 1.30pm, followed by a reception in our Old Palace. All are welcome.