We were saddened to hear of the passing in 2022 of Mr Ronald Herbert Halford (OE1945-51) who was known as Ronald Halfhead whilst as Emanuel. During his time at the school, Ronald was a highly distinguished musician who was mentored by the then Director of Music Dr Bernard Oram FRCO, LMus TCL, who later taught at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
The fact that music became one of the great loves of his life should come as no surprise as Ron was immersed in the subject at every level whilst studying at Emanuel. Singing in numerous choirs, Christmas, Easter, and music-based productions Ronald was often given the most challenging parts and in his era was one of the leading soloists, regularly performing works by Handel, Bach, and other leading composers. His mentor Dr Oram was notoriously difficult to please, but in one report he notes of Ronald singing bass, “His voice has developed wonderfully well”. Ronald was also awarded several top music prizes which are noted in the annual Speech Day programmes.
When not singing, Ronald was also involved in both athletics (the shot put) and competed for Howe in the annual House boxing competition.
After National Service, Ronald attended Teacher Training College, specialising in Music and Mathematics, later to become Head Teacher at his final school. In the mid-1970s, he joined the Old Emanuel Lodge and returned to school on many occasions. He was also a regular contributor to the Old Emanuel Association Newsletter.
In correspondence, Ronald’s son Philip noted: “my father was proud of his associations with Emanuel School, and I remember in the last few years of his life, him receiving a Christmas card from a pupil of the school. I think that it is a good initiative of the school to keep in touch with the older past students.” Ronald will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues from the musical world. Ronald passed away several months short of his ninetieth birthday.
Tony Jones, Archivist