I was very saddened to learn of Mr Riches’ recent passing and particularly that he was not able to enjoy the long and happy retirement that he so richly deserved.  Mr Riches was a brilliant and inspiring teacher who spent many hours indulging my nascent interest in ‘creative writing’ by enduring all of my short stories and charitably providing his thoughts and comments – I still have some of his comments on these.  He continued to offer to read these stories for some years after I left Horris Hill in 2007.  In fact, he remained generally interested in my progress after I left Prep school and was even kind enough to show me around the place a few years ago when I popped in to visit.  I remember especially his wittiness, his great skill at storytelling (especially about his childhood in Africa), and his creativity which gave so much to the life of the school.  I am certain that his legacy will remain very much in evidence at Horris Hill for many years to come. I am very glad now that I told him how much I had appreciated his teaching and mentoring shortly after I started Univeristy. He…

Henry was a great friend, then colleague at Summer Fields, then friend again and Godfather to our eldest. His sense of humour shone through, whether we were coaching the warthogs, selecting the MM XI, camping in France or staging plays. He was always a most welcome guest and I shall miss the very many happy times we spent together over more than 30 years. Thank you for this opportunity to remember him….

Henry was Director of Studies and taught all three of the Dalrymple boys. Strict, no nonsense but with great intellect, a good sense of humour (his braces were delightfully gaudy and enticing enough for the odd “ping”) but above all, very responsible, kind and caring over his boys. We owe much gratitude to Henry for his guidance to the boys. We were sad to hear of his passing and offer condolences to his family.   Mark, Siân, Trahaearn, Jaz and Carwyn  …

Mr Riches was a wonderful man, who guided me through the last year of my schooling at Horris Hill. He was responsible for the creation of some of everybody’s favourite times at school, such as the January Jamboree and the Spy Game, both of which are the memories I recall most vividly. He was a witty and humourous man, who consistently made the class laugh every lesson. I remember he had a large box of chocolate bars and sweets locked away in his supply cupboard, which he often sectrely distributed to our class! Thank you for everything, Sir….

What an amazing man, who brightened many an evening and classroom during my time at Horris Hill. I shall never forget him, nor his propeller cap as he stood watching the 4th XI “for the drama”.  I am so grateful to have had Mr Riches as hands down one of the best teachers ever, who nailed the balance between fun, care and getting ready for our futures. I will miss his dry sense of humour and stories, along with his creativity, which seemed to all be about having fun!  Thank you for your service and rest in peace – a proper legend.   …

I consider myself very fortunate to have had Mr Riches as my tutor at Horris Hill. He was fair and reasonable; funny and wise. He knew how to give a boy praise whilst also having the tact to point out where you were going wrong, and how to fix things. He was everything I could have asked for in a mentor, and more. He will be sorely missed. Whether organising balloon debates, spy games, theatrical performances, or inventing wacky stories to practice grammar, my memories of him will be deeply cherished. My sincere condolences to his family, and the school.    …

Great memories of that year and special thanks to the memory of Mr Richies for his love, understanding and support …I will remember him for a lifetime….

Mr Riches was one of the greatest teachers I ever had throughout my schooling. He always managed to make subject matter both engaging and accessible, and he was instrumental in helping me prepare for my scholarship exams to Sherborne. I will also fondly remember the extra-curricular activities he put on, such as the balloon debate and, my particular favourite, Big Prize Bingo!…

Mr Riches was my tutor whilst at HH. I came to HH with not the best ‘academic’ record. Mr Riches was absolutely brilliant at encouraging my reading and improving my general knowledge. Without his dedication and support I honestly do not think I would have become a doctor. He was honest, funny and made learning fun. I still remember every breakfast he would have one green apple cut into quarters covered in salt. …

Henry was a true gentle man and gentleman. It was a privilege to have been a colleague. Working with him on his plays was always so very entertaining. Delighted that Felix found the picture of Henry with that leg! A marvellous sense of humour. A wealth of knowledge! A terrific grin when I appeared with the gin!  Henry you are greatly missed! R.I.P.  Boss…

Wladyslaw Janczuk and family My brother and I both remember Mr Riches as a stern, but extremely inspirational and witty teacher. It was a pleasure not only to have been taught by him, but to partake in the numerous activities he organised. His case of colourful fountain pen inks and the Spy Game are some of my most vivid memories of my time at Horris Hill. May he rest in peace. Our prayers are with him.  …

Thank you Henry for your tireless support and dedication to so many but especially to our 3 boys, Henry, Archie and Fergus.  They loved having you as their tutor, English teacher and play director.  You were the very best of prep school master and you will be sorely missed by the Wilsons and so many more.   …

I will always remeber Mr Riches as one of the greatest teachers of all time.  I will never forget all those pens and different colour inks.   RIP Mr Riches…

Henry was such a big part in the Horris Hill jigsaw for many years.  I will always remember how he would come into Reception and remark it was ‘so hot, you could grow bananas in here!’. He had a wonderful sense of humour and always a mischevious glint in his eye.  He will be remembered very fondly and missed by so many….

Henry was one of the most genuine person we have known.  Hhe had a wicked sence of humour and always had time for us cleaners.  We wiil miss him very much…