We are sorry to hear of the passing of Bradfieldian Robert Stallard (G 57-62) peacefully at home on 7 January 2024. He was a keen Bradfield Waif, Treasurer, administrator during Waif Week and Scorer for over 20 years. After Bradfield he went on to work in Journalism.

Rupert Cox (F 81-86) said of the sad news "RIP Waif Legend - always had the Club's best interests at heart. 

There were few kinder, gentle people and his passion for the Bradfield Waifs knew no bounds. He scored for the Bradfield Waifs for many, many years religiously, neatly and accurately.

It says it all that the day I left Hampshire in 1994 he was one of the first people to call me to check I was all right! My abiding memory of Robert will be of him enjoying Waif Week but still going around collecting match fees from players … a job that we struggle to fulfil nowadays and will probably have to be digitalised now to get the same efficiency!

He will be greatly missed … what a truly lovely man."

Peter Came (D 77-81) added "He has been much missed by us all since he relinquished his roles in the Club."

James Wyatt (G 58-63) provided some background to Robert's loyal role as scorer for both the 1st X1 cricketers and the Waifs.

"Robert became 1st X1 scorer in 1960 – halcyon days for Bradfield cricket under Michael Ricketts (widely considered the best  master i/c on the circuit) and hence he managed a MCC Schools tour of South Africa. Indeed EM Wellings writing in 1963 Wisden stated that in 1962 ‘of the individual schools Bradfield perhaps deserve first mention. They were unbeaten in 15 matches, and since they have lost only 5 inter-school games in the past 11 years they have the strongest possible claims to be considered the most consistent team of the period. At the start of term the prospects were not good; that a new side was fashioned so successfully proves how well founded cricket is at Bradfield. Another Mence seems to be on the way up. Among the new members of the side was GRJ Roope, who at the age of 15 made 611 runs, took 11 wickets and became a first rate slip fielder.’

Robert’s immaculate scoring especially during CC matches was so much appreciated."

A contemporary of Robert's Martin Lathan (D 57-61) added "I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiments – a truly lovely man."