Christopher Fairey
North B 1952-56
Although not brothers, Chris and I grew up together in a large house in the village of Linton, Cambridgeshire. Our respective parents, with war looming, thought it prudent to merge their farm assets into one holding. Chris and I shared a bedroom in the early war years and went on to share many activities on the farm, such as horse riding.
Chris attended The Leys for four years from 1952 and achieved tri-colour status in the major sports of rugby, hockey and cricket. In 1956 he was in the crew which won the Clark Cup for the school in the Public Schools’ Yachting Championships.
After school, Chris went straight to Harper Adams Agricultural College before returning to work on the family farm. He became Chairman of our company and stayed in this role until he retired. He played rugby, hockey and cricket for Cambridgeshire and in 1965 he was elected a full playing member of the MCC.
In 1961 Chris married Patricia in Grimsby. Their first son arrived in 1962 and as the family grew Chris had less time for sport but took on other responsibilities. He became a governor of The Leys and St. Faith’s Foundation in 1977 and Chairman of the St. Faith’s Committee in 1985, a role in which he served with distinction until 1994.
Chris sent all three children, Robert, Charles and Julia, to The Leys. They were followed by three of his grandchildren.
Chris’ final visit to The Leys was in September 2021 for the OL Dinner. He returned home that night no doubt reflecting on his 70-year long association with The Leys School.
Chris died peacefully on 13th June 2022 aged 83.
Words by David Fairey, North B 1954-58