OG killed in plane crash

25 Sep 2008

OG Paul Howell (OSH, 1969) was sadly killed in a plane crash in South Africa on 20th September. The accident happened on a beach just short of Beira, the second largest city in Mozambique.

Paul will be remembered as being a great all-rounder with a successful career as an MEP for fifteen years for the Conservative Party. He was Norfolk's first Euro-MP and entered the European Parliament as its youngest member. Paul was still a partner in the two Howell Farms which are situated in Wendling and Scarning where he worked before entering the European Parliament.

Paul started at Gresham's in 1964 and had five successful years with us before heading to Oxford University. In July 1983, he came back to Gresham's to be our speaker at Speech Day. During his inspirational speech, he told the school that "I only just scraped into Gresham's by the skin of my teeth with seven per cent for Latin in the common entrance examination."

Paul returned to Gresham's a few years ago to speak to the Junior Colloquium. He spoke in the 'Great Europe Debate' defending Britain's role in the EU. He was a very impressive speaker and quickly won over the pupils. He was always keen to support his old school.

Paul is survived by his wife Ayesha and three sons William, Oliver and Zack. Our thoughts are with them at this time.