Mr Ralph Birch, who was Head of History from 1985 until his retirement at Christmas 1992, died on 13^th October 2018 aged 78.
 
Having been educated at King Edward’s School, Birmingham, Ralph was awarded an exhibition to read History at Pembroke College, Cambridge in 1957. 

Following graduation, his passion for History led to a career teaching the subject at higher education level in several Grammar and State secondary schools. From September 1969 he taught at St. Nicholas Grammar School, Northwood until 1985 when he was appointed Head of History at Haberdashers' Aske’s School for Girls where he felt a great sense of enjoyment, achievement and intellectual fulfilment in teaching and, as a Sixth Form tutor.  Indeed, he always recalled how particularly talented the historians at Haberdashers had been.  Throughout his career and up until his retirement from teaching in 1992, he inspired many pupils with his love of history and his delight in learning. 

As anyone he taught will know, Ralph had an avid passion for supporting Aston Villa FC with all the joy and, more often, disappointment that they provided over the years. 

Ralph is survived by his wife, son Mark and daughter Kathryn (who both attended Haberdashers) plus five grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed by his many friends and colleagues.