I am indebted to David Briffett, Fred Forse and Don Whiting for the following about Michael George Moore who passed away on Tuesday 10th May at the age of 85.

George at the OC annual dinner in 2013

Michael George Moore (because of another Michael Moore at Colston’s he became known as George) attended Colston’s from 1941 to 1947, was in West House (subsequently Aldington) and finished as a Monitor (House Prefect). He told some horrendous stories of conditions at the Crib in the war years and when a Monitor was delighted to sit at the head of the West Half Tab in the Dining Hall because that was where all the new boys sat and they were normally feeling homesick so he ended up with much more to eat. Dave Briffett comments that that was his first encounter with George (subsequent ones were occasionally at the end of a slipper which he wielded to maximum effect!).

On leaving school George went to work for WD & HO Wills in Bedminster. George started in the Sales Office at Bedminster. No 1 factory in East Street which included Wills Head Office.  He had a long career as Sales Administration Manager responsible for a range of brands – most famously Woodbine and rose to high office in the Marketing Dept. During this time he became a Bristol City Councillor and was made an Alderman as a result of his service and commitment to the city.

On retirement George became a JP.

George was also Chairman of the Wills Staff Pensioners Association.

On the OC front he played rugby for the OCs in the time when the changing rooms at the Mile Straight Filton were a Nissen Hut and the bathing facilities 2 tin baths. Perhaps because of this he was instrumental in improving the facilities from a changing room to a proper  Clubhouse with bar when he was Chairman of the OCs’ Sports Club. His time as Chairman and the role he played in motivating and organising the Committee and members cannot be over emphasised. Without him at the helm it is doubtful if as much could have been achieved.

From 1987 onwards he produced many interesting articles annually for the Society’s annual magazine “Cribsheet” ..... and it is in that capacity that he became known to most Old Colstonians. However, to Committee Members and O.Cs attending the AGM he will be fondly remembered as always having a probing question or two for the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, generally it was 'How is the depreciation calculated in the accounts?'  

His articles for Cribsheet cannot receive too much praise opening up many aspects of the School and OC affairs unknown to most and critical in establishing the magazine as something to be looked forward to each year.

After the death of his wife Brenda George moved into St Monica’s Retirement Village and became a well known figure there  - typically speaking his mind if something there was not to his approval!

He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Newspaper cutting about George when he was elected as a councillor:


There will be a Thanksgiving service for George on Tuesday June 14th in St Monica's Chapel at 2.30. This will be followed by a reception in St Monica's Restaurant.