Ian arrived in Marple in September 1972, as a bright new teacher, to take up a post as art teacher in the Marple Secondary Modern School for Boys. He soon found that it was generally called "The Willows", and stayed there for his whole career, as the name continued to change, first to Marple Ridge High School and then, via The Ridge College, to its current title of Ridge Danyers College. After twenty-eight years of trying (and in some cases succeeding) to instill a love of art into successive generations of Marple children he was forced, by ill health, to retire in 2000.

Fortunately for Ian he had other irons in the fire with which to fill his new-found leisure. Almost before he had taken up post in the school he had joined the Carver Theatre, where he continues to make as big a contribution as he can - currently he is the Chairman of the society. He helps with the charity narrowboat, The New Horizons and has also been heavily involved with Stockport's twin towns, particularly Béziers. This led him to develop links for the school and college with several other European countries.

His abiding interest in military history started at a very early age, with a box of Britain's lead soldiers, and has continued to develop to the point where his wife has despaired of ever having a room free of military prints, models or paraphernalia.

Ian waits for the last post at the Menin Gate in April 2003

Post Script:
The above passage, written by Ian to describe himself, was originally included as a brief biography when his journal of the first 'Marple Remembered' trip was published on the Marple Website in 2002. During the 2003 trip, Ian again completed a journal, which now accompanies this tribute.

Shortly following our return in 2003, Ian was diagnosed with cancer for the second time in his life, having successfully overcome the disease five years earlier. As any of the many people who have known Ian Rice would have expected, stubborn bugger that he was, he determined to continue as normally with his life as possible. With this in mind he instructed Andy Cook and myself, in no uncertain terms, that we were to keep a place reserved for him on our 2004 trip to the Somme.

Last April Ian joined the rest of our party as we made our annual pilgrimage. Despite his brave efforts he fell victim to pneumonia on the second night and was admitted into a French hospital. Although in much discomfort, he delighted in telling me how the experience had given him the opportunity of expanding his French vocabulary to include words such as 'Kidney Dish' and 'Swab'!

We unfortunately had to leave Ian and his wife, Carol, to improve their French and returned to England without them.

Ian and Carol returned home a few days later, however, the cancer continued to take over Ian's body and despite an unbelievably brave fight he died in August this year.

During many years serving in the Fire Service I met many brave men but none braver than Ian Rice. I find it hard to find words to describe my admiration for the way he dealt with his illness. I last saw him the day before he died and, just like the months leading up to that day, he had a ready smile and an insult!

During our trips to the battlefields we have always tried to engender a feeling of comradeship in an attempt to understand the unusual closeness of those brave men who served in the Great War. Like those very men, we have now lost someone whose absence will leave a huge void in our group. The 'Marple Pals' will miss him greatly.

Peter Clarke - September 2004

Post Script 2:           top
We're pleased to advise that a bench was placed in Marple Memorial Park in memory of Ian in April 2005. The bench was provided by British Waterways, who asked for a donation to be made to Marple Locks Heritage Society as payment. Carol, Ian's wife, was delighted to be able to do this and the bench was installed in the park with permission from the Council in a position that allows the user to view the open parkland, the skate board park and the war memorial. From the same position, if you look behind you, you can see in both directions along the canal. It's a spot we think Ian would have been pleased with.

The coordination between all the parties involved was carried out by Peter Clarke and the bench was installed by Adrian Ellis, Parks Manager, Peter and Mark Whittaker, both of the Marple Website. All three are also members of The Friends of Marple Memorial Park.

We feel it was appropriate that the brass plaque was fitted to the bench on 29 April 2005, the day before the 'Marple Pals' depart once again for the Somme battlefields on their first trip without Ian. I'm sure he'll be in everyone's thoughts.

Mark Whittaker - April 2005

Left - Adrian Ellis, Carol Rice and Peter Clarke after completing installation of the bench earlier in April. Above - the plaque, fitted on 29 April, provided free of charge by Capricorn Engraving.

The Marple Website is grateful for the contributions Ian made to the site and proud to be able to include his journals as a tribute to his life and to have helped ensure a fitting memorial to his memory has been placed in Marple's Memorial Park .