We are sad to report the passing of Dr David James Hamilton Trafford (1943 – 2024) OS (1959-61) Chairman of the Governing Body (1974-86) Leader of Sutton Council (1980-86) 

David attended Sutton County Grammar School for his sixth form studies between 1959 and 1961 where he studied the sciences (chemistry, zoology and botany). He worked initially as a junior technician at the Hospital for Sick Children in Great Ormond Street. He continued to study part-time, taking his MIBiol at Ewell Technical College. He changed his work location to the London Hospital Medical College where he transferred to the research staff and took a PhD at London University in 1973. His main research interest was in steroid abnormalities in humans.  

He met his future wife, Valerie, a staff nurse, at The Hospital for Sick Children and they married in 1964. Their son, Andrew, studied in the sixth form at Sutton Manor. 
 
David became interested in the politics of education and stood for and won a council seat in May 1974 for the Conservative Party. He was appointed as a governor of Sutton County Grammar School the same year and in December 1974 was elected as the Chairman of the Governing Body on the retirement of Mr Gardner. 

Dr Trafford was Chairman of the Governing Body until 1986 when he lost his seat on the Council. Dr Trafford was also Leader of Sutton Council between 1980 and 1986. In 1986 the Conservatives lost overall control of the council. 

Dr Trafford was the Chairman when Mr Collins and Mr Green were appointed as headteachers and I know that the Collins and the Traffords have been close friends ever since. 
 
Being the Chairman of the Governors of a school is a major responsibility and those of us associated with the school today mark with respect the passing of a distinguished former Chairman.