With great sadness staff and students at Alsop High School acknowledge the sudden passing of their former Chair of Governors, Marilyn Fielding. Mal was one of the longest serving governors in Liverpool.

Mr Paul Masher, Headteacher at Alsop writes: “Marilyn was Chair of Governors at Alsop for over 30 years. Whilst I never had the pleasure to meet or work with Mal personally, the tributes made by staff, former students and members of our community demonstrate that her life was one of service to both our school and Walton. “Her legacy is interwoven into the fabric of Alsop, and we will ensure that there is a lasting memorial to her dedicated service to education and young people. Selfless people like Mal are like rare diamonds and as a community we are blessed to have had her support; she will be greatly missed and we send our sincere condolences to her husband Cliff and the Fielding family.”

An Alsop parent writes: “Deepest condolences. Thank you Marilyn, for your dedication and all you did in and around our local neighbourhood. We are saddened to hear of her passing. God Bless”

During her time as Chair of Governors, the school grew in numbers and the Queens Drive site benefitted from several capital building programmes. Mrs Fielding was delighted to secure funding to build the Alsop Lifestyles Sports Centre, a purpose-built performing arts facility, and a new IT building. The school was also totally refurbished and £22 million was invested in the construction of the Jamieson Building, named after former headteacher Mr Phil Jamieson, OBE.

Mr Jamieson, Headteacher (1997 – 2011) reflects: “I had the pleasure and privilege of knowing and working with Marilyn Fielding for many years. She made a massive contribution not only to Alsop High School, but also the community of Walton and the city of Liverpool as a whole.

In my role as Headteacher of Alsop, she gave me immense support and her huge contribution to the school cannot be under-estimated. During her tenure as Chair of Governors, the school grew to be the largest community comprehensive school in the city and one of the most successful. Her commitment and dedication were unparalleled and her loss is massive to everyone at the school and the local community. My thoughts are with her family at this very sad time – she may be gone but she will never be forgotten, and she will be remembered for her wonderful qualities and inspiring leadership.”

Many tributes have also been received from former students:

Scott Garrity now Headteacher at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Ashbourne writes: “Such a loss for the school and her family but also such a legacy left behind. Mal Fielding showed me such lovely hospitality when I returned to my boyhood school. A great woman, a great Alsopian. Goodnight Mal.” Mal was a much respected local politician and served County Ward with pride for over 21 years. She went beyond politics and parties and she was a very caring and passionate force of good. Tributes to Mal have been paid by councillors of all political parties.

Leader of Liverpool Liberal Democrats, Councillor Richard Kemp, CBE writes: “Marilyn served as a Liberal Democrat councillor for over two decades. She was a true daughter of Liverpool and Walton in particular. “

Warren Bradley, former leader of Liverpool City Council adds: “I loved everything about Mal but most of all her desire and commitment to Alsop and the people of Walton. Mal was one of a kind God Bless.”

Therefore, as fitting tribute to Marilyn a Book of Condolence has been opened at the school. Also, the Trustees of the Alsop Foundation are collecting monies in memory of her life of service to others.

We remember her husband Cliff and the Fielding family in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you Mal as you enter Eternal Rest

Remembering is a gift,

a gift of love,

passing back and forth between yesterdays,

we walk with those who have gone from us.

Memory eternal be granted to Marilyn

For more information please contact office@alsophigh.org.uk or telephone 0151 235 1200

Donations to the Marilyn Fielding Fund should be sent to The Alsop Foundation, c/o Alsop High School, Queens Drive, Liverpool L4 6SH – Cheques should be made payable to “The Alsop Foundation.”