Phil Raines was known by his pupils “for his good sense of humour and terrible jokes”
Tributes have been paid to a beloved grandad and former headteacher who died earlier this month. Born in Nottinghamshire in August 1932, Michael Philip Raines, known as Phil, was headteacher at Harold Magnay school in Woolton from 1972 to 1991.
Harold Magnay was a residential school for disabled children and was located on Woolton Hill Road in Woolton until it closed in 1996. Mr Raines was the school’s first headmaster and he lived on site with his family before retiring to Yorkshire.
Mr Raines died at home, surrounded by his family, at the age of 92 on November 6. He is survived by his wife Gwen, daughters Debbie and Katy and four grandchildren.
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In a tribute sent to ECHO, Phil’s family said: “Mr Raines was appointed the first Headmaster of this purpose-built residential special school for children with physical disabilities. As a residential head he was required to live on site with his family and his wife Gwen also taught at the school as the nursery teacher.
“Mr Raines fought hard for his pupils to have as many positive experiences as possible alongside an expectation that they could succeed and be an active, valuable part of the wider world. To this end he set about making sure that pupils who were able to, took National qualifications such as O-levels. He brought in visitors regularly such as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and local sports people.
“Many of the children had life-limiting conditions and part of his job was doing night duties supporting these young people through the last years of their lives. As his family we only found out by chance that he continued to keep in touch with bereaved families for years after their child had died by sending cards and flowers on their birthdays. It’s a mark of the man that he never told anyone.
“The regular summer school outing to Southport was a highlight of the calendar. Both local football teams would turn out to support the special schools from the city who descended en-masse to Southport pleasure beach along with stars of the day such as Bruce Forsyth, Ken Dodd and Henry Cooper.
“The convoy of buses, taxis, coaches and cars making their way north covered in streamers and balloons was quite a sight. The annual day out was funded by the John Moores Foundation. Harold Magnay School pupils will possibly remember Mr Raines for his good sense of humour and terrible jokes. Or possibly for his love of football and games. He introduced a Subbuteo league and wheelchair sports such as basketball and wheelchair football.”
Phil’s daughter, Debbie Harris told the ECHO: “We grew up on site at Harold Magnay, and saw first hand the dedication and commitment dad gave to the children and families in his care. He knew every one of them by name, and they loved teasing him about his football team – Mansfield Town. (They never managed to convert him to be a red or a blue.)”
Debbie added: “Katy and I feel very fortunate to have grown up in Liverpool with such a great role model as dad. He taught us how to value people, especially people who live with physical differences. His challenge to both of us was always to see potential rather than limitations and we are both truly grateful for his long life, wisdom and good humour.”
A number of tributes to Mr Raines have started to come in from previous pupils. On Facebook, Stephen Hunt said: “I would just like to say how sorry I am to hear about the passing of my Headmaster Mr Raines at Harold Magnay School. My condolences to Mrs Raines and all the family.” A number of tributes have also been posted in the private Facebook group Harold Magnay School Reunion.
Mr Raines’ funeral will take place at St Nicholas’ Church in Dunnington, York, YO19 5PW and afterwards at Dunnington & Grimston Sports Club Common Rd, Dunnington. If you would like to join the family for the funeral please RSVP to: [email protected].
