Ric Girdlestone, who was the Chair of Winton House Centre from 2010 to 2019, passed away hours before his 75th birthday on Saturday September 25th 2021. He had been unwell for some months but died peacefully at home. He requested a simple family funeral.

Ric spent his career in the British diplomatic service, ending up as Deputy Ambassador to The Sudan. His fluent Arabic might not have been of much use to him in Petersfield, but his diplomatic skills, patience and quiet sense of humour were invaluable in making sure Winton House functioned smoothly during his reign.

We plan a small memorial event in Winton House to celebrate his life with his wife Djihan, & daughter Emma as soon Covid allows. In the meantime contributions in his memory to the Rosemary Foundation would be welcomed.