Rayaan recently sent his memory of a School visit to Michael Burrel memorial service at St Paul's Church:

'It’s quite scary how this was 12 years ago! I still remember this exact moment and the fantastic day this was. 

Although fascinated by Ian’s presence, I decided not to go down the acting path and graduated from Durham University in BSc Accounting with a First Class Honours. I now work for PwC in External Audit specialising within the Automotive industry. The role has no ordinary/standard day and provides many opportunities for travel and adventure! I have recently been selected to join the PwC Shadow Leadership Team and am currently working alongside a select number of PwC Partners within the firm to streamline multiple exciting initiatives with the South East.'

Rayaan Bhatti, OL 2021

Michael Philip Burrell - OL - Memorial Service
By Rayaan Bhatti 7R
On Friday 10th October 2014, the Motet Choir (of which I am a member) visited St Paul's Church in Covent Garden, London, to remember an Old Lyonian, Michael Phillip Burrell who died earlier this year.

A number of people told us how smart we looked in our uniforms. From the corner of my eye, I spotted Sir Ian McKellen! I slowly nudged my neighbour and whispered to him that 'Gandalf', from 'Lord of the Rings', was sitting in the right hand corner of the church. How amazing the day was going to be!

We knew that today was a very important day and essential that we sing our best. Everybody stood up when Reverend Simon Grigg, Reverend Paul Hunt and another priest entered the Church. Then we heard four tributes from : Sir Ian McKellen, Robert Pennant Jones, Anthony Arlidge QC and The Reverend Paul Hunt. Their speeches were so touching and thoughtful. Dominic Marsh then stood up and sang 'Lost in the Stars'. This was a very moving song, especially because Michael Burrell had asked if Dominic would sing this song at his service. After the song ended, Mr Brown, our Musical Director, stood up with the Motet Choir and we sang 'Greater Love'
by John Ireland.

As the music faded away, the audience applauded, I also applauded along so loudly to show my appreciation for Mr Miles' brilliant organ playing, and Mr Brown's clear conducting.

Anna Barry and Marcia Warren read a poem called 'Songs for an English Summer' which was written by Michael Burrell himself! I was so amazed by the way they expressed the words.

At the end of the Service everybody was eager to meet Sir Ian McKellen ! When we got outside, nobody was brave enough to ask 'Gandalf' if it was 'ok' to take a photo. I was too excited to wait any longer, so I stepped forward and asked Sir Ian McKellen, if by any chance I was able to take a photo. He replied with a 'yes'. I was so happy!

Today has been a tremendous day:, being able to visit a very beautiful Church for a memorial service, to sing in front of famous people and most of all to take a picture with a famous actor, my claim to fame!