In Memory of Our Founder Michael Davies
Remembering a man who positively impacted thousands, and established our charity with a vision for change in the classroom. We invite you to share your celebrations of his life here.
It is with great sadness that we share the news that our Founder Michael Davies passed away on July 28th 2024. His tireless work with Parallel Histories reached thousands of pupils across the globe and helped them find their voice on divisive and complex debates. Appointed by Michael, new CEO Bill Rammell and the team will continue Michael’s incredible work and passion; bringing together communities from all backgrounds to talk, learn and grow together.
We invite you to share your memories, stories and thoughts on the incredible work of Michael here, and if you wish to support his legacy with Parallel Histories you can donate below.
Responses
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I had the pleasure of speaking with Michael once over the phone and he came across as a warm man with a genuine passion to share the ugly side of historical conflicts. I always had my notifications turned on for Parallel Histories emails and enjoyed his content greatly. I pass on thoughts and prayers for his family and the grace of God to get them through this heartbreaking time. For educators like myself I’ll strive to carry out the values and ethos that Michael believe in, and always shed light on the history that many choose to ignore. Rest in Peace Michael and thank you for all you’ve done for the Educaiton community and countless teachers and pupils.
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My husband and I both knew Mike and Cary’s but from slightly different perspectives. I remember Mike more from Lancaster Quaker Meeting, whereas Siôn knew him from Lancaster Royal Grammar School where they both taught. We lived in school as Siôn was a housemaster, so I also knew Mike, the teacher.
Siôn remembers Mike as someone who delivered the most inspirational assemblies ever!
I too would use the word “inspirational “. I can think of no better legacy that any Quaker could leave, than a way of showing students both sides of ‘Parallel Histories’ and helping them understand a point of view that they might not necessarily agree with, nor have thought much about!
He will be greatly missed in many ways. -
At the Churchill Fellowship we are deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Davies, an extraordinary individual and incredible Churchill Fellow. Watching Michael develop Parallel Histories following his 2015 Churchill Fellowship has been inspirational and exciting. Through Michael’s vision, Parallel Histories has transformed how students engage with complex historical debates, and working with over 200 schools in the UK and 23 globally his impact has been substantial. We are honoured to count him as a Churchill Fellow and know that through Parallel Histories he leaves an extraordinary legacy that will continue to deliver the powerful and transformative work that he was so committed to. We will greatly miss him and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
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I first met Michael during a virtual meeting facilitated by the Churchill Fellowship when we were all under house arrest during the C-19 pandemic. Our mutual interest in teaching individuals the art of debate led to us working together to teach military veterans debating skills. There are some people in life who are a joy to talk to, work with and know and deliver. Michael was one of those people.
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