John Appleyard came to Ruskin as a student in the very first Ransacker course. This was over fifty years since he had unsuccessfully applied to an Oxford College to become an undergraduate of the University, overflowing at that time with the influx of those returning to Civvy Street in the aftermath of the Second World War.

This set back was treated by John in the positive way that he dealt with all the adversities of life, in various employments and sometimes unemployment, it was an opportunity to try something else.

The Ransacker experience re-vitalized John who had been determined not to sit back in lazy ease during his retirement years. On his return from Oxford to his native Sussex he quickly became a founder member of the Hastings and St.Leonards Forum and this organization, devoted to encouraging older people, rapidly expanded it’s membership to over one thousand under his exuberant leadership. Not content with that he became Chairmen of the East Sussex Forum again helping that to thrive. 

He took special delight in working with Brighton University to help set up their O.A.K. educational program for older people not able to take advantage of the residential needs of the Ransacker Courses.  

With all this he did not neglect the Ransacker cause promoting and publishing its virtues across many parts of England. In 2006 he helped found and became Chairman of the Ransackers Association a position he held until his sudden death on 14th of November.  

This year his tremendous work for his community was recognized by his local council with a Civic Award, and then in the late Summer he was invited to 10 Downing Street and became the proud possessor of the signature of Gordon Brown.  

Ruskin College and Ransackers can be proud to say John Appleyard was a member of our Alumni his enthusiasm for life and determination to aid the well being of older people and the encouragement he gave to others to travel with him, all with an easy old world charm and courteous persuasion while still respecting the opinion of others.  

John Appleyard born 1931 died 2008 an outstanding example of the value of further education to older people. He will be missed by so many, may the organizations he helped found be a memorial to him for many future years.