December 2014

2014 was a truly successful year for the choir. We had a full calendar of successful concerts, membership stayed buoyant and there were two terrific tours.

However the year ended in subdued mood as we saw the passing of three former stalwarts of the choir.

Brian Mould	Frank Place	Gordon Sugden

Brian Mould had sung in the Baritone section for over 16 years (and had also been Music Librarian for many years) and although he had a number of health problems towards the end he was still singing at rehearsal two days before he died on Dec 14th. Quiet and diligent, he will be much missed.

We had scarcely recovered from the news about Brian when we heard that Frank Place had passed away on 31 December. Frank had retired as a singing member of the choir in 2012, but was immediately made a Life Member. He continued to support the choir administering the Gift Aid scheme and liaising with the choir’s Patrons.

Just two days later the news came of the death of Gordon Sugden. Gordon had been Brian Mould’s oppo in looking after the library until they both stepped down a few years back. Gordon was very well liked and much respected and it was a huge shock when Gordon was paralysed in a road accident three years ago. His fighting spirit and determination were an inspiration to us all. Sadly his fight finally came to end on 2nd January.

The choir turned out in force to sing at all three funerals. The turnout and passion with which all the men sang gave testament to the depths of feeling and respect we had for all three men.