Arthur was born in 1903 and joined the Steeton MVC when he was 19. He was at the heart of the choir until he passed away peacefully at Currergate Nursing Home on Saturday 22nd February 2003.

Arthur became conductor in 1951 and held the baton for 25 years before handing over to John Smith. He possessed a fine powerful baritone voice and was a distiguished soloist for the choir as well as competing in many festivals. He competed at the Wharfedale festival in 1995 (aged 92!) and was presented with a replica of the 1st prize certificate ha had won exactly 70 years before.

In 2001, Arthur was honoured with the MBE, but the choir's delight on his behalf was tempered with sadness when he fell seriously ill just days before his official presentation from the Lord Lieutenant. You can't keep a good baritone down, however, and Arthur made a significant recovery and was eventually able to leave hospital and go into Currergate Nursing Home. In due course, he had recovered sufficiently to have his delayed presentation and a concert in his honour at Currergate. "Look North" and "Calendar" viewers were also able to share this occasion and to hear Arthur performing one of his favourite solos "The Boys of the Old Brigade".

Arthur's last performance with the Choir was on 23 January 2003. We all hoped he would feel up to giving us a solo, and he didn't disappoint us. He was obviously quite frail now, but as soon as began to sing, we could all hear that his superb baritone voice was still in full working order.

Arthur had a very special place in all our hearts and we will all miss him.

He was truly one of the Boys of the Old Brigade.