Announcements

Ivor Artus - died 22nd August 2008

Ivor Artus, a much loved member of the choir died on 22nd August 2008. Whilst Ivor had been poorly since the new year, his death was sudden following admission into Gloucestershire Royal Hospital just the day before. Ivor was a well known character, particularly within the rugby community, a sport for which he had a great passion and would discuss with his friends over a pint and a cigar, particularly after choir rehearsal on a Monday evening!

Ivor was a much loved husband to Cynthia, father and grandfather. Ivor and Cynthia have both thoroughly enjoyed the choir and were active supporters of it, attending concerts and tours. Cynthia has said that she will continue to support the choir and the ladies, and is sure that Ivor is still singing with them from up above.

Ivor's funeral took place on Thursday 28th August at Our Lady's Church of Perpetual Succour, Churchdown. Ivor had already chosen the songs he wanted sung at his funeral and they were Morti Christi, I watch the Sunrise and Take me Home, in addition the choir also joined the congregation in singing the Lord is My Shepherd and How Great Thou Art. All those who attended the funeral commented on how wonderful the choir's singing was and all the family would like to thank the choir for making his funeral a very special and memorable occasion. Songs were also sung afterwards at the Old Centralians RFC, for which Ivor was a founder member and past chairman.

At the request of Ivor, there was no eulogy at his service, he always said "They know why they are here and they know what they knew me for!". Ivor's children stated that he always liked to have the last word.

Ron Bennett - died 6th March 2008

The many friends of Ron Bennett were sad to hear of his recent death following a battle against cancer. He died aged 67 on March 6 2008. Ron was a well-known character in the village and a tireless worker in the community. An adored husband, father and grandfather he belonged to many organisations and had been a member of Churchdown Male Voice Choir for over 20 years.

In a packed service at St John's Church, Churchdown on Wednesday March 19, the Reverend Katy Morgan told of Ron's great love of life, his boundless enthusiasm and his devotion to his family. She also mentioned his great love of travelling and told of how he and his wife Anne had recently visited China and Australia.

Reverend Morgan also told of his great love of Churchdown Male Voice Choir and of how both he and Anne were enthusiastic supporters of the choir tours. The choir performed songs chosen by Ron and Anne which included, 'Going Home' a song taken from the slow movement of Dvorak's New World Symphony, and 'I watch the sunrise, a song arranged by the choir's MD John Blenkinsopp. Soloist Jeff Bourton then movingly sang Can you feel the love tonight, from The Lion King, by Elton John.

Anne thanked all his friends for their support and said that she would continue to support the choir in any way she could and would continue to tour with them. She added that that was the way Ron would have wanted it.

Charlie Roberts - died 20th January 2008

Charlie Roberts, a very popular member of the choir and a man known throughout the area for his love of rugby and cricket, died on January 20th in Cheltenham General Hospital aged just 56.

Charlie was a long-serving member of the choir and a great favourite with audiences both for his pure tenor voice and in comedy duets with Barry Woods, also a choir member. His great sense of fun endeared him to everyone he met and he had a great ability to motivate people.

For years he had suffered with Charcot Marie Tooth Disease (CMT) an hereditary neurological condition, but always bore his disability with the greatest of courage. He was a splendid example to anyone who suffered in a similar way and was always cheerful and positive in his outlook on life.

After a short illness, he was taken to Cheltenham General Hospital and died 24 hours later from pneumonia. He will be sadly missed by his many friends and family.

A service at Cheltenham Crematorium was held on January 28th at 10am. As expected the crematorium was packed in the chapel, in the corridor and the waiting room, and there were even people standing outside. Barry Woods paid tribute to his friend and singing partner of almost 30 years. He recalled some of Charlie's life with the choir, his fun, his charm and his great open nature. He said that he had heard that people knew that the service would be crowded but insisted on going simply to be there and to pay tribute to their great friend. The choir sang three of Charlie's favourite songs, Lily of the Valley, The Lord's Prayer and, as the congregation left the chapel, Take me home. Charlie's family invited everyone back to Arle Court Sports and Social Club for refreshments.

The choir held a 'Memories of Charlie concert' on February 22nd. A report of this concert is in Archive Concert Reports.

Dennis Ripley - died 13th January 2008

Den Ripley, a former chairman of the choir died on January 13th after a short illness at his home in Cheltenham. As late as Christmas he had been performing his usual role of Father Christmas at the choir's 3 Christmas concerts in Churchdown Community Centre.

At his funeral in a packed Christ Church on January 22nd, his family paid a moving tribute to Den and told of his great sense of humour, his charm, his love of his family, his keenness on parties and his fondness for Marmite toast. Tribute was also paid to his wife, Mo, who supported him in all his fund raising activities at Old Pats and their annual work during the Cheltenham Cricket Festival where they ran the hospitality tent making money for the Old Pats Rugby Team.

The choir was a very important part of his and Mo's life and some of Den's favourite songs were heard from the choir. Before the service the choir's favourite soloist Sue Black sang Pie Jesu from Requiem by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The choir, conducted by John Blenkinsopp, then sang some of Den's favourite songs including Lost Chord and The Rose. During the service, Gwahoddiad was conducted by Assistant MD, Ralph Barnes and then Morte Criste was heard with Sue Black taking the solo. As the coffin left the church, the choir most movingly sang the Matt Monroe hit, Softly as I leave you. The family invited everyone back to the Old Pats Rugby Club for refreshments.