It is with great sadness that we note the passing of our treasured friend and accompanist George Smith

Here are some thoughts and memories from members of the choir.

Angeline:- George was very helpful and a great friend. He always said “Thank you my dear”

Anne-Marie:- As soon as I joined the choir I was struck by George’s tremendous passion for music and friendly welcome – this joy was infectious.

Audrey:- He was always smiling and cheerful. He cared about others and really loved “his ladies” I found George was a true gentleman and I will miss him greatly.

Babs: We could always rely on George – he was a great support through thick and thin.

Bea:  I only had the privilege of knowing George for one year but during that time we formed a strong musical alliance and “we sang from the same hymn sheet”

Connie: To have George, a wonderful musician, as a dear friend, has been both a joy and a privilege. He will be sorely missed.

Hazel: My abiding memory of George is him sitting with his feet propped up, eating a banana during the break on  practice night. Also his booming, joyous laugh when someone said something which tickled him.

Jean: A hard act to follow – such a talent.

Judith: When I became 70 last year, George said “ I’m right behind you”.  I’ve always thought that George would make a good Father Christmas.

Lee: I will always remember George saying to the M.D. “Could I make a suggestion, perhaps?”

Liz: He had a lovely smile and a hearty laugh. A wonderful musician who will be missed by all who knew him.

Pat: I shall miss watching and hearing George play. He always put so much feeling and sensitivity into his performances. We will never be able to replace him. God Bless.

Lorna: My best memory of George was that after our concerts he encouragingly said “Well done ladies”

Mollie: I have not been with the choir long. It has been truly lovely to hear George play, to see him smile and to hear his witty comments. God Bless.

Monica: A lovely, gentle man. It was a privilege to know George, albeit for a short time. Listening to him play was a delight and the pleasure he got from his music was obvious.

Margaret: George was always very kind and caring. He was also a great support to our MDs and gave suggestions in a very humble way. His musical knowledge was extensive and his stories will live on in our memories.

Marlene: George was always so kind and his words were “Thank you my dear”

Mary: I think of George in his red waistcoat at Christmas reminding me of a jovial Father Christmas with a lovely smile.

Rachel: My memories of George are of him making himself comfortable during concerts using his walking stick to rest both his legs and his deep, infectious laugh.

Suzanne: George was a true gentleman. When my Mum came to a concert on her birthday he played “Happy Birthday” and got everyone to sing along. She has always remembered this.

Stephanie: Always patient and thoughtful during rehearsals – fantastic sense of humour.

Sylvia: The music in Heaven will improve now that George has arrived!

Ursula: George had many wonderful gifts as a musician and he passed these on to we choir members. We will miss him so much.

Val: George’s best known phrase was “You know where I’m coming from” We would count how many times he said it during practice!

Vivienne: It was a privilege to have known and worked with such a wonderful musician. We have a collection of George-isms to remember him by!