Dalesman and friend...

  Keith Martin of the Dalesmen Singers writes:

John (1941-2011) was born in Redcar and lived all of his life in the town. Leaving school he worked as a joiner in the docks. When the work there stopped John moved to ICI taking early retirement when that industry also declined. This gave him more time to  be with Barbara whom he had married in 1965, his children and later his grandchildren.
He was also able to pursue his hobbies and interests. He had joined Redcar Male Voice Choir and sang with them around the north of England. He later joined the Dalesmen. He sang 2nd Tenor and served the Dalesmen as Publicity officer. He and Barbara were at most choir events taking photos of the choir and their guest artistes.

John also made a great contribution to the setting up of the website.
John became a committed Christian in his teens and was a regular worshipper at the Methodist Chapel in Newcomen, Redcar. In the late ‘90s the chapel became involved with Sri Lankan Asylum seekers who had been sent to the town. John quickly became involved in their care, helping them to settle into unfamiliar surroundings, doing odd maintenance jobs in their homes and helping them to find their way through official red tape. H e became a voluntary worker at Grenfell House in Redcar, a club for disadvantaged people. He was the treasurer for a while, later becoming a Trustee of the House. He was also found on the roof of the building doing repairs. He enjoyed photography and nature and skilfully combined both interests.

John was always cheerful with a welcoming smile. He was a friend to all. Throughout the years of his battle with cancer he remained cheerful and uncomplaining. He continued to attend as many rehearsals and concerts as he could between treatment. Although weak he took his place in the Choir at Gala night in October.

We, in the choir, will miss his presence and his singing. We remember Barbara and her family in our thoughts  and prayers

 Dalesman and friend...

 Phil Hunton chairman of the Dalesmen Singers and fellow tenor with Stuart writes:

It came as a deep shock and sadness that the Dalesmen Singers learned of the loss of Stuart, who died suddenly on Sunday October 30th 2011, aged only 38.
Stuart was a dedicated and respected member of the choir rarely missing a rehearsal, concert or tours abroad. He was a first tenor with a good vocal range and voice to match and loved his music and he contributed fully to the varied repertoire of the Dalesmen’s programme of music and social events.
Stuart joined the Dalesmen Singers five years ago after hearing a concert in the town hall in Loftus, his home town. He had previously sung with the Eskdale and Skiningrove M.V.C, but was happy to join us, as they had recently disbanded. After a while, he became the section representative for the first tenors and cheerfully took on the  ‘One Hundred Club’ collection on behalf of the choir.
In Stuart’s personal life, he had many family responsibilities and interests which filled his life, apart from his work at the Peel Jones Copper Foundry at Carlin How. Stuart was also closely linked with Saint Leonards Parish Church in Loftus where his funeral service took place on November 16th. The Dalesmen, (at the request of his mother, Sue, and family) turned out in big numbers and full uniform for this to voice their farewells in poignant and favourite songs: 'You Raise Me Up'; 'Morte Christe' and and 'Thankyou for the Music'. It was a very moving ceremony attended by many.
Stuart was recently described by one of the first tenors as, “a gentle, quiet, caring man and immensely valued friend” – This, his mother admits, is an epitaph with which his many friends, colleagues and all of the Dalesmen would agree.
The Choir all wish Stuart’s mother, Sue, his brothers and other relatives and friends, comfort and strength in their grief. We also wish to thank them for supporting his contributions of service to our choir, and in particular, on behalf of all those who benefited from hearing his voice in concert. We won’t forget him.

 Dalesman and friend...

 Jim Muir chairman of the Dalesmen Singers and long standing friend of Bill writes:

The Dalesmen Singers sang their tribute to the choir’s Vice-President and one of the longest serving members at the funeral service for William D Harrison at St Hedda’s  R.C Church Egton Bridge on July 2nd.

 Bill’s connection with the choir goes right back to its beginning. Bill joined the choir  at its second meeting in September 1971 in Danby and was a very enthusiastic and  hard working member for almost 40 years. Bill became Chairman in 1981 and  1982 and served on the Committee for many years. He worked so hard to ensure  we made our first overseas tour with the choir to Sweden and Norway in 1982,  always leading any fund raising events for the choir and with the support of his late  wife Mary their strawberry tea’s and candle lit suppers were memorable social  occasions.

 Bill was a regular soloist for the choir at concerts and he loved the social  gatherings when we hosted or visited other choirs. We all hold dear the memory of  Bill’s rendition of The Court of King Caractacus which became a requested regular  feature at the “afterglow” social gatherings. Mary would accompany Bill on the  piano for this and when Bill got really going with the patter Mary at times had  difficulty catching up as ‘the stitches on the britches’ just flew by!

 A regular on all the Dalesmen Singers tours abroad and visits to other choirs he contributed so much to the fellowship and continued success of the choir. We shall all  miss his humour and good cheer. The overflowing Church where Bill was a life long and very faithful member was a tribute to the affection and esteem he held in by all  who were privileged to know him and share his friendship.

 Our thoughts and prayers are with his son Stephen and family.