March 2015
Choir Members are greatly saddened by the recent death of Stan Hall. He was one of the founders of the Choir, holding the office of Chairman for 15 years. Thereafter, he held all other senior positions in our organisation until retiring to the back benches of the Bass Line some 5 years ago to just ‘enjoy singing’ for a change. This yeoman service was marked by the award of Life Membership of the Choir, a position unique in the history of Ad Murum Singers but richly deserved. Poor health meant that he was unable to attend our rehearsals in the last two years. Nevertheless, Stan still took a great interest in what we were rehearsing and did manage to attend our Summer Concert in 2014. A conversation earlier this year showed that he was very interested in the emerging material for our 2015 Summer Concert. His wise words, cheery smile, warm handshake and, above all, his genuine love of all that is good about Ad Murum will be missed by us all.
Choir Members are greatly saddened by the recent death of Stan Hall. He was one of the founders of the Choir, holding the office of Chairman for 15 years. Thereafter, he held all other senior positions in our organisation until retiring to the back benches of the Bass Line some 5 years ago to just ‘enjoy singing’ for a change. This yeoman service was marked by the award of Life Membership of the Choir, a position unique in the history of Ad Murum Singers but richly deserved. Poor health meant that he was unable to attend our rehearsals in the last two years. Nevertheless, Stan still took a great interest in what we were rehearsing and did manage to attend our Summer Concert in 2014. A conversation earlier this year showed that he was very interested in the emerging material for our 2015 Summer Concert. His wise words, cheery smile, warm handshake and, above all, his genuine love of all that is good about Ad Murum will be missed by us all.
February 2016
The recent sad and tragic loss of Sally Allan has been a difficult time for us all. Sally joined the Ad Murum Singers in September 2010 after seeing the choir perform at the village show. Her first performance was the Christmas concert that year. She loved all kinds of music and greatly enjoyed both practices and concerts. Sally started as a first soprano then later took on the challenge of moving to join the second sopranos, her final concert being Christmas 2015. Sally loved being part of the Ad Murum 'family'. Her lovely smile, her laughter and her genuine concern for others will be greatly missed and as we sing we remember the happy times we shared and the joy she brought to all.
The recent sad and tragic loss of Sally Allan has been a difficult time for us all. Sally joined the Ad Murum Singers in September 2010 after seeing the choir perform at the village show. Her first performance was the Christmas concert that year. She loved all kinds of music and greatly enjoyed both practices and concerts. Sally started as a first soprano then later took on the challenge of moving to join the second sopranos, her final concert being Christmas 2015. Sally loved being part of the Ad Murum 'family'. Her lovely smile, her laughter and her genuine concern for others will be greatly missed and as we sing we remember the happy times we shared and the joy she brought to all.
March 2016
James (Jim) Smith (1931 - 2014) was a founder member of the Ad Murum Singers and played a large part in enhancing the life of the choir. Music was very important in Jim's life. In the early days of the choir he ensured the practicalities at rehearsals and occasionally conducted the music in the absence of the musical director. His fine bass voice was a valuable asset, and he was a trusty and reliable soloist. Jim continued to sing with the choir until the last few years of his life, when illness prevented him from doing so.
James (Jim) Smith (1931 - 2014) was a founder member of the Ad Murum Singers and played a large part in enhancing the life of the choir. Music was very important in Jim's life. In the early days of the choir he ensured the practicalities at rehearsals and occasionally conducted the music in the absence of the musical director. His fine bass voice was a valuable asset, and he was a trusty and reliable soloist. Jim continued to sing with the choir until the last few years of his life, when illness prevented him from doing so.
May 2018
The choir was very sorry to lose Mike Furlonger after a brave struggle with Motor Neurone Disease. Mike had been a supporter of Ad Murum's concerts for many years before he made the decision to join our ranks in 2016, bringing humour, enthusiasm and his own inimitable personality to the bass line. Always keen to assist the choir, he would suggest songs we might try and his lifelong love of jazz led to a very successful appearance by friends of his as guest artistes at a summer concert. As in all walks of life he traversed, Mike made his mark on the choir and is greatly missed.
The choir was very sorry to lose Mike Furlonger after a brave struggle with Motor Neurone Disease. Mike had been a supporter of Ad Murum's concerts for many years before he made the decision to join our ranks in 2016, bringing humour, enthusiasm and his own inimitable personality to the bass line. Always keen to assist the choir, he would suggest songs we might try and his lifelong love of jazz led to a very successful appearance by friends of his as guest artistes at a summer concert. As in all walks of life he traversed, Mike made his mark on the choir and is greatly missed.
November 2019
Sheila Nicholson loved music and it was always a huge part of her life. She was Musical Director of the Ad Murum Singers from 1998 until 2000 when she and John left Heddon to spend their time between Spain and Newcastle. They rejoined the choir on returning to the UK for good in 2010, with Sheila as a stalwart of the soprano line and a keen performer in our Christmas pantomimes. Ill health forced her retirement from the choir in 2018, but she was delighted to receive an honorary life membership and proudly displayed the certificate in her living room. She remained interested in and supportive of the choir, attending our concerts without fail until shortly before her death. Sheila will be remembered for her kindness, impeccable style and that beautiful voice.
Sheila Nicholson loved music and it was always a huge part of her life. She was Musical Director of the Ad Murum Singers from 1998 until 2000 when she and John left Heddon to spend their time between Spain and Newcastle. They rejoined the choir on returning to the UK for good in 2010, with Sheila as a stalwart of the soprano line and a keen performer in our Christmas pantomimes. Ill health forced her retirement from the choir in 2018, but she was delighted to receive an honorary life membership and proudly displayed the certificate in her living room. She remained interested in and supportive of the choir, attending our concerts without fail until shortly before her death. Sheila will be remembered for her kindness, impeccable style and that beautiful voice.
