We are sorry to report the passing, in hospital, of our friend & staunch supporter, Roger. He has joined the bass voices &/or instrumentalists (with bass & alto curtals) at numerous NWEMF workshops over very many years. His principal EMF, however, was the Midland group. He is also known to have played bassoon & contrabassoon … Continue reading Roger Gibson (2025)

Memories of Ailie Kerrane by Peter Syrus & Elizabeth Dodd Anyone who knew Ailie will be shocked and deeply saddened to learn of her recent death. Although I was fortunate enough latterly to sing with her in various enterprises in south Manchester, my most enduring and endearing memories go way back to NWEMF summer schools … Continue reading Ailie Kerrane (2025)

Memories of Jill Mitchell Died 30 December 2024 Peter SyrusElizabeth DoddRoger WilkesClive Walkley Members will be saddened to learn of the recent death of the soprano Jill Mitchell. I am grateful to her long-standing friend Anne Shepherd who phoned me with this sad news. Jill had been a loyal supporter of forum activities for several … Continue reading Jill Mitchell (2024)

Elizabeth Chisholm Smith, nee Stirling, formerly Small 1930-2020 I am sad to convey the news that Elizabeth Smith passed away peacefully at Arrowe Park Hospital (Wirral) on 26th March.  She had been fighting pneumonia and complications for a couple of weeks, following a fall at her residential home, but had received wonderful care and was … Continue reading Elizabeth Smith (2020)

Chris Evans 1928-2019 Readers will be saddened to hear of the death of Chris Evans. Many will know his wife, Janet, from regular appearances at NWEMF workshops. Chris hadn’t attended these for some while, but both were faithful followers of my weekend courses, from way back into the last century (Springfield Court, Rye), its Easter … Continue reading Chris Evans (2019)