Mary Rosaline LANGFORD (née REES) - 14 March 1939 – 27 December 2010 Mary grew up in Fallings Park, where she attended the Methodist Church and Sunday School and learned to play the piano. She joined the High School in 1950, where she took part in various musical activities, including playing the violin in the Orchestra. In 1957, Mary moved on to Nottingham University, where she obtained a diploma on the piano, as well as her degree in Music. She also played table tennis to a high standard (and retained a keen interest in sport all her life). After university, she taught at the Regis School for three years, during which time she became an Associate of the Royal College of Organists. Returning to WGHS as Head of Music, Mary had many successes, both academic and through concerts and productions, such as The Bartered Bride, Amahl and the Night Visitors and Noye's Fludde. She was a superb pianist and choirmistress and the Ensemble gave many concerts, performing on radio and television. After retirement, Mary was appointed Organist and Choirmistress in Dudley; she also played at many churches in the town. An avid reader, she had a large library of books, as well as music. She loved her home and family and leaves her husband, Peter, and her brother, William, and his family, after two years of illness, courageously borne. Eirlais Tomkins (née Williams) (1954 - 1961) I was very saddened at the news of Miss Rees' death. I took 'O' Level music with her in the late sixties and I have very happy memories of the lessons. She opened up the world of classical music to me. Her enthusiasm and knowledge of her subject were an inspiration to me. She touched many lives. Lynda Jones née Kus (1966 - 1973) |
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