It was encouraging the number of nominations that were received for this year’s Tony Jerram Award but, in the end, there could only be one winner. The committee was unanimous in deciding that Marlene Atkinson should be the recipient.
Marlene was nominated because of her wonderful dedication in playing the organ for so many years at St James’ Church and for being leader of the choir and music director. Aged 92 and suffering with ill-health, Marlene retired last year from the duties which she had carried out for some 30 years. She played for services, sometimes twice on a Sunday, mostly for no fee and organised choir practices where she would accept no nonsense! Those services where she received a fee she usually donated it back to St James’ Church or to charity. She has already been greatly missed by both congregation and choir members alike. She was very reliable and extremely competent. Much loved but slightly feared by all!
As Marlene now lives in Briarlea Care Home and would be unable to attend the AGM, presentation of the award was made to an unsuspecting Marlene at Briarlea. Jane Neill presented the award and Alan Tutton acted as photographer. Marlene’s daughter Jane and son, Tim, and family, attended the AGM when members were told who had won and were shown the film of Marlene receiving the award.
Brian Smith then proceeded to recite a poem that he had written about Marlene.
The Choirmistress
The Choirmistress came from way 'oop north',
Where they call a spade a spade.
Never standing any nonsense,
Few compliments were made.She came down from 'God's Country',
She never intended she would stay,
Our good luck that she remained here,
And never went away!Her choir are perhaps past their prime,
But she extracted their very best.
After practice on Monday,
They were glad to take a rest."Let’s take that second verse again -
SOMEBODY was quite flat.
You need to reach that high note,
You won’t get there like that!”Choir members missing practice,
Would need a darned good reason.
Or find the Choirmistress turn frosty,
Regardless of the season.
She has a wicked sense of humour,
And a rather dirty laugh.
She liked everything to be just so,
Did nothing just by half.For telling things just as they are,
She should be made a Dame.
The choir now lack a leader,
And they now don't sing the same.