George - Chorister and possibly a record holder

George was involved with the Church and particularly the choir since the day he joined at the age of eight.

In 2001 he received a presentation to mark his 87 years continuous membership - possibly a record.

George led the choir as crucifer for many years and assisted at communion services.

He helped to take the Sunday services at Leatherhead Cottage Hospital for many years until his death.


2001
George receives a gift marking his 87 years membership of Leatherhead Parish Church Choir from the then Director of Music, Christopher Slater
Crucifer
A duty he also performed as a youth at the dedication of the Town War Memorial in North Street in 1921
His brother, Sidney, also sang in the choir for a time, and later his nephew Philip was a chorister for 18 years.

His daughter Mary became one of a small number of lady members of the choir who sat behind the choir stalls adding their voices in support.

Among the poems he had penned All That Matters was set to music and has been performed in several churches around the world.

It was sung at his funeral.
George is in the middle at the back in this photo of the Choir of St Mary & St Nicholas, Leatherhead
see also Choir 1952

George and Sandy Morris,
Vicar 1971-1988

The Vicars in George's time were:
1876 Frank Utterton
1907 Edward Nash
1910 Thomas Hobson
1926 Gerard Coleridge
1944 Frank Page
1959 Kenneth Ball
1971 Alexander Morris
1989 David Eaton
Medallist
Royal School of Church Music medal for 70 years service

Presentation from the then Director of Music, Peter Holt, with the Vicar of Leatherhead, Rev David Eaton, celebrating 80 years service.