The Music Community of Victorian Worcester
Written by Albert Edward Bibbs
Stories can be told of most of these dignitaries, and many are recounted of that delightful and forgetful Dean... John Gott. Perhaps this is a fresh one, told me by the wife of the Rev. Jones-Bateman of Sheldon Rectory:
One one occasion Mrs. Jones-Bateman had been invited to luncheon at the Deanery, and was met by Mrs. Gott, who suggested they should walk round the grounds, and coming to the door which leads to the Severn side, said, "Oh Mrs. Bateman, this will be your nearest way out," and said good bye to her, oblivious of the invitation to luncheon.
She also told me the story of a large number of guests, who also had been invited to a garden-party on a certain date, and on arrival found that no provision had been made for them. The Dean had forgotten all about it. Hence he was thereafter known as Dean For-Gott. But those who knew him can never forget his great charm of personality, sincerity and generous hospitality.
On one occasion the Choir was entertained in the Vaulted Hall, in which stood at that time (I do not know if they are still there) a pair of magnificent green marble pillars, which reached to the ceiling, and which it was said came from the Temple of Diana at Ephesus. Commenting upon those Canon Creighton, who was present, remarked, "Now if these were mine, I should have them put where every citizen could see them." He did not like the idea of them being hidden from public view.
Of the original senior members of the Voluntary Choir, there is no one left, but I have recollection of many who sang in the first and early days of its foundation. Among them was Tom Bennett, the photographer: and his son Tom: John Pember, H.M. Inspector of Schools and formerly head master of St. Martin's School: John Bourne, a Currier of Bank Street: R.W. May: J.J.W. Stoyle: J.W. Newth: A. Hill Parker: James Bowen: Edward Lock: Fred Sims: R.J. Surman: John Randall: Chris Fleet: Stanley James: James Bradley, the Artist: Sam Ranford, with the Dundreary whiskers: Fred Pedley: Alfred Barry (that fine Alto): Tom Price, the Artist: F.R. Weavind: James Hadley: George Stephan: Charles Pardoe: Alfred Smith: Edgar Cook, etc.
Subsequently ladies fromed part of the Choir, and among them still living are my friends Mrs. J.W. Somerton: Mrs. Edgar Cook: Mrs. Tyers: and Miss N. Lewis. Among the early singers were Mres. H.W. Little, and her sisters Miss Mary and Bessie Grisman: Miss Florrie Wainwright: Mrs. Page: Miss G. Pendleton, head Mistress of St. Peters School: and a lady, who shall be nameless, who was concerned in a breach of promise case, and who used to carry the Courts judgment about with her: Miss Lizzie Pitt, with the beautiful auburn hair, my wife (a niece of the late S.H. Mountford): Miss Beattie: Miss Edwards, Mrs. R. Coombs, etc.
I do not propose to write a history of the Voluntary Choir, but just to recall some of its incidents, and refer to interesting characters I have known during my long connection... both lay and clerical.
Written by Albert Edward Bibbs
Stories can be told of most of these dignitaries, and many are recounted of that delightful and forgetful Dean... John Gott. Perhaps this is a fresh one, told me by the wife of the Rev. Jones-Bateman of Sheldon Rectory:One one occasion Mrs. Jones-Bateman had been invited to luncheon at the Deanery, and was met by Mrs. Gott, who suggested they should walk round the grounds, and coming to the door which leads to the Severn side, said, "Oh Mrs. Bateman, this will be your nearest way out," and said good bye to her, oblivious of the invitation to luncheon.She also told me the story of a large number of guests, who also had been invited to a garden-party on a certain date, and on arrival found that no provision had been made for them. The Dean had forgotten all about it. Hence he was thereafter known as Dean For-Gott. But those who knew him can never forget his great charm of personality, sincerity and generous hospitality.
On one occasion the Choir was entertained in the Vaulted Hall, in which stood at that time (I do not know if they are still there) a pair of magnificent green marble pillars, which reached to the ceiling, and which it was said came from the Temple of Diana at Ephesus. Commenting upon those Canon Creighton, who was present, remarked, "Now if these were mine, I should have them put where every citizen could see them." He did not like the idea of them being hidden from public view.
Of the original senior members of the Voluntary Choir, there is no one left, but I have recollection of many who sang in the first and early days of its foundation. Among them was Tom Bennett, the photographer: and his son Tom: John Pember, H.M. Inspector of Schools and formerly head master of St. Martin's School: John Bourne, a Currier of Bank Street: R.W. May: J.J.W. Stoyle: J.W. Newth: A. Hill Parker: James Bowen: Edward Lock: Fred Sims: R.J. Surman: John Randall: Chris Fleet: Stanley James: James Bradley, the Artist: Sam Ranford, with the Dundreary whiskers: Fred Pedley: Alfred Barry (that fine Alto): Tom Price, the Artist: F.R. Weavind: James Hadley: George Stephan: Charles Pardoe: Alfred Smith: Edgar Cook, etc.
Subsequently ladies fromed part of the Choir, and among them still living are my friends Mrs. J.W. Somerton: Mrs. Edgar Cook: Mrs. Tyers: and Miss N. Lewis. Among the early singers were Mres. H.W. Little, and her sisters Miss Mary and Bessie Grisman: Miss Florrie Wainwright: Mrs. Page: Miss G. Pendleton, head Mistress of St. Peters School: and a lady, who shall be nameless, who was concerned in a breach of promise case, and who used to carry the Courts judgment about with her: Miss Lizzie Pitt, with the beautiful auburn hair, my wife (a niece of the late S.H. Mountford): Miss Beattie: Miss Edwards, Mrs. R. Coombs, etc.
I do not propose to write a history of the Voluntary Choir, but just to recall some of its incidents, and refer to interesting characters I have known during my long connection... both lay and clerical.