As you know this event included a Memorial Concert for the late Arthur Tipper. The afternoon began with the usual delicious Soups, thanks to the ladies who provided these. At 1.00 pm the Celebration to mark Arthur’s life began with his son Robert playing three pieces on the organ.
His daughter Gill then gave a eulogy on the life of Arthur, giving us an insight into his life and in particular his love of music, his family and his dedication to this church and Tutbury. Three more pieces were played on the organ by John Evanson, a friend of Arthur’s, who began his organ career on our church organ, taught by Reverend Timothy Ganz. John now has a musical career in London. The choir, which was made up of our church choir, Hanbury Church choir and friends sang the Hymn “As We Gather in Thy House” which Arthur wrote for the late Queens Silver Jubilee and Rose of England, one of his favourites. Then our organist Roger played the last three pieces and Reverend Dave read a eulogy written by Roger. The church was full and we were all invited to share time with the family afterwards at the Village
Hall, where a magnificent spread was enjoyed.
We were very grateful to the family for inviting us to share in this celebration of Arthur’s life, which we all agreed that Arthur would approved of, particularly as he had requested most of the musical pieces. It was a truly fitting tribute to Tutbury’s Man of Music. We are also grateful to the family for the generous donations to the church.