Patron's Awards for Service 2006

The 2006 Awards

At the August concert, Professor Bashir presented Awards to Molly Pooley, John Taylor and to our Music Director, Christopher Bowen.

In proposing Molly for an Award, the Committee wished to give recognition to her enthusiasm and informed,serious approach to singing , which give the lie to her 93 years and have made her a role model to other members of the Choir. Molly also edited, produced and distributed our newsletter, Sing On during many of her years with the choir. We all look forward to her continued association, even in a non-singing capacity.

John Taylor has been at different times President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Choir and at all times a dedicated and valued member of the Bass section. John and his wife, Bev, for a number of years have ensured that the Choir is properly gowned for each concert.

The Committee wanted to recognise Christopher Bowen's exceptional contribution made since 1992 as the Choir’s longest-serving Music Director, and his achievements in extending the choir’s repertoire and musical culture, and wished to acknowledge that his dedicated, professional and inspiring musical leadership of the Choir makes it a wonderful experience to sing with ‘Grads’.

By Celia Jordan, President 2005

The 2005 Awards

Terry Litchfield, Joan Whittaker and Sally Fonteyne - 2005

Currently Terry Litchfield is the choir's keeper of all electronic administrative records; distributor of information to singing and non singing members and the processor and distributor of the rehearsal tapes.

Joan Whittaker is currently the musician liaison officer and as such is the choir's link with all the professional soloists and orchestral musicians we engage. As well as this, she takes rehearsals and is also the French and German language coach.

Sally Fonteyne is the choir's former musician liaison officer and concert organiser and is currently the choir's social organiser and fundraiser, where she ensures that in all activities the emphasis is always on the fun.

The choir would like to thank Her Excellency for her continued support and patronage of its activities, and Winston Horne for his photographs of the afternoon's concert.

The picture shows the three 2005 recipients with the Governor during the ceremony.

The Inaugural, 2004 Award

The August 2004 concert marked the presentation of the inaugural Patron's Award. The award is designed to honour those choir members who have given outstanding service over their time with the choir.

Margaret Davidson, 2004
The 2004 award was given to Margaret Davidson after the August 2004 "Italian Masters" concert by our Patron Professor Marie Bashir. Margaret's award was in recognition of the time she has served on committees as well as her current responsibilities of sponsorship, rehearsal tape organisation and for her tireless work in developing the choir's relationship with the University.

Three awards were presented this year - also after the August concert - to Terry Litchfield, Joan Whittaker and Sally Fonteyne. The awards included a certificate signed by the Governor and an inscribed crystal plate. All three have been committee members and Terry and Joan are also past Presidents of the choir.