John Camden Ellis. 1934-2014

Throughout his time as a Barbershop singer, John Ellis gave enormous and valued service both to his Club and also the Association of Barbershop Singers. He was one of the first members of the West Midlands Barbershop Harmony Club when it was formed by teachers at the then Menzies High School in Great Barr and John completed some 26 years as a member, eventually being awarded Honorary Life Membership in recognition of his contributions over those years.
John sang lead and although he would have accepted not being one of the strongest singers he was ever present at rehearsals and singouts up to the time of his eventual final illness. Aside from the singing side of the Chorus john introduced and edited a very well put together regular magazine called ‘ Forge Ahead’ and whilst some members contributed articles John often wrote the majority of it content. In recognition of his several contributions to the Club over the years John was awarded the Sides Family Trophy in 1886 and the Joe Riseborough Rose Bowl in 1995
He also made significant inputs to the management of the club, as Secretary for many years, and was responsible for making arrangements for accommodation at the BABS Annual Conventions including operating a savings scheme for members.
Quite apart from these contributions john was a regular part of the national arrangements for the holding of Harmony College, which initially began by him offering to help out for a year or so, but continuing to the time of his death in 2014. This important work was commemorated by the Club by the planting of a tree and memorial plaque, at Nottingham University, the venue for Harmony College for many years.
For most of his years as a member of the Club his wife, Celia, often attended our rehearsals helping with refreshments at break time each week as well as accompanying John at Conventions and some singouts, and it was fitting that she was awarded Honorary Membership of the Club for her unfailing support.