[23 NOVEMBER 1966 – 6 APRIL 2025]
The Chorus has lost an excellent Bass singer with the passing of Colin who following the ‘retirement ‘of his predecessor George Badland, became Section Leader of the Basses in 2024. He joined the Chorus and became a member of the British Association of Barbershop Singers in July 2010, initially singing Bass, then changing to Lead before returning to sing Bass. Colin was a very fast learner of his part and in addition to singing with the Chorus he enjoyed singing bass principally with “Good Last Chord Quartet” when he joined up with pals Dave Williams, Steve Lee and Andy Flack. He also stood in very ably on occasions with Classmates Quartet.
Colin was very strong academically, gaining a scholarship to King Edward’s School in Aston, achieving excellent ‘A’ levels and joining the Police Service although he decided that in career terms this was not to be a lasting option. He then moved and had a long and successful career as a Civil Servant initially working with the Department of Work and Pensions before moving to the HMRC working As a Data Analyst Manager. In addition to his normal duties he made major contributions to initiatives within HMRC in connection with equality and mental health support, indeed in relation to mental health support his work influenced things not only locally but across the West Midlands area. He established arrangements for ‘time to talk’ sessions for staff; social activities including walks, and visits. As a result of this work he was nominated for an award at the HMRC Rewards and Recognition Event where he won the ‘Bringing Communities Together’ award. Colin was also to be given a special Senior Civil Service Award for his efforts in this field though sadly this only became known when he was away from work through illness and he never got to receive this deserved award.
Amidst a busy career and growing family responsibilities Colin decided to study for a higher qualification and achieved an Honours Degree in Psychology through the Open University Colin was by no means restricted to singing Barbershop music as he had for many years been lead singer and guitarist [ lead and bass !] in a Rock Band called ‘One More Time’ which performed a few times at Anvil Chorus Social evenings over the years. The Band rehearsed regularly on Thursdays each week creating great sounds and plenty of fun and laughter.
Quite apart from a busy working and family life and his varied musical commitments, Colin also played a major role in the work of the Scouting Movement around Birmingham in running local Scout Troops as well as arranging the periodic Handsworth Gang Shows which were on a very large scale and required significant organisation. Indeed, it was through this activity that he and his wife Karen first met on stage as cast members. He went on to become the Producer of the event, where he was able to exploit his considerable organisational skills. It was for his contribution to the support and organisation of these activities and work with and for younger people that Colin was deservedly awarded the British Empire Medal and he was presented this by the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire on 9 May 2015 [ Pictured].
Colin was a devoted family man who took great pride in in the development of his children, Gareth and Karys and with Karen enjoyed many memorable holidays and experiences together over the years.
Karen said “Colin was not ready to leave this world, and we were not ready to let him go. He has left a space in our hearts and our lives that can never be filled. But he has also left us with a legacy- of kindness, of service and of unwavering love and hope His family and friends will carry him with them always”.
Henry Foster, Anvil Chorus Music Team Member May 2025