Ted was a stalwart of the then Trafford Light Orchestra (now The Light Orchestra of Great Britain). As a saxophonist he was a consummate professional, always striving for the highest standard for his own playing and that of those around him.
Since I started as Musical Director in 2003 Ted was a constant support and very much the steadying hand of the Orchestra as out treasurer for many years. He was always filled with enthusiasm and positivity when it came to music making and was never happier than when donning his DJ and bow tie for a public performance.
The TLO celebrates it's 65th year this year and we were so hoping that Ted would once again join us but unfortunately that was not to be. I am sure that wherever Ted is, he will be reunited with all his loved ones and those who shared his passions.
Thank you Ted for your many years of service to the Orchestra. Your many, many hours of practice, rehearsal and performance but above all your support, patience and wisdom.
Sleep well Ted.
Darren C. Wood
Musical Director & Principal Conductor
THE LIGHT ORCHESTRA of Great Britain
Darren
13th April 2020
Dear Ted, we have lived next door to you for nearly 50 years but you were more than our neighbour, you became our friend too. I loved our chats over the garden hedge where we put the world to rights with a pinch of street gossip too. We were probably accused of chatting more than we gardened. You even taught me how to prune my roses!
I will miss your unique wave and smile you gave me from your kitchen window. I will miss your friendly welcome when I popped round, your witty comments, your stories which you recalled perfectly. And you never forgot my bithday either. Thank you for being more than a neighbour, we couldn't have asked for more! We will miss you dearly Ted and you will be remembered fondly in our hearts. All our love, Jennifer, Simon & Juilette xx
Jennifer
8th April 2020
Ted was a lifelong member of TLO, having been with the orchestra from when it started, 65 years ago. He played with them when they delivered impressive performances at the Free Trade Hall and also when we were at our smallest, always a loyal and reliable part of the team.
My memories of Ted go back to when TLO met at Platt Lane Methodist. He was quiet but supportive and he had a wry smile and dry sense of humour.
Ted played sax and spent a lot of time with Les, probably of similar age, who played the clarinet.
Ted was treasurer for a number of years and kept the books assiduously. Every quarter a small note appeared attached to the conductor’s stand, mentioning politely and discreetly that the next payment of subs was due. It seemed quite discourteous to talk about it out loud!
When we moved from Platt Lane Methodist to Heald Green Methodist, Ted was one of those who came with us, a small group at that stage. He continued playing regularly for several years until his wife Norma became very unwell. This overlapped with increasing difficulty with maintaining his embouchure for playing and Ted became frustrated with not playing as well as he wanted and his self-imposed standards remained very high.
It was with sadness that we said goodbye when he decided to leave about 5 years ago.
Trafford Light Orchestra
6th April 2020