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No: 282074
RICHARD DAVIS MEMORIAL CONCERT - 8th February, 2002

"My thanks to Father Graham Wheeler and members of the Parochial Church Council for agreeing so readily to my request for this memorial concert to be held in St. Ambrose."


These were the opening remarks of Tricia Davis after the performance of Dvorak's New World Symphony. She went on to thank all those who had contributed to the organisation of the concert and Marjorie Hall and her daughter for providing refreshments during the interval. She also thanked the audience who had come in such large numbers (over 230) out of respect and devotion to Richard. In addition she thanked the large number of musicians, some of whom had travelled a long distance to supplement the orchestra on this very special occasion. She made special reference to Kathelijne van Bouwel from Belgium who was leader of the orchestra some 20 years ago and her two sons Brendan and Edwin Walsh. Tricia was especially grateful to Brendan the cello soloist who played the Pau Casals 'Song of the Birds' so beautifully at the conclusion of the concert.


Father Graham had already paid tribute to Richard in his opening address making reference to his long and loyal service to the orchestra as well as his fine cello playing as soloist and leader of the cello section for so many years. The concert commenced with a short prayer as was fitting on this occasion and in such a beautiful venue.

In addition to the 'Song of the Birds' the programme consisted of Franz von Suppe's 'Morning Noon and Night in Vienna', 'Suite from the Ballet , Swan Lake' by Tchaikovsky and Dvorak's 'New World Symphony'. Soloists included Orchestra Leader Rebekah Reeve, acting Cellist Leader Zoë Hunting and Oboist Heather Makiola.

One disappointment was that Tricia was unable to play owing to a fall, which resulted in a broken wrist. Fortunately Sam was able to persuade timpanist Dave George to step in at the last moment to save the day.


The retiring collection together with the profits from the refreshments and donations made at the funeral resulted in a total of well over £1000. It was Tricia's wish that it should be given to the Friends of the St. Alban's Medical Centre. The doctors, nurses and staff had provided such wonderful care and support for Richard over the past six years.

A Tribute to Richard Davis

It is now over forty years since I first met Richard and during that time we became very close friends and I have very fond memories of the many musical experiences we both shared. I have learnt to admire and respect him, not only because of our mutual passionate love of music and the orchestra, but also because of his strength of character and leadership qualities.

Richard was born in 1916 in Walthamstow in north-east London but the family moved to Bournemouth whilst he was still a boy He married Joyce in 1938 and they had two children. Leonard was born in 1940 and Penelope in 1947. Richard volunteered for the army at the beginning of the Second World War and served in the British Expeditionary Force. Unfortunately, he was captured at St.Valery on 12th June 1946 and spent five years as prisoner of war in France, Germany and Poland. During his incarceration he somehow managed to obtain music and instruments and form a musical group. These musicians played not only for their own amusement but also to entertain other prisoners as well and the German guards.

After the war Richard set up a successful tailoring business in Wimborne. Regretfully, his wife Joyce died of cancer in 1958 and it was in 1959 that he joined the cello section of the Westbourne Orchestra. Because of his outstanding ability he was soon appointed leading and solo cellist. Later owing to his enthusiasm and interest in the welfare of the orchestra he was voted on to the committee.

It was through his membership of the orchestra that he met clarinettist Tricia (Patricia Daish) and they married in 1963. Their son Peter was born in 1968.

After holding a number of posts on the committee he was appointed chairman, a position he held for over 25 years until his retirement in 1999 on the advice of his doctor. However, Richard continued taking a passive, and sometimes, active interest in the orchestra right up to his death on the 14th December, 2001.

Unfortunately, Richard did not always enjoy the best of health probably due to the hardship, malnutrition and other deprivations he suffered during the period he spent as a prisoner of war.

Richard will always be remembered for his tremendous contribution to the welfare of the orchestra and the support he gave to individual members. There is no doubt that during his membership, and especially when he became chairman, the orchestra improved in character and in ability thanks in a large measure to his enthusiasm and example.

He is sadly missed by his family and many friends.

Arthur Shaft - December 2001


 
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