John Arthur Lally

1943-2008

John Lally

John Arthur Lally

Born in Woking in 1943, John lived in Southfields for many years, attending Wandsworth Grammar School from the age of 11. John was an outstanding scholar, which led to his well-deserved appointment as Head Boy in 1960. During these years, he gained many O and A levels, and music became his number one love, as apart from playing rugby, sport was not to be enjoyed.

John’s interest in music naturally resulted in him joining the Wandsworth School Choir, where he was a distinguished alto, performing many solos at various concerts. Many of his colleagues will fondly remember his performance as the ‘roasting swan’ in Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. John was also an accomplished actor and he featured in many of the school plays, notably The Caucasian Chalk Circle.

Although he attended the Guildhall School of Music for voice training, John decided that teaching was to be his career route, and he went to Manchester University to obtain a degree. He started his teaching at Watford College, but found life very dull, as there was no scope for his musical talents. So he went on to Twickenham, where he was often to be seen in some riotous musical programme, often slightly the worse for wear. His final years of teaching were at Crawley, where he made many friends, but alas, mass redundancy forced him out.

Throughout this time, John was a staunch member of the St. Paul’s Church choir at Wimbledon Park, and continued this through to become choirmaster for many years. Sadly, in 1989, he suffered a major heart attack, and never went back to teaching, but used his strengths to help people quit smoking, having been a heavy smoker himself. This all came to an abrupt end, when, six months after moving to Sussex in 2002, John suffered a stroke and his life had to be readjusted, and he was always frustrated at not being able to continue his singing. Holidays were always a priority and Cyprus beckoned him annually, even this year with the help of a wheel chair.

John joined Seaford Head Probus Club, where he made many friends and enjoyed the lunch meetings. He became Chairman of the Seaford Wine Club, and tasted as many wines as he could lay his hands on! Glyndbourne became his second home in summer, and he saw every possible opera performed – complete with his Pimms and smoked salmon sandwiches.

John had many special qualities, he was loyal to the choir, had a great sense of humour, and an amazing personality which endeared him to all who knew him. John will always be remembered by his partner, Sue, for two simple words – ‘walk and work’ – neither was in his vocabulary in latter years – walking was a waste of time and work was for other people. Everyone will have their own fond memories. John lived a rich, full, interesting life, but sadly suffered bad health – he will be sadly missed by a great many people.

Ray Pritchard

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