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Obituaries
Mrs Muriel Henbest
Many
OCs, especially those who were involved in Clayesmore's musical life,
will be very saddened to hear of the death of Muriel Henbest after a
short illness. There can be very few people associated with Clayesmore who gave
of their time so generously and so unglamorously: I remember that soon after the
new music school came into use, daily and before dawn,
Muriel would trek from her home to the music school to open up all the
violin cases, tune the instruments, and be ready with an encouraging smile to
help reluctant budding violinists to do their necessary early morning practice.
If ever there was a thankless task at Clayesmore, this must have been it! This
was voluntary work of the most generous sort. She was also a willing and
reliable member of the School orchestra for many of the years when Clayesmore
struggled. She had had 'family' experience of nurturing young musicians and the
remarkable musical achievements of her three daughters testify to her
effectiveness: Rosemary won one of the first 'Specialist musician' awards at
Wells Cathedral School and is a successful freelance violinist in London;
Caroline won a place at the Menuhin school and has gone on to lead the Viola
section in the acclaimed Australian Chamber Orchestra; Jenny, having been
awarded music scholarships at Clayesmore and Beadales went on to become the
Assistant Director of Music at Abottsholme until her marriage.
Nicholas Zelle (55 - 61)