Meetings 2.30 to 5.30 pm divided into three sessions, see our programme.
Visitors always welcome.
Branch Secretary:
Mrs Mavis Meadows
33 Hazelhurst Road
Birmingham B14 7PH
Phone: 0121-443 1981
Email: Branch Secretary (birmingham
srp
orguk)
Obituary: Peter Cooke (1930 – 2021)
Peter was a member of the Birmingham Branch from 1996 to 2016. He was our Musical Director from 2001 to 2014.
Many of our members remember his kindly and welcoming manner, especially towards newcomers and players of modest ability. Their recollections speak of
“His gentle wisdom and twinkling eye” and “gentle hints concerning technique and musicianship.” Another member’s comment “Peter was “a great person, always kind and understanding” “He was very supportive when I first joined.”
Peter had a wide knowledge of many kinds of music, and had done distinguished work in ethnomusicology. His wide understanding of different musical traditions allowed him to advise us on suitable interpretations which would bring our playing up to the high standards he aimed for.
Peter was always encouraging to younger players. For some meetings he invited students from Birmingham Conservatoire to come and conduct at some of our regular Saturday afternoon meetings. He was also an enthusiastic adjudicator of the compositions submitted by Birmingham students for The Erika Beckett Prize.
When Peter stepped down from his position as Musical Director the Branch made a small presentation to express our gratitude for what he had done. Peter’s reply was very typical of him. There was no need for thanks, he said, because he had enjoyed his work with us so much.
Peter improved our playing, widened our knowledge, and gave us a great deal of enjoyment.
Birmingham Branch was very lucky to have Peter.
He will be greatly missed.
Chris Buttery
(Chair, Birmingham Branch)
Members of the Birmingham Branch playing at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, December 2016:
