Obituary

We are sad to announce that DAVID DUKE who attended the Moseley School of Art between 1951-54 passed away on the 12th November 2023.

David's widow Lyn has given the following details regarding Dave's funeral.

The funeral will take place at 12pm on Thursday, 7th December at :

Streetly Crematorium
West Chapel
296 Little Hardwick Road
Streetly WS9 0SG.

A reception will be held afterwards at Great Barr Golf Club, Chapel Lane, Great Barr B43 7BA to which all who knew Dave will be welcome.

Flowers or donations to the nominated charity welcome.

We were delighted to have so many attend our 20th. Annual Reunion & Exhibition at the iconic 5 Star Grand Hotel, Birmingham on the 21st May.

Attendees came from far and wide including DENNIS GREEN (1958) from Perth, Australia, CAROLE KUSCH (Palmer) and her husband Andrew, and SUSIE VENABLE (Harman) from the USA (pictured with Graeme).

Thanks to everyone who attended for making it such a memorable day. One of the reasons that it was memorable for me was the attendance of Carol Homer from my own year at MSA, who was attending her first MSA reunion. Trevor Phillips (also from our year) and I hadn't seen each other for exactly 60 years. Carol looked great and dazzled us with the story of her career working all over the world We're looking forward to seeing her again.

Venice Reunion 2024 There were discussions among those who had already joined us in Venice for our first reunion holiday there about the possibility of arranging another reunion at our favourite holiday hotel, the Indigo Hotel Sant'Elena which is situated on the Venice island itself.

Our reunion in Venice next year is on - VENICE 2024 will take place eunion

Obituary

On the eve of our 20th. Annual Reunion and Exhibition, we are very sad to have been informed that ENNIS BURNETT who attended the Moseley School of Art between 1946 - 1949 passed away on the 19th. December last year.

Ennis was a loyal and enthusiastic supporter of our Association and attended nearly all of our reunions and social events. An excellent landscape painter, he was also one of the country's foremost specialist restorers of grandfather clock faces.

Ennis is pictured here receiving a prize award for one of his entries at our 2019 Reunion from our senior judge and former student Paul Bartlett.

20th. Annual Reunion and Exhibition - The 5 Star Grand Hotel, Colmore Row, Birmingham

We're meeting at 10am on Sunday, 21st May in the 5 Star Temple Room, Grand Hotel, Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2BS. Entry will commence from 10am, with a beautiful seated buffet lunch at 12.30 followed by judging and awards to those who've exhibited works.

This is a subsidised event and there will be no extra charge to members who have paid their subscription of £22 via PayPal to payee: WELCOME@MOSELEY-ART-SCHOOL.CO.UK

As this is a set number venue, we have a strict limit on places on a first come, first served basis so please don't hesitate to book ASAP.

Members who would like to exhibit their works should bring easels or other means to display their work. There are a limited number of tables available in the exhibition area for free-standing works.

Entrance for everyone attending will be via the Church Street entrance where you will be met by porters and the meeting coordinator. Further information regarding travel directions and car parking will appear here in the next day or two.

See you there!

Obituary

We are greatly saddened to announce that DOUGLAS YATES, who attended the Moseley School of Art between 1941 to 1944, passed away after a short illness on the 29thApril 2023 aged 95 years.

Doug was a stalwart of the Moseley School of Art Association, attending most of our reunions and social events. We were hoping to see him at our forthcoming reunion on the 21st May. Doug met his wife Yvette, whose surname was also Yates, at Moseley and had remained together until Yvette’s passing in 2020, nearly 80 years later. Doug and Yvette were not just a nice couple, they were a beautiful couple who exuded love and happiness.

Doug and Yvette ran the successful Dubarry Studios in the Great Western Arcade, Birmingham City Centre for over 50 years.

Details regarding Doug’s funeral will be uploaded here as they come to hand.

WHOLE SCHOOL REUNION and EXHIBITION

Sunday 21st. May 2023

It's been a very demanding few years for all of us due to the Covid19 Pandemic and many other issues. I'm pretty sure that the grind of the last few years has depressed us all, and this is evident in the tone and quantity of posts among friends on Facebook.

Maybe it's time to shake off the depressive shackles of the last few years and have something fresh to look forward to - we're arranging the first MSA Reunion for a few years, and this will take place on Sunday, 21st May.

It'll be a great opportunity for Members of the Association to meet up again with friends you may not have seen for 50, 60 or even 70 years - we already have confirmations of former students flying in from Australia, Canada and the USA.

The Reunion will be held at a venue in Birmingham. We have a number of options available, and will be finalised within the next week or so after we have a better idea how many members will be attending.

Important - please reply as soon as possible

We're asking anyone who is interested in attending to:

• Send us your name, years attended MSA and the name of the person accompanying you
• Your current Email Address
• State whether you will be attending the Reunion
• State whether you will wish to enter art works in the Exhibition

Please send your return by email to graeme_collins@hotmail.co.uk

Subscriptions

The method of paying your subscription has changed as HSBC very unkindly closed our account as they no longer assist community associations. Please ensure that you cancel your standing order with you bank - we can't do this for you.

The annual subscription is now £22 payable via Paypal and the payee address is welcome@moseley-art-school.co.uk adding your name, the name of the person accompanying you and the year you left MSA in the comments box (otherwise we won't be able to identify you!) Please pay NOW for the subscripion year 2023-24, which begins on the 1st. May.

A reminder that your subscription entitles you to Membership (essential to participate in Association activities), entry for two people to our Reunion and Exhibition, an excellent lunch for two, eligibility to vote on Association resolutions, and free entry to our Exhibition of works of art by former students which has a First Prize of £250.

It's been a long time since we met old friends from our time at Moseley Art School - a lots been happening but now it's time to start claiming our lives back to normal !!

Please make a note of the date - it'll be coming around fast . . . PLEASE SHARE with your MSA friends to make sure everyone knows!

Its been a week since we made the preliminary announcement and we are very encouraged by the response - so THE 2023 ANNUAL REUNION AND EXHIBITION WILL DEFINITELY BE GOING AHEAD!

We already have commitments to attend from the USA, Canada, Australia as well as here in the UK and Northern Ireland.

Also - if you know of anyone who still doesn't have email or Facebook, please let them know about the Reunion - we don't know when or whether there'll be another one!

Obituary

It is with sadness that we announce that BRENDA GLANFIELD, who attended the Moseley School of Art between 1962-1966 passed away on the 7th February 2022. Brenda's funeral took place on the 24th. March 2022 at Yardley Crematorium, Birmingham.

We were only recently made aware of Brenda's passing, a year after the event. May we suggest that all former pupils notify us with news of obituaries as soon as possible as friends may wish to attend the funeral.

Obituary

We are very sad to announce that DAVID HOWLINGS who attended the Moseley School of Art between 1954-67 passed away on the 6th. January 2023.

David's wife, Vivian passed away in late 2002. He leaves behind a daughter and three grandchildren.

David initially went to work in the Jewellery Quarter for a short while but thereafter he became a market trader in all manner of goods eventually specializing in footwear, so much so that he became known as “Dave the Boot” among other traders, operating for many a year in conjunction with his wife Vivian in Union Street, Birmingham City Centre.

Obituary

It is with very great sadness that we bring the news that one of the most internationally famous former students of our school has passed away at the age of 79 years. She attended the Moseley School of Art between 1956-1959 and is pictured shortly after leaving.

Christine McVie (formerly Perfect) has died at the age of 79 following a short illness, according to a statement released by her family. The daughter of Cyril Perfect, a musician with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Christine was the band's co-lead vocalist and keyboard player, as well as the writer responsible for some of their most iconic hits, including "Everywhere" and "Don't Stop."

The family's statement reads, "She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30, 2022, following a short illness. She was in the company of her family." The statement asks for privacy during this "extremely painful time" and adds, "we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being and revered musician who was loved universally."

It's unclear what illness caused McVie's death, but she did mention her poor health in a Rolling Stone interview in June 2022. When asked about a potential reunion tour with the band, she responded, "I don't feel physically up for it." McVie added, "I'm in quite bad health. I've got a chronic back problem which debilitates me."Christine McVie's former bandmates posted their own tribute to the late musician on Twitter from Fleetwood Mac's official account. "There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie," the tweet reads. "She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure. She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life." The group added that they were "so lucky" to have McVie in their lives, and "individually and together, we cherished Christine deeply and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. She will be so very missed."

In June 2022, McVie released "Songbird," a compilation album of songs from her two solo albums, as well as some unreleased material, per Rolling Stone. Speaking with the outlet at the time, she described the tunes as "my favorite songs that weren't on Fleetwood Mac records," with the only exception being a revised rendition of "Songbird." Fleetwood Mac may be over for good with the beloved musician's death, but her music will last forever.

Christine will be missed, especially by those who were her friends since her Moseley Art School days who have remained friends to the present day, including Theresa Wofford (Gilbert) and Sally Somersby (Leach).

Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of BOB STANLEY, who attended Moseley School of Art between 1941-1945 on Sunday 30th October 2022.

Members will remember that he brought along a selection of his very accomplished work including typography, letter headings and drawings to the last Reunion and Exhibition at the school.

Obituary

We are very sad to have been informed that JOAN DAVIES (PROSSER) who attended the Moseley School of Art between 1944-47 passed away on the 10th. June 2011.

Obituary

We are very sad to announce that MICHAEL HARVEY who attended the Moseley School of Art between 1953-56 passed away on the 11th. June 2011

Phillip Dutton White

The funeral of former student Phillip Dutton White took place at Worcester Crematorium on the 5th. July 2022. Phillip was 72 years old, and had lived a very full life. The funeral was very well attended.

As mentioned earlier, Phillip's family wished that, instead of flowers for his funeral, they would appreciate donations, however small, to the Moseley School of Art Association in order to create a prize in Phillip's name for winning entries in our Annual Exhibitions and Reunions.

Donations may be made via the Association's Paypal account. It isn't necessary to have a Paypal account to use their service as you may use your bank credit/debit card. Please go to the Paypal website at PAYPAL.COM select 'send payment', enter the amount you wish to donate, then enter as the payee WELCOME@MOSELEY-ART-SCHOOL.CO.UK This is a very nice way for family, friends and former schoolfriends to perpetuate Phillip's memory.

Obituary

We're very sad to announce that former student PHILLIP DUTTON WHITE passed away aged 72 on Tuesday, 5th. July 2022 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

Phillip's funeral will take place at 2.30pm on Friday, 12th. August at Worcester Crematorium, Astwood Road, Worcester WR3 8HD.

It was Phillip's wish that no black should be worn to his funeral; bright colours only. A reception will be held following the funeral  at the Crown, Hallow, Worcester WR2 6LB in the tipi which is situated at the rear of the pub. Please note that there are roadworks in the vicinity of the crematorium so additional time should be allowed for those who are travelling to the funeral.

It is the wish of Phillip's family that donations in lieu of flowers should be made to the Moseley School of Art Association. Donations will be used to create a prize in Phillip's name for winning entries in our Annual Exhibitions and Reunions. Donations may be made via the Association's Paypal account. It isn't necessary to have a Paypal account to use their service as you may use your bank credit/debit card. Please go to the Paypal website at PAYPAL.COM select send payment, enter the amount you wish to donate, then enter as payee WELCOME@MOSELEY-ART-SCHOOL.CO.UK

We're grateful to those who've already donated, but we need more to create a meaningful prize. The Association will add a contribution.

Former MSA student Gordon Dutton, 93, who acted as mentor to Phillip when his father passed away while still attending Moseley Art School will be attending the funeral.

We extend our sincere condolences to Phillip's partner Annette, his children Simon, Charlotte and Araminta and Gordon.

Notice to All Subscribing Members

We've've had a problem with our bank inasmuch as they've decided that they no longer want to maintain small accounts for non-profit organisations.

Whilst we can appreciate that they work to a profit motive and don't make money from our account, we're very disappointed with the arbitrary way that they've closed our account and forwarded a cheque for our final balance to us.

We can't operate without a bank account, so we're approaching other banks who will host an account for us.

If you pay an annual subscription to the Moseley School of Art Association, it's important that you CANCEL YOUR STANDING ORDER WITH YOUR BANK straight away. We can't do this for you.

Once we've arranged for another bank to host our account, we'll contact you again to advise on the new standing order arrangement.

Thanks for your understanding - it's a problem created by the bank, not us.

* We're aiming to have a reunion meeting soon, so please watch this space for announcements!

Looking for Old Friends

We've been contacted by former student JOHN CRUMP who wonders if he is the oldest surviving student of the school. It would be very interesting to hear from anyone who feels they might be the oldest living student. Please contact us on the email address above - we'll be delighted to hear from you.

John is now 88 and left our school in 1949. He now lives in the USA and keeps fit by cycling (4,000 miles so far this year). Ruby Colson (Summers) was our oldest known student until last year when she passed away at the age of 101.

Growing up in Yardley, Birmingham, John became an apprentice to the famous William Bloye, the sculptor, but after two years National Service lost interest and became a successful musician (picture shows John with his band, playing the saxophone)

John emigrated to the USA to find "fame and fortune" in 1957.

Obituary

Members will be sad to learn that former student JOHN SERMON who attended our school between 1945 and 1948 has passed away.

John was a Designer by profession and was involved in a great many projects, including landscaping for New Towns, as well as construction design. He was a Past President of the Chartered Society of Designers and visited many parts of the world speaking about topics related to Design.

A highly energetic person, John was an enthusiastic subscribing member of our Association and acted as Year Representative for the 1948 leavers for many years. He was also a committed and hardworking Freemason, holding many offices.

Those members who joined us for the Association visit to Compton Verney in 2019 will remember John and his sharp memory about events from his time at MSA 70 years before. John is pictured here during that visit.

Obituary

Obituary

We're extremely sad to inform our members that TONY WILLIAMS, who attended the Moseley School of Art between 1958-61 has passed away following an extended period of illness.

Tony suffered for many years with an illness that necessitated him having kidney dialysis twice per week for approximately 8 years. He disliked the treatment intensely, and took to taking his watercolour materials to hospital, painting away the hours while sitting up in bed.

Tony was a very popular and enthusiastic supporter of the Association, as he was at school, and attended nearly every one of our reunion meetings.

Tony's wonderful ability to paint all forms of wildlife was appreciated by all those who saw his works. He exhibited at a large number of our exhibitions and won prizes at many of them. He was yet another former student who didn't follow a career in Art despite having a huge amount of talent.

Generous to a fault, Tony exhibited a number of smaller works and studies at our 2018 exhibition for sale at reduced prices to raise money for the nurses who had looked after him at the dialysis sessions.

We'll miss Tony at our reunions.

We send our sincere sympathy and condolences to his wife, Pat and his children and grandchildren.

Obituary

We're very sad to announce that another of our former students has passed away. BETTY BURROWS (WHITBY) died suddenly and unexpectedly at her home in Oxfordshire on the 10th. January this year.

Betty attended the Moseley School of Art between 1946-49 and later followed a career as a financial adviser.

A longstanding and loyal member of the Moseley School of Art Association, Betty attended nearly all of our reunions and social events. She is pictured here at our Association visit to Compton Verney in September 2019.

Obituary

A very popular former pupil known to us all as "Auntie Ruby" has very sadly passed away at the magnificent age of 101.

RUBY COLSON (SUMMERS) attended the Moseley School of Art between the years of 1932-35 and was certainly our oldest subscribing member, having joined the Moseley School of Art Association in 2004. We enjoyed her company at nearly every reunion organised at the old school.

Ruby's neice Sally Somersby (Leach), who also attended our school, has written the following obituary:

RUBY MAY COLSON 1919-2021

"Ruby May Summers was born in Tysley, Birmingham on the 26th November 1919. She was not alone as Peggy her twin had arrived ten minutes previously.

The twins had a lovely early childhood, growing up in Yardley Wood which in those days was semi-rural. In fact, the twin’s Mother, Florence, fresh from London was terrified of the nearby cows.  Ruby wrote her memories of those idyllic times.  She called her journal ‘From one twin to another’

Ruby recollected “We spent many happy hours at Trittiford Mill Pool, taking a basket of sandwiches and some lemonade for a picnic. There was a swan called Old Bill, and some very fierce farm geese. We made very little houses in the tree roots for the fairies.
“We also had a fairy that lived in the corner of our shared bedroom, we were sure we could hear her singing.”

Ruby drew, painted and embroidered fairy motifs all her life. A great artistic influence was Grandma who came to live with the family. “She was a splendid needlewoman and taught us to sew, Ruby said. She embroidered Teddy Tail and others on our nighties.”

Ruby and Peggy’s sweet make-believe childhood was tragically broken when at the age of 9 when their Mother died. Tommy Summers, their Father brought them up.  He found it difficult to remain in the family home and so a year or so later moved them all into the Centre Way, Yardley Wood. Ruby remained independently in the same house until well into her Nineties when she went into a care home.

Both twins tried for a place at MSA, but sadly only Ruby was accepted.  Of course, she loved it at our school, and wrote extensively about her time there.
“Wonderful atmosphere, I was always interested in all we did. It was friendly, DIFFERENT and quite inspiring. I have never forgotten about visuals, space filling and needlework knowledge. I reaped a great benefit. I have painted hundreds of commemoration eggs for charity, weddings, christenings and anniversaries. I always have a piece of embroidery at hand, self-designed of course", she said.

Ruby’s extended family have over the years received beautiful hand painted cards, embroidered cushions and bags and the famous commemoration eggs. Well into her Nineties even with failing eyesight Ruby attended a local Art Club.

In former student Ivan J. Haycock’s excellent book ‘Memories of Moseley-THE MOSELEY SCHOOL OF ART’ there are fascinating accounts and stories from the 1920‘s through to the 1940’s. Including extracts from Ruby’s memories along with many reminiscences by her fellow students.

In 1939 on leaving MSA Ruby was apprenticed at Walter Austin as a milliner. The war loomed and Ruby joined the Land Army, leaving home for the first time. In Yardley Wood, with Grandma long dead, Ruby's sister and Dad did their duty too. Peggy signed up as a voluntary nurse and Tommy, having already served in WW1 became a member of The Home Guard. Ruby worked on the land in Woodford near Kettering. That was where she eventually met Ron Colson who came from a large farming family. They married in 1946 after Ron had served in the Eighth Army in Italy and North Africa.

After the end of the war, their home at the Centre Way became rather crowded as the Twin’s husbands were demobbed. Ruby had become an Aunt and became a Mother to the Marguerite, followed by Brenda and Helen. Until the early 1950’s there were five adults and four children and an ex-land army sheep dog residing in the home. Oh - and chickens in the garden! Even in her busy family life Ruby continued to use the skills learnt at the Moseley School of Art. Always creative, she painted also made everyone beautiful clothes.

As the children grew up Ruby and Ron began to travel, firstly in mainland Europe followed by exotic trips to Ecuador to visit Marguerite who lived in Quito. Mexico and beyond. In later life, after Ron’s death she took long train tours in Canada. Ruby lived a rich and varied life, always maintaining the curiosity and interest in everything, that she had nurtured since early childhood. She was bright and funny; in her remarkably advanced years she always elicited a well-deserved admiring audience.

She will be sadly missed and vividly remembered by the whole of her close family including her nine grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren, and as many great nephews and nieces, in fact her huge extended family. She’ll also be missed by her friends and neighbours, residents and staff at her care home. clergy and congregation of Christ Church, Yardley Wood, and of course, by Members of the MSA Association, many who met her at School Reunions".

Sally Somersby (Neice)

We thank Sally for kindly allowing us to share her memories of a very special former student.

Obituary

Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former pupil John Halldearn, who attended our school between 1960 and 1965. John suffered from a progressive disease for many years.

Unfortunately there are limited spaces at John's funeral because of Covid but people are welcome to attend. John's funeral will take place at 9.15am on the 17th. March at Lodge Hill Crematorium, Birmingham. Family flowers only but donations arewelcome to the MS Society HERE

John is pictured here in the1963 form photograph. Back row, (l to r) Bob Lycett (deceased), John Halldearn, Tony Teague, Peter Waddington (deceased). Front row, (l to r) Myra Grant, Ruth Harris, Dianne Wells, Susan Wells, Gloria Sampson.

Members can also keep up to date at our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/moseley.art.school

Obituary

We are sad to announce that Association member Bernard (Bernie) Tyers has passed away. We don't have any further details at present but will update this announcement should any come to hand.

Bernie attended the Moseley School of Art between 1953-56 and, following the creation of our Association Bernie was able to arrange annual reunions for the leavers of 1956.

Bernie is pictured here enjoying a conversation with Terry Neal ('50) at our 2006 Reunion and Exhibion at the school, which was attended by 270 former students.

Obituary

We are very sad to announce that Daphne Harrison (Davis), who attended our school between 1941-44 passed away in April this year due to a short infection with Covid19. Daphne was a lovely lady who was assisted with her attendance at our reunions by her caring daughter, Della. It is understood that Daphne passed away only two days after her infection was diagnosed.

Obituary

We have been informed by Graham Williams, year rep for the 1957 leavers, that Kenneth Hindle, who attended our school between 1954-57 sadly passed away on Sunday, 26th. July.

Kenneth's funeral will take place at Streetly Crematorium on Friday 21st. August at 12:15. Those attending should meet at 12 noon at the West Chapel. Only 15 attendees will be allowed inside the chapel and 15 outside with the service relayed. Everyone must wear face coverings and be safely distanced from each other according to regulations.

Obituary

We are sad to announce that Bryan "Chuck" Botfield, who attended our school between 1955-58 passed away during the last few days. The announcement was made on the Facebook page of the Rockin' Berries, the band which he founded in 1959 and which he contimued to perform with until earlier this year.

Chuck Botfield is pictured here, third from left with the other members of the band, and below.

The Rockin' Berries were originally formed as a beat group at Turves Green School in Birmingham in the late 1950s by guitarist Brian "Chuck" Botfield, and were so named because they played several Chuck Berry songs in their set.

Chuck became a student at the Moseley School of Art in 1955, where he met Christine Perfect, another student. She became an early keyboard player with the group, later becoming Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac.

Obituary

It is with great sadness that we have to inform members that former student YVETTE YATES who attended the Moseley School of Art between 1941 - 44 passed away on the 11th. June 2020 aged 92.

Yvette met Douglas, whose surname was also Yates, also a pupil at our school. From that moment at the age of 14 Yvette and Doug were inseparable and remained together until her passing, having married at Sutton Coldfield Parish Church in 1953. Yvette and Doug worked hard to form the successful photographic business of Dubarry Studios located in the Great Western Arcade, Colmore Row, Birmingham which they ran for 50 years.

Yvette was a loyal and long-standing member of the Moseley School of Art Association and, together with Doug attended many reunions and we were delighted to see her at the Association visit to Compton Verney in September 2019. We were also joined by their old friends from MSA Marie and Ivan Haycock, who also met at our school, later married and have remained together.

Obituary

We're very sad to announce that former student AMELIA SHAW-HASTINGS who attended the Moseley School of Art from 1936-39 passed away on the17th. September 2018 aged 94.

Amelia was a lovely lady, always full of interest and vitality. A brilliant artist, sculptor and painter, she grew up in Erdington, Birmingham.

Her headteacher spotted her artistic talent and she became a pupil at our school where, at that time, the curriculum was still heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement. After leaving MSA Amelia became one of the two first women to attend the new Industrial Design course at the Birmingham College of Art.

Her illustration skills were very quickly put to good use during World War II when she was seconded to the vehicle manufacturing company Coventry Climax as a technical illustrator, producing drawings for everything from fire engines to Army field manuals. There she met the Czech sculptor Karel Vogel, who said to her: “You teach me to draw and I’ll teach you how to sculpt.” At the age of only 19 she and Karel set up a Life Drawing class together at Oswestry School in Shropshire.

At the end of the War Amelia moved to Kent to live with her sister Dorothy and to work on several magazines. These included working as a layout artist on Woman’s Journal and Art Editor of the Footwear and Leather Trade Journal. In the course of that work she met the scientist Jeremy Hastings, whom she married in 1948. She continued to practise her sculpture and illustrations, taking night classes at St. Albans School of Art and exhibiting at the Royal Academy in 1961 - all this while raising her four young sons.

After separating from Jeremy in 1978 (they divorced in 1983), Amelia became the artist in residence at Champneys Health Resort in Tring, Hertfordshire, and there, sculpting bronze busts of various prominent people, including Stephane Grappelli and Stirling Moss. She later settled in Bristol, where she continued to be fascinated by dance and theatre, exhibiting at the Bristol Old Vic and working with the Fool Time Circus School. In 1993 she moved to Stroud, Gloucestershire, where she lived for the final part of her life in a cottage and then in a care home.

In 2007, when she was 83, Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum put on her last exhibition, a retrospective of her work over the previous 70 years. It was Graeme and Wendy's privilege and pleasure to support Amelia's aspiration at that time by liaising with her and promoting her show. Graeme and Wendy attended the exhibition where a whole gallery was given over to her work, all of which was of a very high standard. Meeting her at her home, it was clear that she was warmly grateful for her time at the Moseley School of Art which nurtured her creative talents and gave her the impetus to embark on her artistic career.

Further details about Amelia's life, including some of the work she produced whilst at our school may be seen at our dedicated webpage at www.moseley-art-school.co.uk/page15.html

She is survived by her four sons, Andrew, Robert, Jonathan and Malcolm, by her five grandchildren, Abbie, Maya, Kate, Emmeline and Shelley, and two great-grandchildren, Herbie and Amelia – the latter named after her.

Coronavirus update

We know that our members will be disappointed to hear that our 2020 Reunion will not go ahead as planned.

We have to caution anyone who is about to commit to paying for air fares that, because of the health pandemic now affecting Britain, it will not be possible to proceed as planned. We were, of course hoping that our meeting would go ahead, but the Government's direction that we must avoid assemblies means that this is now impossible.

Our hearts go out to all those who are now distancing themselves from family and friends whilst waiting for the pandemic to pass over. We all know by now that there will be many of our friends and relatives at risk from the disease so we pray that you and yours will all be safe. So much depends on being disciplined about staying at home and thorough hygiene practice.

Please stay in touch throughout this time of stress for us all. We need to support each other until this awful COVID-19 virus passes.

Obituary

We're very sad to have received the news that former student DEREK BARRAN, who attended the Moseley School of Art between 1958-61 has passed away.

We have no further details at present but will post further information as received.

Obituary

We're very sad to announce that former student BERNARD JOSEPH (BERNIE) BANKS passed away on the 15th. February 2020 at the age of 68.

A celebration of the life and times of Bernie will be held at 1pm Friday 6th March at Mundy Arms, 95 Ashbourne Road, Derby.

It was Bernie's wish that everyone should wear colourful clothing at his remembrance. Members of his family and friends will remember the good times and say goodbye to the Brother, Father, Grandfather and Friend they couldn't help but love.

A small private funeral service for the family will take place at Markeaton Crematorium beforehand.

2020 Moseley School of Art Association Reunion, AGM & Exhibition

10am, Sunday 17th. May at Kings Heath Cricket Club

We've had a large number of compliments about the venue, with members particularly liking the quality of the food, the exhibition space, the availability of a bar and the abundance of parking space close to the entrance.

We hope to see as many former pupils as possible from the 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's and 1970's for another warm, happy and meaningful reunion of members of the Association.

Whether you've attended one of our reunions before or this will be your first time, you'll receive a very warm welcome. Please tell all of your MSA friends and ask them to join you! Your husband, wife or partner will be welcome.

We'll be showing a continuous-play slideshow of hundreds of photos of the school, teaching staff and pupils. If you have any photos from your time at MSA that you'd like included, please forward them to the email address at the top of this page.

In the meantime, why not start preparing a work or two to enter in our open exhibition? Any medium, any number as long as it's not a work previously exhibited. No entry fee, just bring a means of displaying the work(s) e.g. easel etc. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best works, and you can, of course offer your works for sale.

We're always anxious to find 'new' contacts - if you haven't yet been in touch with us, or if you know someone else who attended our school, wherever they now live, please drop us a line at the link at the top of this page. We've established a worldwide network of former students and would like to add more - they aren't making any more of us!

2020 VENICE REUNION

2020 VENICE REUNION

Those who expressed an interest in joining us for our planned Venice reunion 2nd to 9th July will be disappointed to hear that the trip is unfortunately cancelled due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

We have been informed by reliable sources that there has been a concentrated outbreak in the Venice area and the government have placed several areas under total quarantine. Many museums and other visitor attractions have been closed indefinitely.

Obituary

We've just received the sad news that ROGER FLETCHER who attended our school between 1959-62 passed away suddenly this morning, Thursday 20th. February 2020 following a short illness. After leaving MSA Roger married former 1962 MSA head girl Audrey Harris. Our kindest condolences and best wishes go to Audrey and her family on their very sad loss.

SPECIAL DAY OUT WITH BOB ASHBY AT COMPTON VERNEY HOUSE - 17th. September

Those who were lucky enough to join us for the day at Compton Verney enjoyed a very happy, relaxed day in excellent company.

There were three times as many in attendance as there had been at our 2018 outing to this magnificent venue near Stratford upon Avon. As with the previous outing, we enjoyed a warm day under a bright blue cloudless sky. Old friends who attended MSA as long ago as 1941 were delighted to see each other and update each other on their journey through life since they last met. We were especially delighted to see Ivan Haycock and his wife Marie and Doug Yates and his wife Yvette - all of whom met at MSA and have remained close friends ever since, taking holidays all over the world together.

We were again delighted to see former teacher Bob Ashby who, even at the grand age of 93 is still very fit and entertaining. We were also joined by Sherrie Edgar, a visual artist and MA student at the University of Coventry, who asked if she could spend the day with us. It was super to have a young person, obviously passionate about her art closely observing and recording everything there was to be seen, and taking copious notes about us and the huge number of exibits on display.

After gathering at the house, we were welcomed by the staff with a coffee reception followed by a tour of the galleries. We then enjoyed an excellent lunch in our private room with an aftertalk by our brilliant tour guide.

Compton Verney is an absolute gem - a former stately home styled by Robert Adam situated in 120 acres of stunning parkland landscaped by Capability Brown, home to six permanent collections of art. The near-derelict estate was purchased in 1993 by philanthropist Peter Moores (of the Littlewoods Pools family), who then gifted it to the specially-created Compton Verney House Trust.

Five years after the house was purchased and further expenditure of £45 Million, the house was partially opened. The whole of the house and landscaping have now been returned to pristine condition and in March 2004 was is a world-class .

Most of those who attended asked if we could organise the same again for next summer - something we'll be delighted to arrange.

Obituary

It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce that COLIN COLE who attended the Moseley School of Art between 1958-61 passed away on Tuesday, 17th. September following a long period of suffering with Alzheimers disease.

Ironically, Colin, who lived in Perth, Western Australia passed away while a large group of former students were enjoying a splendid day meeting at Compton Verney in Warwickshire.

Colin's funeral took place on Thursday, 26th September 2019.

Colin was a super guy and had become a very good friend of Graeme. The onset of Alzheimers was quite sudden and he lived the last couple of years of his life being cared for by his loving wife, Sue, who totally and unselfishly devoted herself to Colin's wellbeing.

As some of our contacts have moved without informing us of new contact details, please contact your friends from your year to let them know of Colin’s passing.

On behalf of all of Colin's friends from the Moseley School of Art we’ve sent our love and condolences to Sue and her family on their very sad loss.

SPECIAL DAY OUT WITH BOB ASHBY AT COMPTON VERNEY - 17th. September

Obituary

We are sad to announce that David Parsons, who attended our school between 1954 - 57 passed away on the 13th. August 2019 following a diagnosis of stomach cancer in January this year. David spent the last 26 years of his working life as a senior manager in the purchasing department of Birmingham City Council. David leaves a widow, Carole and three sons. Any details regarding funeral arrangements will be posted as they come to hand.

David's funeral will take place at 1.30pm on the 30th. August at Telford Crematorium.

Looking for . . .

We’ve had a request from former pupil Pat King (now Pat Irish) 1953-1956 for contact with her former best friend ELIZABETH SAMUELS. They remained friends for many years but then lost contact. Does anyone from that period have contact with Elizabeth? If so, please message us (don’t send open message to our FaceBook page) or email us via the link above. Pat will be delighted to be put back in touch with her best friend from MSA.

Our Association has already reunited around 900 former friends - let's see if we can work the magic for Pat. Thank you.

2019 Moseley School of Art Association Reunion, AGM & Exhibition

Sunday, 21st. July - CANCELLED

It’s with great disappointment and reluctance that we’ve had to CANCEL the planned Annual Reunion & Exhibition that was to have been held this Sunday, 21st. July.

It’s become clear that we chose a date that was inconvenient for so many of our members due to family holidays and other commitments. We’ve received apologies and explanations from so many members who would otherwise have loved to attend and exhibit works that we haven’t reached the necessary number of confirmations to make our meeting viable. It would have cost a great deal of money to lay on the minimum catering deal and room hire charges for the likely number who actually confirmed that they were attending.

We’ll miss the opportunity to enjoy the company of old friends from our schooldays, and all those brilliant, newer friends we’ve made through the Association over the last 17 years. We apologise, especially to those loyal members who planned to travel long distances to be with us – we hope to meet everyone again in the not too distant future. We’ll post further news when we’ve had time to consider. In the meantime, plans are progressing toward affordable trips to Venice - more of which soon. Wendy and I would like to pass our love and best wishes to all former students of the Moseley School of Art, wherever they are in the world and whatever years they attended our special school, especially those who aren’t enjoying good health.

Kindest regards, Graeme and Wendy

2019 Moseley School of Art Association Reunion, AGM & Exhibition

Sunday, 21st. July at Kings Heath Cricket Club

2019 ANNUAL REUNION, AGM & EXHIBITION – CHANGE OF DATE

As everyone knows, we usually hold our reunion on the third Sunday in May. Unfortunately, we’ve had to change the date, for this year only, due to Graeme and Wendy needing to attend the baptism of Wendy’s granddaughter at an unmissable large family gathering in London on the 19th May – our usual reunion date. Our 2019 Reunion and Exhibition of the Moseley School of Art Association has now been arranged to take place on Sunday, 21st July at the Kings Heath Cricket Club.

Members for whom we have an email address will receive our Spring Newsletter in the next day or two. Please make sure that we have your email address - and if you've changed your email provider please tell us . . .

Attendance at our Annual Reunions is only available to subscribing members. The annual subscription of £17.50 is payable in advance by standing order. Membership entitles the member to receive newsletters, attend our Annual Reunion and Exhibition of works by former students (usually on the third Sunday in May each year) including a super lunch for yourself and one other accompanying you, and to vote on resolutions at the AGM held on the same day.

If you attended Moseley School of Art and would like to attend our reunion, please download and print the Standing Order mandate HERE and forward it without delay as the first payment for 2019-20 is due on the 1st. May. The first payment will entitle members to admission to our 2019 Annual Reunion.

If you are in any doubt as to whether you have a valid subscription, just forward a new standing order form - any existing order will be automatically cancelled. You can also check by dropping us an email via the link above.

2019 Venice Reunion

Obituary

We are sad to announce that John Stevens, who attended our school between 1951-54 has passed away following a long period spent suffering from Parkinson's Disease. John was a very affable man and an enthusiastic member of the Moseley School of Art Association, being for many years the Association Rep for the leavers of 1954. We thank Brian Ashby, a friend and also a former pupil of John for letting us know.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR MEMBERS! PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE YOUR CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESS - Just drop us an email so that we can continue to keep in touch!

2019 Moseley School of Art Association Reunion & Exhibition We'll be sending out our New Year Newsletter to all of our subscribing members shortly with a number of updates, including details of our 2019 Moseley School of Art Association Reunion & Exhibitionon Sunday, 19th. May.

About time . . .

FIFTEEN YEARS after our Association obtained a grant in principle for the owners from the Heritage Lottery Fund, some progress is at last being made.

Our thanks to Elaine Richards (Emery) for letting us have these photos taken last week.

MICHAEL RICHARDSON FUNERAL

Michael's funeral took place at 11am on Monday, 16th. July at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Leach Green Lane, Rednal, Birmingham B45 9BQ . The service was followed by a service at Lodge Hill Cemetery and Crematorium, Weoley Park Rd, Birmingham B29 5AA.

The funeral was followed by a reception at Hill's Court Hotel, Rose Hill, Rednal, Birmingham B45 8RS to which former students of MSA were welcome.

The Church Service was attended by approximately 150 people, and the eulogy was given by Michael's daughter. Michael's family invited those who attended to accept packets of wild flower seeds which they hoped will be planted not only to beautify the countryside, but to assist the butterflies and bees.

Michael, who attended our school between 1946-49 passed away following his very long and incredibly brave fight with Leukaemia and associated complications, having previously won his battle with cancer.

Michael was a very committed member of the Association and was the Year Representative for the leavers of 1949. A very honourable and popular man, Michael was a highly talented painter and published author, exhibiting many of his excellent paintings (and winning many prizes) at our annual reunions and exhibitions.

We were all delighted to see Michael attend our Annual Reunion & Exhibition only a few weeks ago on the 20th. May despite having been very poorly and only recently having had a leg amputated due to an aggressive virus.

Michael is pictured here receiving his prize cheque from Paul Bartlett ('73) for his work 'Withybed Green'.

We offer our sincere condolences to Michael's widow, Anny and family. In the fifteen years since the Association was created, we've had many members who have epitomised the spirit of the Association, but none have characterised that spirit better than Michael, who will be greatly missed by our members.

SPECIAL DAY OUT WITH BOB ASHBY date announced - Wednesday 11th. July

We've now confirmed with the management of Compton Verney - our special day with Bob Ashby and his wife Joy at this fabulous historic manor house will be Wednesday 11th. July.

It's now time for all members who have expressed an interest to confirm their wish to attend and forward their payment to us - payment must reach us by the 25th. June as Compton Verney require full payment two weeks in advance of the date of our visit.

Your payment of £20 per person WILL INCLUDE PARKING, ENTRANCE, TOUR AND LUNCH. PLEASE CONTACT US BY EMAIL IN THE FIRST INSTANCE before making payment via this EMAIL LINK

The 2018 Annual Reunion & Exhibition

Our members enjoyed a great day under a cloudless blue sky at our 16th Annual Reunion. Our numbers were reduced by the substantial number of confirmed attendees who chose to enjoy the beautiful weather elsewhere - but as usual everyone left tired and happy by the re-telling of memories of our special old school, its teachers and students. Among those who attended was first-timer Phillip Dutton-White ('66), who travelled specially from southern Spain.... We were also delighted to greet Dennis Green ('58) who arrived from Perth, Australia, Judi Wainwright ('66) from Northern Ireland and Marshall Jones ('66) from Holland. Many others from the four corners of the UK also travelled distances to be with their friends.

ONLY 3 DAYS TO GO!

Final Call for the 2018 Annual Reunion, AGM and Exhibition

Just THREE DAYS to go to our 2018 Annual Reunion at the Kings Heath Cricket Club, Alcester Rd. South B14 6DT

Please ask all your ex-MSA friends to join us!

Our reunions are always well attended, and you'll receive a very warm welcome, regardless of the years you attended. Your husband, wife or partner will be welcome. Members are travelling from Australia, Spain, Ireland and other parts of Europe - let's make sure that as many as possible of their friends are there to meet them.

We're aiming to make this reunion special and the higher the attendance, the greater the enjoyment. Please sign up to our Update Notification (below) so that you don't miss out on news from our website - you can also LIKE us on Facebook.

As usual, there will be cash prizes of up to £200 for the works displayed which are, in the opinion of the judges, the best on the day. Please feel free to bring your own works - we'd love to see them and there are no fees to enter. Please make sure that any entries you bring haven't been exhibited with us before.

There are no categories, so you can bring whatever you want - paintings, drawings, sculptures, embroidery, calligraphy, ceramics, illustrations, prints, other crafts . . . we'd love to see what you've made.

Please remember to bring cards to show the name of the artist, the name of the work, and the price, if offered for sale.

You'll also need to bring the means to display your work - an easel, tabletop easel etc. There will be a limited number of tables available which will be reserved for three-dimensional works.

The last remaining copies of Professor John Swift's excellent "History of the Moseley School of Art" will be available at only £6 (one copy per person only)

Above all - PLEASE LET US KNOW if you're coming - we need your name and year of leaving MSA for your security badge - AND the name of anyone accompanying you!

See you there!

Michael Richardson

We thought our members would wish to know that Michael, who attended our school between 1945-49 and has been a stalwart of the Association since its foundation in 2003 is in hospital again. Michael has endured serious illnesses over the last few years and has had, through his indomitability recovered from each. He was recently diagnosed as having a rare form of Lukaemia and has been subjected to a course of experimental treatment, which has just ended.

We were desperately sorry to hear that Michael contracted an infection in his leg which has resulted in the necessity to remove his leg below the knee.

The surgeons now feel that they have managed to halt any further risk from the infection, and Michael is, typically, quite stoic about his latest encounter with ill health.

We wish Michael (pictured right) a speedy recovery and send our best wishes to his wife Anny and family.

Obituary

We are very sad to announce that former student Professor PETER JAMES ('Tank') WADDINGTON, who attended the Moseley School of Art between 1960-63 passed away on Wednesday 21st. March 2018 following a long illness. We have no further details at the moment.

Peter was part of the MSc in Policing and Law Enforcement Academic team. He has been the Professor of Social Policy at The University of Wolverhampton, since 1st. October 2006.

Peter is pictured in the school photo of 1962 (below, centre) and (right) in 2015.

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The 2018 Annual Reunion, AGM & Exhibition of Works by Former Pupils

Obituary

We are very sad to announce that former student BILL PADDEN, who attended the Moseley School of Art between 1959-62 has passed away following a long illness. We have no further details at the moment, but will post information as we receive it.

FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT FOR OUR 2018 VENICE REUNION

FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT FOR OUR 2018 VENICE REUNION- we're planning our 2018 Venice Reunion for Moseley School of Art Association members and would like, in the first instance, to gauge the likely uptake of places so that we can negotiate the best discount rate for our hotel.

We haven't finalised the dates yet, although the trip will definitely take place during the 10 days which will include the 4th. July. It'll be possible to join us for between 3 days (minimum) and 10 days. We haven't negotiated the final price for our hotel accommodation, but it'll definitely represent a bargain compared with other 4 Star hotels actually on the island.

If you'd like to come, or would like further details, please contact us NOW so that we can carry out the necessay negotiations and make final arrangements.

Please don't leave it til later - CONTACT US HERE or via the email link above. See you in Venice?

"The One Thay Got Away" by former student Eileen Huckett - OUT NOW!

We're delighted to announce that former student Eileen Huckett has hyad her first book "The One That Got Away" published worldwide.

It's quite an achievement for an unpublished author to find a publisher for their first book, so our congratulations go to Eileen, who now lives in Perth, Western Australia.

"Her book is a tale that has never been told before. It unravels the mystery of that one sock we all have that unfathomably goes missing. It is an adventure that travels the world and beyond, creating mystery and intrigue, littered with vanity and greed, and encountering quirky characters along the way. At first, the sock creates havoc, mayhem and embarrassment and damages precious reputations of the self-important. The sock becomes Public Enemy No. 1, and a bounty is put on its sole. A turn of fate sees the sock redeem itself and become revered, even by those it unwittingly crossed. It is soon hailed as a super hero by almost all. The sock is elected as President of the United States of America. However, skulduggery simmers in the background. A humorous yarn full of unexpected twists, morality, karma and a good few laugh-out-loud moments".

Eileen's book is available on Amazon in Kindle, Hardback and Paperback formats and at all good booksellers everywhere.

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers (31 Oct. 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1787104605
• ISBN-13: 978-1787104600

Obituary Update - Ken Ashby

We have been informed by Ken's younger cousin, Brian that the funeral will take place at 2.30pm on Monday, 9th. October 2017 at Lodge Hill Crematorium. Attendance is welcome, as are flowers. There will be no reception following the service. If anyone would like to arrange flowers, they should be with the funeral directors - Ambler Brothers, 350 Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8LJ Tel:  0121 314 3965. (All floral tributes to be with them before 11am on Monday). A floral tribute from the Moseley School of Art Association has been arranged, but unfortunately, on this occasion Graeme won't be able to attend.

Mark Ashby, Ken's son, has provided us with a brief obituary which we'll upload here shortly.