EILEEN’S FAREWELL

It was sad when Eileen retired in 2010 after some ten years from her marvellous work of building The Downsmen to their current level of accomplishment. She has made such a large contribution to the success of the group - a unique achievement for which she will always be remembered.

A 'wonderful evening' was how Eileen Mason described her leaving party at the end of May in the Methodist Church. Many past members, wives and friends accepted an invitation to join the chorus in saying goodbye. Therefore, there was an appreciative audience as Eileen put The Downsmen through their paces with a selection of her favourite numbers.

After this mini concert, refreshments were laid on, by our regular catering team of Mary Friend and Pat Burgess, with support from Shirley Passey and Jane Johnston.

It was then back into the church to hear John Passey sum up the achievements of a lady who has led the club from strength to strength for a decade, and to tell her that we wanted to present her with a unique souvenir. The gift was a specially designed trophy, incorporating a large musical note piercing our circular logo, with a tribute to Eileen engraved on the side. These elements were in shining pewter, and mounted on polished stone.

In a subsequent message to The Downsmen, after she and David returned from the Barbershop Convention in Harrogate, Eileen said: “The trophy was placed in my lounge, where I can see it constantly. Such a lovely thought, and a permanent reminder for me of ten happy and fruitful years.”