Dick
Along with Norma, John and Denis, I had last seen Dick at the late September CMMF Meeting when we had found him in fairly good spirits and, at that time, awaiting some tests to see whether he would need any further treatment. The latter proved to be the case and, as a result, he was unable to make our meeting in early December as his treatment was due to start the same day. He had also sounded quite ‘upbeat’ when he telephoned to relay this information a few days before – so we had all expected to see him back in the fold at the next meeting
However, this next phase of treatment never actually took place, as a few days before this was scheduled, he began to feel unwell and was taken into Whipps Cross for observation. As you are aware from the email sent out at that time – Dick died a few days later, whilst still in hospital, on 3rd December
Dick’s Funeral was held at The City of London Crematorium on Monday 15th December and this was attended by a very large number of family member and friends, along with many of his students and friends from the Drama Club. Many former Drama Club members sent their condolences via the CMMF email address and these were all relayed onto Vivienne and John (his elder brother) and also included in a card sent on our behalf
Along with a Eulogy and Poems, the Service had a very strong musical theme to relate to Dick’s great love of this art form. This included the piece that Dick most enjoyed playing – the 1st Movement of Mozart’s Piano Sonata in C
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Both in several of the condolence messages sent via the CMMF, and at the funeral, there was mention of ‘us’ doing something that would mark both our friendship with him and the very significant part that Dick played in maintaining the links and ongoing contact between the former members of the Drama Club – almost since it ended in 1977!
This has been mentioned to Vivienne and she has warmly welcomed this thought – and one idea that has already been suggested is in ensuring that his MDC Website/archive is continued
Whilst the CMMF Steering Group has no ‘official remit’ in this respect, we felt that we were probably best placed to let everyone know about the above thoughts and to make some arrangements to share both the above idea and any others that might be possible; also the how, when and by whom one of them might be moved forward.
We have therefore arranged to meet for this purpose and would invite other former members of the Drama Club to join us if they can make the date and time etc., or to get in touch with any of the CMMF Steering Group if unable to do so, but either have some suggestions or would like to be involved in any initiative that might be put in hand – or both! The meeting is to be held on:
Tuesday 27th January at 11.30am at The County Hotel, Duke Street, Chelmsford.
We have chosen this location as it is pretty much equal distance between the ‘more local’ former members (e.g. those still in the Waltham Forest/SW Essex area) and those further afield in the more northern parts of the County who may be able to attend a midweek date
The County Hotel is about 500 yards from Chelmsford Station and has a good sized car park – as well as having a public one alongside. It also has a varied and reasonably priced Bar Menu – hence being the usual venue for CMMF meetings. Anyone travelling from the Walthamstow area who would like a lift and some company on the journey – rather than travel alone – can contact Denis
The contact numbers, if you want to get in touch beforehand are: Denis on 0208 520 9399, Norma on 01206 383925, John on 01621 741949 or myself on 0208 657 6327 – or via any of the previously circulated email addresses.
2015 Dates:
Charity Concert in aid of Cancer Research & Macmillan Care in Memory of Dick Dunn given by his Music Students:
Saturday 9th May. South Chingford Congregational Church, Chingford Mount Road, Chingford. Details to be confirmed in due course.
Mick Everett’s Punch & Judy Fayre
Sunday 10th May. St Paul’s Church Gardens, Ballard St, Covent Garden
Re-Union
Saturday 26th September 2015 at The Royal Forest Hotel. From 7pm onwards
CMMF Projects
More detailed news of the current CMMF projects in due course, but at this time I can report that a new one is likely to take place around Easter time with ideas for this presently being discussed with Carol Austin (Hagger). This is for a Street Theatre Project based in Deal, Kent – which will hopefully see the young people perform in Deal Castle, on the Pier and in the local Astor Theatre.
As noted in the information circulated before xmas, there is still some available funding – so if you have an idea about a possible activity, or some form of ‘link’ to a young person(s) or group that might be interested in a performing arts project – then please get in touch with me – just to chat it through!
Dave M