Long-term members of the society deemed to have given great service to the society over the years may be eligible for Life Membership of the society. The following are current Life Members:

Bill Caldwell

Paul Hartley

Dorothy Wardhaugh

The society’s former President and Life Member, Revd. Tom Grant, passed away on 20^th January 2005. The 2005 AGM opened with members standing in memory of Tom who regularly attended performances, travelling from Scotland to be with us, until ill health prevented him doing so.

We are also saddened to report the loss on 1^st March 2006 of Alex Murphy, Life Member, sometime Chairman and long time chorus member. The following obituary to Alex, written by Bill Caldwell, appeared in the program for our 2006 production of The Yeomen of the Guard.

When St Andrew’s G&S Society was established, its members included quite a strong representation of the then sizeable choir of the church. Alex Murphy was one of those who came to G&S by this route, and he remained, in addition, a loyal choir member for many years thereafter.

He was the easiest of men to deal with, always friendly, good humoured, patient, and with a calm, happy personality. An essentially modest man, he never sought prominence in any sense and, indeed, when after many years of devoted service both on and off stage, he was voted Chairman of the Society, it took much persuasion for him to accept.

An excellent chairman, he was a calming influence when necessary, making thoughtful and pertienent observations at important moments, but never attempting to dominate proceedings. It was, therefore, with real regret that his resignation in his 80th year was accepted. At that time he was one of three founder members still active in the Society, now sadly, reduced by his passing.

Alex was a strong churchman, an elder for many years, and one whose Christian approach characterised his attitude to all with whom he had dealings. It had been a privilege to have known and worked with such a fine man, whose passing is keely felt by the Church, the G&S Society, and particulary by Sheila [his wife], Paul, Christine [his two children], Andy [son in law] and Jamie [Grandson], to whom our wholehearted sympathy goes out.