concert entitled “Music for Mike” in memory of our good friend Mike Brook
who passed away on April 2nd 2020, just after attending the Texas
Convention.
It was held in the village church of St John the Baptist in Reedham,
Norfolk.
This Church is old, dating from the 7th century and from those early
beginnings had a thatched roof, but a fire in the 1960’s left only the shell
, but it
was rebuilt in very quick order with a more substantial roof.
Its stone walls were mostly painted white but evidence of its historical
beginnings were still visible on the walls in the form of head carvings
dotted around them.
It is one of the oldest churches in the County of Norfolk.
For this occasion the church was decorated with floral arrangements of
Daffodils from Mike’s garden.
Mike was a bell ringer (campanologist) at the church and Church Warden some
years ago.
The concert was led by the ABY choir they gave their all with a program of
modern and classical music plus a Requiem, they were led by conductor
Miceal Nicholas
a renowned organist and composer.
Andrew Pearson a professional Violinist and did not disappoint, while on
the Organ Timothy Patient kept everyone in time and in tune.
A reading of “Diary of a Church Mouse” Betjeman (1916-1984) was read by
Nick Butcher; his tone of voice just suited the poem which brought it to
life.
A tribute was read by Nicholas Cowen which covered Mike’s work and life,
his love of daffodils was repeated on more than occasion.
The Choir finished up the evening with the Requiem.
It was a lovely way to remember our friend.
Refreshments were on hand after the service and people did not rush off but
stayed and chatted, all had memories of Mike.
Mike’s wife Ann was in attendance with her daughter Rachel, both were
overwhelmed by the numbers in attendance.
It was standing room only but was a fitting way for all his friends to say
farewell.
I was so pleased to have made the trip to represent The Daffodil Society
and took it upon myself also to include the ADS as I know he had many
friends across the pond!
Pictures of the flower arrangements and program are below to help you get
the flavour of the evening.
If you would like a copy of the program I have a couple if needed just let
me know.
Ian
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Mike and I became friends at the Little Rock National Show. We enjoyed visiting at the following National Shows. We shared several meals in Dallas and sat next to each other on several bus rides(he may have just wanted to visit with Jan). He was my first friend to die from Covid and I was brokenhearted to hear of his passing.I have since lost several other friends and many patients from this disease, but Mike’s death has always hurt the most. I will particularly miss him later this month when we travel to Gettysburg. Thanks so much for sharing, Ian. Rest in peace, Mike. Your friend, Jack
Ian, thank you for sharing and I’m so glad you could attend the memorial concert. Kathy Julius and I stayed with Mike and Ann before the 2008 World Convention and their house and the garden were both beautiful. I know Mike was never finished with the garden and Rachel and Ann have carried on to make some of the improvements he had in mind. Mike is missed by his friends all over the world and I’m glad he had such a wonderful tribute in his home church.