Remembering

Gillian “Gilly” Jones

First Alto and member of the Waynflete Singers from1980- 2023

Our dear friend and fellow Wayn, Gilly Jones (Alto 1) sadly died on on the morning of March 20th 2024 following a short illness. Gilly was one of our longest serving members, having joined in 1980. We will miss her greatly.

“What a really lovely, privileged life I’ve had…….my belonging to the choir right up there with the highlights. I’ve never felt worthy of you all but oh, the experiences!

Every time I’ve stood  up with each of our amazing conductors, soloists, orchestras, Douai Abbey, Tewkesbury, the Barbican, the Albert Hall, the Festival Hall, Bruges, Paris and, of course, of course, of course! The Cathedral, and you all around me, I’m in awe and think all I did was win the school Singing  Competition in 1958 with my performance of “Blow the Wind Southerly “!” 

Gilly, February 2024

 Below are a few tributes from our members:

I first met Gilly when I joined the Wayns at the same time as her, way back in 1980...

We were both in awe - and slightly nervous- of Martin Neary and used to practice our alto parts together at home.  I know that sharing this with her really helped me as a ‘new girl’ to feel part of the choir, as did her wonderful sense of humour.

Gilly became close to a big sister to me once my children were born.  I appreciated her wise advice, always given lightly, when I was in despair of my kids’ behaviour.

We were joined by Gilly for a family holiday in Cornwall. This was always remembered for the traumatic loss of a special teddy.  Gillie wrote a poem to commemorate this; duly framed and hung in pride of place for many years at home.

RIP Gilly – we miss you.

Jan Walley A1

“I met Gilly through choir but really got to know her locally - she lived on my route to the primary school where my 3 boys went.  We would always say hello and stop for a chat whenever we weren't in a hurry - and usually when we were too, as it was always a joy to see her and her dogs - first Solo, then Wispa.  She was one of the most gorgeous, kind, funny, intelligent and thoughtful people I have ever met.  She was so lovely to me and always chatted to my boys too, even as teenagers out on their own. She must have been a fantastic teacher.  We all miss her greatly.  She was a wonderful spirit and I am so glad to have known her.”

Tamsin Hutchinson S2

“I've known Gilly since I joined The Wayns in January 1988. She was seemingly one of those quiet people, but it didn't take long for you to discover mischief and humour within.

As a teacher, Gilly always showed interest in my daughter's progress, even though she was at a different school, and continued to ask how she was as she grew up. Gilly was excited to hear any family news and more recently, very keen to see cute pictures of my two great nephews (almost 1 and 2 yrs)

Gilly was a very kind and gentle soul and we sat together for rehearsals and many memorable concerts. We're together in the current Wayns scrolling pictures. Singing with Gilly was always fun, and I miss her next to me. Often we'd come across a phrase or word which would be 'remastered' and cause some hilarity each time it cropped up. I remember being unable to sing several things because it would just set us off in a fit of the giggles instead. 

Gilly said she "would have left the choir way ago by now" but I (and others) had persuaded her to keep going. Gilly loved singing with The Wayns and I did think of her as my second Wayns Mum! (for those that don't know, my real Mum sings A2)”

Lynda Beckwith A1

‘Dear Gilly,

All through the years, you've been there, one of the A1s, singing beside me and others, enjoying a table together at Wayns dinners, sharing your personal connection to Rose Road when I worked there and at the Carols every year.  

Always so attentive, intelligent, thoughtful, quietly making observations, smiling through. 

It's hard to think you're no longer here, but you have left something of yourself in the Wayns, because yours has been one of those lives full of love and support for others, which is the greatest legacy.’ 

Heather Aspinall A1

 ‘I knew Gilly in two ways. Firstly as a fellow alto 1. Someone who was always so giving and appreciative of all that the choir meant to her (and it meant a lot). She always had the most glorious smile and a wicked sense of humour. I also knew her as a well-liked teacher of English at Thornden School, she was there for 2 of my 3 children who both benefited from her kindness and teaching. 

What more can I say? Just a lovely, kind lady with a face that lit up a whole room. I'm honoured to have known her.’

Kate Spencer A1

“Gilly and I were in the choir together for decades.  When I was part rep she was always supportive and kind and had a wicked and irreverent sense of humour. We went on choir trips together and had a particularly memorable trip to Paris.  She lived very close to us and we often met out walking and had many interesting and amusing conversations.   She was always accompanied by her dog and knew everybody.  The local children loved her and she always stopped to chat with them and introduce them to her dog.  We will all miss her.”

Jo Pankhurst A1

" I first met Gilly in 1995 when I joined Wayns, but also at the same time at Thornden School, where she was an esteemed colleague. I knew her as a kind and patient English teacher, who was also very involved in the extra curricular musical life of the school. We both witnessed the planning, building and inauguration of Thornden Hall - a very exciting time in Thornden's history.

The last time I saw her was on 30th December, when we both turned up at Badger Farm surgery at the same time. It was obvious that she was unwell by this stage, but she was still as warm and chatty as ever. Little did I realise how poignant that moment in the waiting room would turn out to be.

An elegant, warm, beautiful lady with  great gravitas is how I will remember her. "

Caroline Wainwright, S1

‘ Gilly quietly worked behind the scenes and managed the Waynflete supporters email list, sending out communications to our supporters for many years. When I first became Publicity rep I was not really aware for quite a while that she was doing this important job, because she just got on with it with no fuss. When the time came to upgrade to use Mailchimp, she was gracious and generous in the handover and always appreciative. She radiated warmth and kindness.’

Sarah Jones S1