MUSICIAN Geoff Blore is aiming to finish on a high note when he plays his final concert with the Wrexham Symphony Orchestra after 35 years of service.
Clarinet player Geoff, who is the only remaining original member of the Orchestra since it formed more than 35 years ago, has decided to go out on a high at Saturday's concert in NEWI's William Aston Hall.
Geoff, who has held many roles in his 35 years, including clarinet player, saxophone player, vice chairman and chairman, said: 'It's my 75th birthday next week and it just seems an appropriate time to finish.
'I have mixed feelings about the final concert on Saturday. I'm looking forward to it but I'm sad to be leaving such a big part of my life behind.' Geoff explained that the orchestra began when he and a few friends started playing as a group.
He said: 'We first came together in about 1968 when a group of us started rehearsing together, but the orchestra didn't actually form until about 18 months later.
'I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with the other players and will miss their companionship and dedication.
'I will miss the social side but what I will miss most is the pleasure of playing with a group of dedicated musicians. When you play there is the challenge of keeping the section going and you get immense pleasure playing as one of a group.' Retired music teacher Geoff, who estimates he could have played at more than 100 concerts in his time with the orchestra, says he will continue to play music in his spare time.
Orchestra conductor Mark Lansom said the whole group would miss Geoff's dedication.
He said: 'Geoff has been a real asset to the orchestra and we will all certainly miss him. Thirty-five years of dedicated service is a real achievement and we will be really sad to see him leave - we're all going to miss his sense of humour and his knowledge.'
354464. The Wrexham Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1969 by the late Bryn Williams, then senior lecturer of Music at Cartrefle Teacher Training College in Wrexham.
It provides concerts for sponsoring bodies - charities, musical societies and churches - as well as performing to maintain its own funds. The Wrexham Symphony Orchestra will be playing at NEWI's William Aston Hall on Saturday at 7.30pm. For tickets call 01978
