A message from Judy Hollis

I have just had the following message for all orchestra members from Judy:

Dear Halden Sound Members

First of all, many thanks to any of you I haven’t so far contacted, for the most generous gift and your best wishes. I am not really retiring from music, but having had a lifetime either playing, (solo, chamber and orchestral), conducting or teaching, I feel it is time perhaps to experience other things in life – e.g. my grandson, (15 months), and wildlife interests.

I shall still be playing professionally where and when I’m required. The Beresford Quartet and Orchestra will be doing a few concerts next year, and I’ll no doubt be in an orchestra accompanying choral societies in Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Essex.

I do some regular volunteer work, both people and wildlife based, e.g. I’m a roadside verge warden and an assessor for Gardening for Wildlife for the Kent Trust for Nature. So as you can see, I shan’t be putting my feet up much by the fire – well, sometimes perhaps!

Halden Sound will probably be the last amateur orchestra that I shall have worked for. Over my lifetime I’ve done quite a bit of leading and conducting amateur orchestras – e.g. Greenwich Symphony, Fulham Municipal, Morley College, Ashford Symphony, Canterbury Orchestra and the Old Barn etc.

My teaching career started mainly with peripatetic violin teaching, and finished with ten years at Ashford School as Head of Music in the Junior School.

It has been an interesting and varied career in music, and I’ve met some lovely friendly people – like yourselves of course. I’ve enjoyed my time with you and wish the orchestra every success in the future. I would be delighted to come back and take the occasional rehearsal if required.

All Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year,

Judy