Obituary
I am sorry to have to report the deaths of 3 of our members: William Braund (1922-28), H.F. Matthews (1929-33), and Clifford Sadler (1926-32) who died on 17th. November 2004, only 12 days after attending the Reunion. Unfortunately we did not get to hear of William's death until some time afterwards, but a contribution to charity was made in accordance with the wishes of H.F. Matthew's family.
Clifford's death was a shock to all. Aged 88 he still attended every Reunion, committee meeting and Federation meeting, and his knowledge of the Association, of which he had been a member since its foundation, was unrivalled. His funeral was attended by Richard Hulme, ECOCA Chairman, who gave a short address, and by our Treasurer David Horwood and Don Verona, our Treasurer/Secretary for nearly 50 years, who worked closely with Clifford over so many years.
Don Verona writes:-
Clifford died on 17th. November 2004, aged 88 years. I knew him for more than 50 years, as we both served on the committee for the Association.
Cliff was born in Wimbledon in 1916. The family moved to Windsor and he entered the Choir School in 1926, leaving in 1932. His father was a cinema manager, who later took up an appointment in Brighton, where he became Mayor.
Cliff was a very 'private' man. In his adult life he became a Civil Servant, with duties in Portsmouth, where he met and married his wife. During his working life, he took up an interest in calligraphy. Following his wife's death in 1996, this interest broadened considerably; he joined the Society of Scribes & Illuminators and became a member of their Executive Committee. He organised a workshop at Whitelands College, Roehampton, with students from all over the world, culminating with an invitation from Minnesota University. He was the calligrapher at St. Paul's Cathedral for a number of years, and until his death taught classes at Chiswick Town Hall. In short, he was a much respected figure in the world of calligraphy.
Nearer home, he collaborated with the late Ted Jones in the production of the chained book containing the nominal role of former choristers stretching back over the history of the College, which is on display in the Antechapel.
Cliff was an active supporter of the Federation of Cathedral Old Choristers' Associations and many years ago was appointed Eton's official representative, which role he has fulfilled ever since.
His contribution to our committee and Association was considerable as he had an incredible knowledge of Cathedrals and Chapels and allied music. He will be sorely missed.
I sat next to Cliff at dinner on our last Reunion in November. Little did I realise that I would be writing these few notes within seven short weeks. R.I.P.
Cliff Sadler completed this exquisite heraldic pen and ink drawing of the Coats of Arms of the 4 member Choirs of Henry VI's Collegiate Foundations. It will hopefully be on view at the 2005 reunion dinner.
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