Registered Charity no. 284752
John Yarnley
1944-2003
Those in Cleeve Chorale who have been members for some years will have noted with sadness the untimely death of John Yarnley at the age of 59.
John was conductor of Bishop's Cleeve Choral society, as we were then known, for five years from 1979 to 1984, when he was also head of music at Cleeve School.
During his time as conductor the Society flourished with membership in excess of 60. We performed many of the larger works in the choral repertoire, culminating in a wonderful performance of Brahms' German Requiem, sung in the original language. John also composed music for the choir, and did many arrangements which the choir enjoyed singing.
He was always very enthusiastic about his music and his almost childlike enthusiasm really infected us all. He had a wicked sense of humour which made rehearsals very happy occasions, and he often joined members in the pub later for a pint or two, of which he was fond!
Music was John's life and he was involved in it, as a conductor and organist, wherever he went. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and worked with him.
Jane Harper, December 2003