It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Sheila Thompson, a cherished member of the orchestra for over forty years.

Born in Liverpool, the only child of Ed and Olwen, she was a bright girl, spending many hours acquiring a love of music from her father, an organist at the local Methodist church. 

Having won a scholarship to the prestigious Merchant Taylor School in Crosby, she progressed to study English at Goldsmith’s College in London, where she also gained a PGCE to embark on a career as an English teacher. After teaching in London for a short period she moved to Shrewsbury in 1977. She taught first at Priory Girls School then moved to Sundorne School until she retired in 2010.

It was her love of music that stood out from an early age; the violin purchased for her by her parents when age 11 stayed with her all her life. Initially a member of Merseyside Youth Orchestra, a contemporary of Simon Rattle, Sheila continued to enjoy music with many ensembles and took principal positions with several orchestras. She played with Shrewsbury Symphony Orchestra, Shrewsbury Light Orchestra, Meole Brace Chamber Orchestra, Shropshire Chamber Orchestra and many more instrumental ensembles. With a fine soprano voice, she was also a member of the Friday singers. 

Sheila contributed to the Shrewsbury Symphony Orchestra not only as a player but also as a committee member, serving as Music Librarian for over 40 years. The orchestra are indebted to her hard work, as she so often went the extra mile to hunt down missing parts. Her extensive knowledge and wise counsel will be greatly missed.

When not busy with music, she enjoyed travelling in her camper van. The natural world, especially bird life, was of great interest. She also found time to enjoy archery, proficient in the use of the long bow. She kept in touch with class mates from school attending regular reunions - a dear friend to many people.

Her funeral will take place on Friday, May 22nd at 3.30pm at Emstrey Crematorium in Shrewsbury.