We’ve just been informed of the sad death of chorister, top tenor Roland (Roley) Bennett who passed away yesterday afternoon after a long illness.
A reserved and seemingly shy man, Roley was nevertheless a very popular, long serving chorister, well remembered for his punctuality (or lack of), always coming into practice late to loud cheers, his dry sense of humour and his accomplished accordion playing with the JJR trio, not to mention his great contribution to the Choir as a top tenor. I believe his last public appearance with the Choir was at the National Eisteddfod in Abergavenny in 2016. The photograph above was taken at a concert at Catbrook Memorial Hall in 2016. A great character and a helpful friend to many, he will be sorely missed and the Choir’s thoughts and condolences go out to his family and all those proud to call him a friend and fellow chorister. RIP Roley.
Post Script:
Roley’s son, John has posted details on Facebook so I’ve copied them here;
Roland Bennett’s Thanksgiving service will be on Monday 4th September at 2-30pm. Caerwent Church, Pound Lane, NP26 5AY. Dad never liked all black clothes so please can mourners wear something colourful . This will be a celebration of his life . As devastated as we still feel as a family his memory will always be with us. There will be a gathering afterwards at Caldicot Choir Hall, next to Caldicot Comprehensive school , Mill Lane, Caldicot NP26 4BN from 3pm till 6pm. Everyone is very welcome to come and join the many family and friends he has. Please bring any photos of Dad you have so we can put them on our memory board for everyone to see.