BOB CAUDWELL
1920-2021
Bob Caudwell celebrated his 100th birthday in June last year. Sadly, we were not able to celebrate with him due to lockdown.It is with much sadness that we report that he died at home on 27th January, from prostate cancer. When he moved to Kent at the age of 76, to be nearer his son, he became the organist and choirmaster at Linton Church, where he became a well-loved member of the church. He also played at other churches in the Benefice to help out. We will all remember, fondly, his introduction to We Three Kings “full of eastern promise”and his impromptu rendering of secular Christmas songs at the end of our Carols Services.He liked the organ at West Farleigh as it has a theatre organ setting. He entertained the Evergreens, playing anything and everything without music, while the Evergreens enjoyed afternoon tea. He also used to play when Linton church had their Strawberry teas.Latterly Bob had to endure deafness and poor eyesight, playing hymns from memory, and with Margaret prodding him to tell him the vicar was ready to start the service etc.
A short clip of Bob playing West Farleighs Organ.
The smile at the end is directed to Margaret his friend and partner.
Bob served with the Liverpool Welsh tank Regiment in WW11. He served in Egypt, North Africa. Sicily, Italy andGreece, where he was a frontline infantryman. He conducted the regimental choir and his concerts were broadcast by the BBC.
Bob at the top of mount Etna during the war.
He later enrolled as a teacher and taught Maths, Science and Music. He gained the Licentiateship of the Royal Academy of Music and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists.He will be missed by many and our condolences go to his family and close friend Margaret, with whom he enjoyed many holiday.
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