LYNETTE CLARKSON

Lynette Clarkson’s legacy to the Choir is still on glorious display today – more than eighteen years after her death.

A fine seamstress, Lyn became wardrobe mistress extraordinaire and oversaw the introduction and personally made many of the robes and reds that the boys still wear.

The choir was a huge part of her life. Her involvement began in 1982 when her son, Noel, began as a Probationer. From 1988, as Executive Secretary, she worked unpaid but almost full time. With an outstanding sense of social justice, Lyn developed innovative ways of helping parents with financial difficulties keep their boys in the Choir. She treated all with great respect and fostered this in others.

Her leadership role cannot be underestimated. With a nursing background, Lyn took on key caring staff positions and trained others. “My husband Brian and I were invited to help out with Music Schools,” she recalled. “We thoroughly enjoyed them and Weekend Workshops also. We went to almost all of them.” She once noted: “The food and sleep and that side of the weekend is important to free the boys up for proper functioning musically.”

She also served on seven overseas tours. A key role was scouting locations for camps and Music Schools – a difficult task. “There are not a lot around that will house a hundred people and, if they do, they don’t have enough rehearsal space.”

Above all, Lyn brought calm, common sense and practicality to the Choir and the ‘family’ feel which exists to this day. The vitality of her prodigious organising skills could not be underestimated.

Lyn’s work highlighted the importance parents play in the running of the ABC. The community paid tribute to Lyn in a concert in late 2000, just a year before she died. Following her death, the Clarkson family made a significant memorial donation which helped continue assistance to financially challenged Choir boys. Her commitment will never be forgotten.