Obituaries - Northampton Amateur Operatic Society

Northampton Amateur Operatic Company

Since our production in October 2010 the company has lost 3 of its most prominent members, Peter Robertson, Joyce and Les Wilmer. Les was due to receive his 60 year NODA medal this year.　 Les joined NAOC in 1952 and his fine tenor voice was heard in leading roles as well as being a member of the chorus in many productions. A long standing committee member, Les was prolific in his work backstage, making many "props" and assisting stage management. He combined his many talents with a great sense of humour and was a pillar of NAOC for many years.　 During his long career ith us Les was suported by Joyce his devoted wife who acted as wardrobe mistress, booking agent and undertook many other tasks to ensure the smooth running of NAOC.　 Joyce and Les were proud life members and could always be seen front of house welcoming our patrons during show week. After a long and happy marriage Joyce and Les died within weeks of each other during the spring and summer this year.

Peter Robertson first sang with the NAOC concert group through his involvement with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Northampton.　 From the concert group Peter became a member of the main company and enjoyed taking part in our most recent productions.　 His outgoing personality made him many friends within the company and his sudden death left us all with a sense of personal loss.　 An accountant by profession, Peter acted as auditor for the company.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Joyce, Les and Peter for dedicating so much of their time and talents to NAOC.

Cliff Billing - President of Northampton Amateur Operatic Company.