A past winner of Britain’s Got Talent has contributed to a special book put together in memory of a "remarkable" musician and teacher from Norfolk.
Sergeant Major Colin Thackery, who won the UK's biggest talent show in 2019, is one of 40 contributors to ‘Richard White – A Remarkable Man: An alphabetical miscellany of memories’.
Mr White moved to the village of Claxton during the early 1970s and remained there until his death aged 83 last year.
He founded Claxton Opera, staging a series of productions, and became a teacher at Thorpe St Andrew School inspiring countless children.
His swansong was Britten’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ performed in 2014 inside the grounds of Ashby Hall.
It was through his involvement in shows with the Norfolk Opera Players and Claxton Opera that Mr White got to know Mr Thackery, who is from Norwich.
Mr White died in August 2021, with a service celebrating his life held the following autumn.
The new book, compiled by friends John and Katherine Gray, was inspired by memories which were shared at the service and was launched this year on the anniversary of the event.
Mr Gray said: “His death and a celebration of his life led to the publication of the collection of memories and gives the reader a glimpse of the man through the memories and words of those who knew him.
“Richard impacted countless people’s lives and the gathering was a culmination of this project.
“There are lots of people who attended the many shows Richard produced and we hope those who were interested in his life and performances, who were not able to hear of the final chapter, will be able to pick up a copy of the book.”
Family, friends and colleagues met at Limelight Studios in Norwich where they watched a presentation of pictures and were given copies of the book.
Mr Thackery, 92, entered Britain’s Got Talent after a dare and dedicated all three of his stirring televised performances to his late wife Joan, who passed away in 2016.
The war veteran broke a new record in the history of music when he signed his first record deal aged 89 – making him the oldest solo artist in the world to do so.
To obtain a copy of the book 'Richard White – A Remarkable Man: An alphabetical miscellany of memories' email johngrayotc@gmail.com
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