MOLLY ONIONS 1917 - 2005
Long-Serving Member
Died Tuesday 1 February 2005
Molly Onions joined Birmingham Choral Union (Contralto line) sometime after the war, although it may have been as late as 1960.
Molly was a stalwart and popular member of the choir, hardly ever missing a rehearsal. She supported all aspects of the choir and could always be found making the tea during the many fund-raising jumble sales which used to be held by the choir. Molly would have been 88 on 2 February.
Molly was a first alto and always had a feisty, independent spirit and an infectious giggle! She was a stickler for organisation and was always the first to demand information about forth-coming concerts and events. She was always eager to attend workshops and choral weekends and derived much pleasure from these.
She had a fund of anecdotes about Harold Gray, conductor from 1954 until 1974, Richard Silk and David Sadler. It is surprising that she never mentioned Appleby Matthews or Denis Crosby since she was a member of the choir during their tenure.
Molly was a schoolteacher, rising to Headmistress, when she ruled 'firmly but fairly'. She used to tell about times when she was on night-time fire-patrol during the war and then had to face her pupils the next day, without falling asleep. She was a Girl Guide Leader as well as a teacher. She enjoyed many school cruises and had many stories about these. It was hard work but she enjoyed these immensely. She was still in touch with her former teachers and dinner ladies, several of whom have been visiting her while she was in hospital. She used to enjoy regular coffee mornings and pub lunches with these various groups of former colleagues. We understand that even her teachers were a little afraid of her! Molly retired in 1977 and had a long and fulfilling retirement.
Molly had several interests in addition to her music. She was a member of the National Trust, English Heritage and was a Friend of Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery. She was a committed member of The Wanderers (a holiday club) and enjoyed many exciting foreign holidays exploring churches, cathedrals, art galleries and many artistic locations. However, she frequently lamented that she couldn't 'do anything creative' like painting, drawing or sewing. She was, however, renowned for her 'three-hole stitching' which she used to stop her sheets of music slipping around! Of course, she could play the piano and sing but didn't seem to count that!
Molly will be sadly missed.
Her funeral was held at Robin Hood Crematorium, Streetsbrook Road, Shirley, Solihull on Monday 14 February at 13:00 when members of the Choral Union sang "He That Shall Endure to the End" from Mendelssohn's Elijah.
Lynne Davies