Remembering Mary Jordan

Sadly, we have to report the passing of Mary Jordan at the beginning of December 2019. Mary and Reg were involved with Red Spider from its inception; Reg often having a part and Mary selling tickets and helping with front of house. Most recently, she was also involved with researching and planning the exhibition which accompanied the production of Fine Young Men and was responsible particularly for the Bratton Clovelly display.

Although already undergoing treatment, she was able to attend our most recent production: Dangerous Corner. We would like to extend our sympathy to Reg and to their daughters Sandra and Rachael, son-in-law Roger and Nicholas, their grandson.

Mary, although never persuaded to be active on the stage, was an invaluable member of the Spiderteam. We will miss her greatly.

Remembering Bill Stuart and Jean Greenhalgh

It is with great sadness that we have to record that Bill Stuart, who was one of the original members of RSC, has recently passed away.

Many readers will remember Bill’s performances in a great number of RSC productions, as well as his directing, producing and stage managing many of the productions over the years. He, together with his late wife, Caroline, was a longstanding and active member of the committee and organised many enjoyable theatre trips for members. His funeral, which took place on 27th March at Thrushelton Church, was attended by many present and past Spiders, as well as by a wide range of friends and relations. A rose or shrub will be purchased in his memory, to be planted in the Forgotten Garden at Lew Trenchard.

We were equally saddened by the earlier death of Jean Greenhalgh, who was an enthusiastic and active member of RSC for over 10 years.

Many will remember, with great affection, her running of the raffles at numerous productions, which complemented (and on occasions surpassed) the evening’s formal entertainment. It is proposed that a further rose or shrub will be planted in Jean’s memory.