I
was so sorry to hear that Martin Simmonds passed
away peacefully on Saturday, 28th February 2009.
He had a long, outstanding career – much
of his time being devoted to the Imperial Society
of Teachers of Dancing. In fact, even during
his last few years whilst not in the best of
health, he was still a serving member of the
Society’s Grand Council.
I
count myself most fortunate to have known Martin
over many years since my very early teaching
days. Initially, our paths crossed as he was
often engaged to examine at my Studio. In fact
he became a great favourite with the candidates,
as he was always able to ‘break the ice’
and make them feel at ease when walking into
the room to take their examinations. However,
his keen eye never missed a thing!
Martin
served on many ISTD Committees over the years
but it will be for his services to the Sequence
Faculty Committee that he will be remembered
most. This spanned a period of over 40 years,
the last nine of which, as a very dedicated
and much loved Chairman. He was very strong
in this leadership role but also extremely modest.
Not once did I hear of Martin putting himself
forward – he only ever strove to encourage
and inspire others, particularly new young professionals.
In
Martin’s company, humour was never far
away. He always had amusing stories to tell
– often about some of his examining experiences!
However, I shall always remember his many Dorset
colloquialisms. On several occasions, if telling
me that someone had tried to ‘pull the
wool over his eyes’ he would say: “they
think that I came up the Thames in a doughnut
dear!” I never managed to see the connection
between the county of Dorset and the River Thames
but it never failed to make me laugh!
Over
the last few years, from time to time, I would
visit Martin in his beautiful home in Bournemouth
to chat over a cup of tea. He was always unfailingly
cheerful and eager to be brought up to date
with the latest dancing news. In between times
we would converse quite regularly on the telephone.
His closing words to me before replacing the
receiver would always be “God bless”.
I now ask that God blesses you Martin and the
loving family that you leave behind –
Tom, Charles, Tracey and Katie, for you have
enriched the lives of many, especially mine.
Jill Bush, Chairman,
ISTD Sequence Faculty Committee
Martin
was probably one of the most popular Examiners
in the ISTD. He examined in all Dancesport Faculties
and was the first triple examiner to be appointed.
Many,
many teachers benefited from Martin’s
professional training particularly in the Bournemouth
area and the West of England. Having coached
so many professionals himself, he had an unerring
ability to put the candidates at ease in the
Theory part of their teaching examination. In
fact all grades of candidates enjoyed having
him as an Examiner and his friendly manner brought
the best out in candidates which of course often
resulted in good marks.
At
committee level Martin brought common sense
and a down to earth approach always with the
working teacher’s needs at the forefront
of his contributions.
Vernon
Kemp
Martin,
Gordon Little and I were all appointed as Ballroom/Latin
Examiners on the same day, 38 years ago. This
gave the three of us a special friendship that
lasted all these years. Martin was a big character,
who loved to laugh and the stories were rife
when the three of us got together – sometimes
at his apartment, where he would cook, at which
he was an expert. He produced wonderful meals,
beautifully served at an immaculately laid table
always with some of his vast collection of cut
glass.
He
loved the ISTD and was always promoting our
Society in all ways possible. Much of his teaching
was with professional candidates and he trained
almost all of the West Country teachers –
and others from further afield – for Ballroom,
Latin and Sequence ISTD qualifications.
I
was fortunate to see one of his last demonstrations
with his wife Sheila at the Carl Alan Ball at
the Lyceum in the Strand when they were British
Champions, and what a charismatic performance
they gave. Certainly the best that I ever saw
in Sequence, full of vitality and contrasting
with lovely interpretations of the slower dances.
How
sad that he has had to bear such a debilitating
illness for so long. He will be sadly missed.
Anne
Lingard
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