MARTIN HOW

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Former RSCM Choirmaster Martin How went into a Croydon care home in March 2022 and sadly died on 25 July. Many messages of goodwill and memories were sent by former choristers and colleagues around the world to the Addington Palace Network website. They are reproduced on this page.

The Funeral was held at The Minster, (formerly known as Croydon Parish Church), on Tuesday 23rd August at 11.30am, followed by a short Committal at Croydon Crematorium with just Father Andrew in attendance.

There will be a Memorial Event for Martin at Croydon Minster on Saturday 18 February 2023.

The Vicar (Fr Andrew Bishop) has agreed that it will be a "Come and Sing" Service which will be a really fitting way to celebrate Martin's life. Adrian Lucas will be directing the choir (with Roger Sayer accompanying) and they will be singing Martin's own composition "The Hope of Splendour Requiem Cantata".

The schedule is likely to be:
10am - 12:30; choir rehearsal with a break
12:30 - 1:30; choir packed lunch
2pm; Service.
3pm; Reception at the Banqueting Hall, Old Palace School (adjacent to the Minster)

NOTE: The organisers would like some idea of numbers so, if think you might be able to attend the event, could you please email and let me know by 16th December. Click here to email me. Thank you.

Former RSCM choristers have expressed a wish that the event is recorded on video, so that those who are unable to attend can see it on the internet later. The Addington Palace Network has agreed to fund the production and contributions towards the cost would be appreciated. More details will follow in due course.

25 August 2022 - Colin Sell
Just a line to thank you again for keeping me informed about Martin's funeral. I thought it was a fine farewell to the man, not least having his evocative setting of 'Day by Day' at the beginning. It was also a big turnout, just as he deserved. Fr Andrew did a first class job (if that's the expression), and only omitted mentioning Martin's twinkly sense of humour and his powers of mimicry, both of which stay in my mind so that I can't think of him without smiling.
I also want to thank you for keeping me up to date on the progress, or more sadly, the decline of Martin's health over the last few months. I'm glad I managed to drop in on him when he was well, and am sorry I never made it to the hospice. But there's always something to regret when we lose someone, I suppose.

7 August 2022 - John Ellis
So sorry to hear of the passing away of Martin How. He was a great friend to all, I felt in my days singing at Addington Palace. Good wishes at this sad time for his relatives.

28 July 2022 - Tony Clarke
I was so sad to receive the news of Martin's death. For the time I was under his wing as a chorister he played such an important part in shaping my future as, during my time at AP, my Father died in an horrific car accident. With his usual calming manner Martin guided and helped me survive this terrible ordeal. Martin's kindness to my Mother and I was so wonderful it will never be forgotten and, when we moved and I left AP earlier than I would have liked, he kept in touch and even came to stay with us in Crowborough!
I was so pleased my Wife and I were able to join the celebrations at the reunion in 2013. I spoke to Martin after he went into care and he still spoke in his usual jovial way. God Bless you Martin - you will always have a special place in my heart.

28 July 2022 - David Thorne
I first met Martin whilst a very young chorister living in Exeter during the early sixties. I even travelled to Bristol one evening to rehearse for a large service he conducted in St. Paul's Cathedral in 1965. I was fortunate to be awarded a scholarship to study at Addington Palace between 1969 and 1970 and was much influenced by his excellent musicianship along with that of Michael Fleming. They both greatly influenced my future career.
My one lasting memory will be the joy of being invited to play for a large choral festival conducted by Martin in the Fairfield Halls in 1976. I returned to Portsmouth inspired by the overall experience and moreover, much humbled by Martin's most generous comments relating to the organ accompaniment.

27 July 2022 - Peter Grover
How sad – an end to an era for so many of us, and an important person in my life, like no other. Sadly, I hadn't seen Martin for almost four years thanks to Covid's arrival, but happily, I did get to speak to him over the phone soon after he moved into the nursing home. One would not have known he was gravely ill. He remained as lively as ever and full of memories – seemingly untouched by the passing years.
Sadly we all have to face up to what seemed impossible, as he was such a life-force. It goes without saying that he had amazing talents as a musician, and he made each of us feel we made a vital contribution to the choir. Yet it was his talents as an exemplar of the human condition he truly excelled. This is how he became such an important part of my life and so many others; and for my part he, like no other, helped me find my way forward in life. What I learned at Addington had such a profound impact on what came later.
I shall treasure the memory of a person full of energy, talents, and goodness.

27 July 2022 - Colin Creed
I feel so sad to know we have lost our dear choirmaster, thanks for letting me know. It is truly the end of an era, but for all of us ex choristers, it has been a very long era. I count myself very lucky to have been placed under the care and direction of such a wonderful human being, from such an early age. RIP Martin How, you have been a shining example to us all.

27 July 2022 - Roger Durston
That is very sad news. He was an inspirational leader and example for all of us.

27 July 2022 - Ian Clifton-Everest
A wonderful, full and remarkable life! So much wisdom, joy and happiness given to others.

27 July 2022 - Peter Crofts
So very sorry to hear of Martin's passing but pleased to have been able to visit him shortly before his illness and reminisce about the joyous times and influences Martin had on all of our lives. May he rest in peace.

26 July 2022 - Chris Chambers
We have lost someone who helped so many of us in our early years to develop far beyond what we would otherwise have done, and whose influence has guided us for many decades. His humour never left him, and his positivity towards every one of us will remain as a legacy for us to remember him by.

26 July 2022 - Marilyn Harper
From being a young teenager in the north of England in the 1960s, one was aware of Martin How, and of his importance to the RSCM's choral work. I did not attend courses as young person, misguidedly thinking that such opportunities were not intended for me (how wrong my perceptions were). I ended up buying the organist's medal from the shop. Martin's work, however, was mentioned in every magazine, and once Norman and I moved to London in 1986, I met him for the first time several years after that in South London. His reputation was legendary. He took the trouble to reassure me, that despite my lack of involvement with the RSCM, that my contributions to church music in general were still worthy.
He was the kindest gentleman one could dream of meeting. His gentle words made a difference. Such kindness seemed to emanate from his beautiful piano works, recorded by himself, a very gentle, gentleman.

26 July 2022 - Brian Weller
I'm so sad to hear of Martin's passing and I do know that he was ready to be with The Lord. Martin was my first mentor and his constant kindness and smiling wisdom became my ideal for how to live a life of service.
It's certainly an end of an era for us all and Martin will be greatly missed. As an exemplary teacher and herald of church music, his extraordinary gifts touched so many all over the world. Martin's legacy will endure.

Martin passed away on Monday 25 July 2022.

25 July 2022 - Peter Hood
I have heard this week from Martin's friend Diana, that he is deteriorating now and has been anointed by a member of The Minster Clergy. He has a slow-release morphine patch and is peaceful and pretty much pain free. Whitgift House is in lock down due to Covid and no visitors, apart from Diana, are allowed in at present.

7 June 2022 - Geoffrey King
Dear Uncle Martin, I have been thinking of you often with love and gratitude and sadness, since Peter Hood informed me of your illness a few weeks ago.
This morning, whilst working on my new clarinet sonata, the train of thought went like this: In the third movement, which is more or less a gigue, by chance, suddenly, there crops up a little melodic phrase reminiscent of Handel's "I know that my redeemer liveth". That was the very first vocal piece I learned. My sister had taken me to St Edward's in New Addington to join the choir and the choirmaster taught us that on my first evening. After a few weeks he took some of us one Saturday morning to Addington Palace. We were introduced into the Robing Room where you were rehearsing some boys in Stanford's Beati quorum via. The part singing of the boys was so beautiful I was absolutely ravished as if I had stepped into a bit of paradise. It was my first meeting with you and the beginning of something immensely fruitful for me. God bless you.
With love and gratitude, Geoffrey.

7 May 2022 - Peter Hood
Martin is still with us and the latest report I have is that he is comfortable & being well looked after. There is no significant change in his condition and he is eating small meals. However, he is still losing weight. Martin is cheerful, spends most of his time in bed and is grateful for the messages that have been flooding in. A close friend has read out the messages from his "Grandads" and others which have appeared on the Addington Palace Network site.

5 May 2022 - John Eagles
I paid Martin a visit today in Whitgift Care Home during a short visit to Croydon. I was not really knowing what state I would find him in, but he was remarkably sharp and responsive and readily engaged in conversation. He wanted to know a lot about where I had been since I was one of his trebles at AP, and most of the names and places I mentioned he easily recalled. I was able to show him the Order of Service / autobiography for Robert Prizeman's thanksgiving service that I attended at St John's Upper Norwood last Monday, which for someone of his age was read avidly!
The care home is quite new and seems to be well staffed and with good facilities. I spent longer there than the intended 15 minutes or so, but at no point did I get the impression he was being overburdened. He asked to be remembered to you, to Peter Hood and all the other former choristers.

27 April 2022 - Norman Harper
My earliest experiences of Martin were in the late 1980s, when I would drive two of my choristers from school to Addington Palace on Monday evenings to rehearse with the Addington Group. It was an honour to meet Martin and a joy to be present at his rehearsals. I don’t think I ever sang - he had more taste - but I observed a great deal. On a few occasions Martin invited me to accompany evensongs with the Southern Cathedral Singers, and I quickly had to sharpen my act to meet his requirements. If he expected great things of his choristers, he expected even more of his organists, and rightly so.
Following various encounters more recently at Croydon Minster, the last occasion I saw and spoke with Martin was at a Eucharist at St Matthew's Westminster in honour of his 90th birthday. For me this entailed playing two voluntaries and a Mass setting of his, all wonderfully romantic, post-Elgarian music, on a wonderfully classical organ with no swell box or playing aids; and all in the composer’s presence. It was certainly a challenge but I'm very glad I took it on. Martin's lively and thoughtful address to the congregation and everything about him belied his great age, and it would have been hard to predict that he would now be so unwell physically, albeit spiritually and mentally as strong as ever.
Martin is certainly very much in our thoughts and prayers at this time and we send him our very best wishes.

16 April 2022 - Chris Chambers
This week I visited Martin. I was rather wary of doing so, because there must be so many people who would like to do so, or have contacted him by phone, and I didn’t want to intrude. But Martin was as welcoming as ever, although extremely weak.
He greeted me with his typical humour; "Now, you remind me of someone I used to know..." and, despite being clearly very ill, managed to remember all kinds of incidents and responded with amazing clarity. I mentioned that I had come from Stoke-on-Trent, and he broke into song, with a rendition of his old school song, which referred to the "flowing Trent". I didn’t criticise his singing (which was unsurprisingly rather soft) but did comment on his 'old man' impersonation, which he always produces, but has now become his actual persona. He then made this much more exaggerated, to show that he wasn’t quite as decrepit as he can act!
Apparently, he is popular with the staff in the nursing home, whom he entertains with his humour, and they facilitate his many phone calls, letters, and cards, the quantity of which amazes them! Of course, in reality, Martin has indeed lost much of his physical strength, and is unlikely to be with us for long. But we talked for about a quarter of an hour before he became too tired to continue, and I left. He reminisced about Addington Palace, and various old choristers, such as Peter Hood, and especially Colin Creed, who was responsible for suggesting to him that I should be invited to join the choir. He spoke quite a bit about Repton, and how he had been encouraged by older boys to do running as a sport. This was in contrast to how boys often are with younger members of a school, and made a big impression on him.
I think that this probably formed the basis of his interactions with everyone he met throughout his life. He always made everyone feel they were special, that their ideas were worthwhile, that their talents were there to be developed, that they all had a contribution to make. His ability to develop choirs and bring the best from them came from interacting with each person, creating an enthusiasm so they all felt they were a vital part of the whole performance, but also important as an individual too.
Knowing Martin's age now, and looking back at those early Addington days, I feel it was amazing that a fairly inexperienced young man of less than 25 years of age should be given the job of creating the Addington Palace choir, with all that it led to. To me as a 9-year-old, Martin seemed old, and it was just natural that this mature man led us all as he did. But it must have been a fairly risky appointment, given our understanding of safeguarding etc which really wasn’t thought about then. How he managed to get into so many schools and encourage parents to agree to send their children to this unknown choir, let alone train everyone to such high standards is just a small part of how remarkable he was. Leading groups of us running round the local countryside, or driving an old army lorry to scout camp – or his own car sometimes laden with boys – taking groups to the TV studios, to cathedrals, organising courses, or different singing venues, yet being under thirty years of age is pretty impressive.
We were all privileged to have as a guide and mentor someone who had such strong values, vision, and positivity. He has had a profound influence on my life, and I am sure on the lives of everyone else who came into contact with him. I have never met anyone else who exuded such unconditional goodness.
When I saw him this week, he commented that I had had a long journey for such a short visit, and I replied that people would travel for two minutes with the Queen, and he was really like royalty. He brushed this off with an impersonation of Her Majesty saying "Lovely to meet you". He has a clear view of the next stage of his life, and I wished him a safe journey.

11 April 2022 - Adrian Adams
It was within the last 6 months that Martin and I enjoyed lunch with Harry Bramma. We had the usual greeting - "How are you, Martin?" to which he responded in customary fashion "I'm terribly sorry to tell you but I am awfully well." This recent news of Martin is shocking and sad. He will be very much in my thoughts and prayers and with those from St John's, Upper Norwood where a number of Addington choristers sang, some for over 50 years.
Thank you for keeping everyone posted. Martin is a very special person.

10 April 2022 - John & Liz Woodhouse
It is very sad to hear of Martin's illness. He has been an enormous inspiration to so many for so many years. I first went to Addington Palace in 1959 aged 12. We often visited from our home in South Norwood and I remember a day at Guildford cathedral with the Southern cathedral singers when Martin had us standing all the time! Liz and I became members of the Addington Palace madrigal society which later became the Nicholson Singers. At a concert in the grand Hall the piano started to move as Martin played Brahms. He was completely unfazed and simply carried on! Once when singing carols at a house in Bishop's Walk the boys failed to appear. Martin's comment that we have some of the finest singers in London put paid to the host's concerns! Our son Dennis sang in his training choir.
I often play Martin's music especially his Advent piece composed for the Bromley and Croydon Organists association. He asked me to turn pages at a Croydon Minster recital with a rehearsal beforehand. The tribute to Elgar was pieces of manuscript! In the Bach I missed adding the mixture the first time so second time around "Are you ready John?" Martin really is an Advent person full of faithful expectation and ready to be "promoted to glory".

9 April 2022 - Ian Clifton-Everest
This is sad news. But my foremost thought is that Martin's life is something to be celebrated for what he brought to so many of us. Because I am many hundreds of miles from Croydon, it is great to know that, Peter, Brian and others have been able to visit Martin and to say once again how we all treasure what he brought to our lives. Many thanks to you, for doing this. It is reassuring to know that Martin seems so much as peace with himself, but then who would expect anything different from Martin!

9 April 2022 - John Ellis
Sorry to hear the news about Martin How.

9 April 2022 - Peter Grover
Thank you for the update on Martin's condition. A few weeks ago I contacted Colin to arrange to meet up with Martin for his birthday as was our custom. Covid had put a stop to this so I was keen to make contact again. Consequently it was a great shock to learn of his illness. Only a few months ago he still seemed just as ever. I was lucky in that I got through to him at the Whitgift House nursing home. His speech was fine and his mind was as clear as ever. But, he said, he felt ready to 'move on'...'to a better place' as he put it, showing his faith remains as strong as ever.
I can't list all the ways or sufficiently express my gratitude for how he helped steer me through life. He opened up a world of music that has remained open to me all my life with exciting memories of concerts performed (as an amateur) around Europe. He set me on a path. Further, albeit by accident, set me on a path which led to me meeting my wife.
A local choir (Amici) is run by an excellent organist, Andrew Thewhella, who is the head of music at the local Wellington School. Soon after he took over the choir I noticed something familiar about how he took the rehearsal. I just had to ask him if he knew Martin. He did, and said how he owed him so much. Andrew is more than 30 years my junior yet Martin was still having a positive impact on people.
He gave us so much at Addington when he was a young man, but this clearly continued throughout his life. He remains in my thoughts. Please keep me up to date with his progress.

9 April 2022 - John Eagles
In common with everyone else who had a connection with Martin, I was saddened to hear about his illness
I first acquired my experience of singing as a chorister at the RSCM under Martin's direction during the early 1960s before he went out 'in the field' to become RSCM Southern Commissioner. I retained periodic contact with him as local resident ever since, particularly when I became a full-time student at Addington in the 1970s. More recently, everyone who attended will remember the reunion of former choristers at the Palace in 2013. I still have the photograph of us, 'his granddads', giving massed voice on the stairway leading from the great hall!
I think everyone was amazed that he managed to maintain an active retirement for so long, and we rejoice that he was able to display his musical gifts to such a ripe age of 91. I pray that the coming weeks and maybe months will not become an undeserved and protracted burden.

9 April 2022 - Paul Benton
I wish to add my very best wishes to Martin as he was an exemplar of what it is to be a Master of Choristers. To bring together a disparate group of teenage boys and turn them into the RSCM main choir was an amazing achievement with never a cross word or any sense of disappointment with us. We chose to follow his calm and very tempered leadership and were able to perform to an amazing standard around the UK in cathedrals, the Albert Hall, Covent Garden and on radio as well as our local churches. His influence cannot be overstated. I am forever grateful.

9 April 2022 - Colin Sell
Thank you so much for sending this sad news. It looks as if Martin is able to have visitors if only briefly so, as I haven’t seen him for some time, I thought I'd contact the care home and perhaps drop in – unless you or they advise otherwise. I'll email him in case he can cope with communications that way. Please do keep me in the loop.

9 April 2022 - Colin Creed
Thank you for doing this, it's a great idea which hopefully will be seen by many of Martin's former Choristers. I have been talking to and emailing Peter Hood and Peter Grover over the past week or so; it's very sad, but I suppose inevitable for someone of 91 years. Peter Hood very kindly offered to pick me up for his trip to the nursing home the other day, but sadly it came at a very difficult time as I was literally just about to go abroad, which is where I am now.
A week ago, I did write to Martin on his birthday and wished him all the best. Unfortunately at the time I was unaware of just how bad he is, so my 'get well soon' message may have been inappropriate.
It's very nice to know you're are still actively keeping the Addington Palace Network website going. I look at it from time to time and it cheers me up to think of those wonderful times we had as young boys. All thanks to Martin of course but, as Peter Hood and I agreed, we all got on so well with one another. It was a marvelous fellowship and lovely that we can still be in touch, due to your splendid website. To quote Martin's words...Well done you!

9 April 2022 - Adrian Crowley
I am so sorry to hear the sad news of Martin’s illness. I wish him all the best and thank him for the amazing time he gave me while I was a chorister and scout at Addington Palace.

9 April 2022 - Mel Turtell
So sorry to hear the sad news. My thanks to you and Peter for keeping us informed of further developments. Regards to all.

8 April 2022 - Tim Attree
Thank you for including me in the distribution of this email. I first knew Martin when I joined the Southern Cathedral Singers around 1977 and his amazing choral training led to me winning the Choirboy of the Year competition way back in 1980, when he also was accompanist on finals day.
I rejoined the SCS as a bass in 1985 and continued until he stepped down and handed over to John Wardle. It's been many years since I last met Martin, although my father was in contact with him until he passed away last August. So many happy memories and what a fantastic human being!

8 April 2022 - Brian Weller
Yes, I do know about Martin's situation and I've spoken to him twice this week at the Whitgift House nursing home. Not for long as he does tire rather quickly. I've been in touch throughout with Peter Hood and we have both said how much we love him and for all the wonderful years he gave us. True service bathed in love and appreciation for the RSCM and all of who have been touched so deeply by him.
Martin also mentioned to me that he's very ready for The Lord to receive him as I'm sure He will. I can well imagine that Martin will be teaching choristers and choir masters in that other place and taking his life's work to another level.
He's as comfortable as can be expected and has some digestion issues that his doctor is helping him with. Here's Peter's latest email to me regarding the possibility of a webcast of the memorial service at Croydon Minster.

Hello again Brian,
I know that Martin has regular visits from his priest and was given holy communion on Sunday. I am in contact with the people at Croydon Minster who will be implementing Martin's instructions for the funeral when the time comes and will enquire re live streaming. I'll be back in touch when I have more news. With love, Peter.

8 April 2022 - Bob Atkinson
Thank you for sharing the news about Martin's condition. It is indeed sad, but his strong faith will see him through to the end and he will be in the safe hands of the Heavenly Father.

8 April 2022 - Laurie and all the King family
I had heard this sad news via Croydon Minster contacts and we all are sending up our prayers for him. Thank you for this update. Please keep me posted.

8 April 2022 - Peter Hood
As you know Martin has been unwell of late and I'm afraid that the news is not good. He went into hospital to have the blockage removed and there it was discovered that he has bowel cancer. This did not really surprise me as he had mentioned a weight loss of two stone. I haven't been able to ascertain any prognosis but what I do know is that he does not want any treatment. Basically he has had enough now and is happy to move on.
From hospital he went to a very nice care home in South Croydon where he will stay until the end. I visited him there on Monday and, although he is frail, he is still very sharp and has complete recall of people, places & events from the days we were all at Addington Palace. I told him what great days they were and, on behalf of all his choristers, told him how much we all appreciated the wonderful experience we had under his leadership and how significant his mentoring had been.
Martin has a strong faith and is now ready to meet his maker as soon as his maker is ready to meet him! His words. In view of this I personally hope that he can slip away peacefully very soon without any further pain or suffering.