'Remarkable' choir leader steps down after 26 years

Jill Marriott was the leader of the Long Eaton United Reformed Church choir

A choir leader from Derbyshire has performed her last concert after more than a quarter of a century conducting.

Jill Marriott started the Long Eaton United Reformed Church choir in 1998 and has since led 172 singers and raised thousands of pounds for charity through dozens of concerts.

She said nobody wanted to take on her role as leader so the group decided to end, and performed the final concert on 1 December.

Paul Race, a choir member who has nominated Ms Marriott for a UK national honour for services to the church and money she raised for charities, said she was a "truly remarkable lady" with a "heart of gold".

Paul Race said Ms Marriott was "a true choir leader"

She said she was "proud" of all members over the years, adding: "There is not much more I can say, but thank you."

Ms Marriott started the choir because the church needed to raise funds for renovation works and she said she was "always interested in music and singing".

"I asked a group of people in Long Eaton if they would come together and put on a small concert one evening," she said.

She added a good amount of money was raised, "which is what started it all off".

Choir member Ann Wooley said: "I just cannot believe it's the end.

"It's such a shame we can't carry on - sadly that was not to be. It's a huge commitment and that's all down to Jill."

Ms Marriott said she had worked with 172 singers during her 26 years as choir leader

Mr Race said Ms Marriott was "a very vibrant, conscientious lady, with such a positive resilient outlook in life, that is infectious".

Other members of the choir have nominated Ms Marriott for an honour.

Choir member Trevor Pearson said: "I couldn't think of a more deserving person to receive an award.

"I am proud to say that she is now, not only the lady whose choir I came to join, but a very special friend."

Graham Geeson, who has known Ms Marriott for 50 years, said: "She is well driven, very much of the 'old school' when nothing is impossible and everything is possible."

Ms Marriott said she had "mixed emotions" about leaving, but does not regret her decision.

Going forward, she said there were still "plenty of jobs to do" at the church and will now focus on spending more time with her two granddaughters.