ACT Remembers

Bill Springthorpe 1938 - 2014 Bill was a very loyal dedicated member of UAOS both on and off stage. He had a lovely baritone singing voice and from his first appearance for Ulverston in White Horse Inn in 1973 graced many a production during his 41 years with the Society. He also loved Gilbert and Sullivan and performed with Barrow Savoyards on many occasions. He shared his passion for musical theatre with his wife of 52 years, Barbara. Some of the roles he played over the years were Og in Finian’s Rainbow, Abernathy in Guys and Dolls, Dr Falke in Die Fledermaus, Dindon in La Cage aux Folles but the part he made his own was Alfred P Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Barbara and Bill had done everything together since meeting in the Youth Club of the Methodist Church in Newport, which was their home town. Bill had many varied hobbies and was actively involved with many worthwhile organisations such as the RNLI and the Prostate Cancer Group as well as being Secretary of the Ulverston Methodist Church. He was an avid sailor and past Commodore of Coniston Sailing Club, in fact only weeks before his untimely death he was preparing his cruiser for another season on the water. He did so much for others and was a lovely man, loved by all whose paths he crossed. Although fighting off the effects of his prostate problems he appeared as the Minister in our production, Whistle Down the Wind last September. His last performance came at his Celebration of Life which was a colourful affair attended by over 300 people when a DVD was shown of him performing one of his favourite G & S pieces as the Sentry in Iolanthe, ‘When All Night Long’ As the red velvet curtain closed at the Crematorium Bill received his last standing ovation. Bill as Sergeant Meryll in Yeomen of the Guard for Barrow Savoyards in 2004

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