Heartfelt thanks to arts lover Beryl

6:30pm Saturday 19th July 2008

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AN elderly patron of the arts who has introduced scores of Wyre Forest residents to ballet, opera and classical music has been recognised during a special reception.

Beryl Chapman, 83, of Park Lane, Bewdley, has spent more than 20 years organising trips for people throughout the district to see ballet at the Birmingham Hippodrome, listen to classical music at Symphony Hall or attend other venues.

More than 70 people expressed their thanks to her during a special celebration of her achievements at St Anne’s Church in Bewdley.

Ray Way, deputy chairman of the Theatre Trust, revealed that a plaque had been dedicated to her on one of the seats at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

She was also presented with flowers, letters of thanks and a pearl necklace by grateful residents.

Great-grandmother, Mrs Chapman, said: “The reception I had was wonderful. It was very nice of everyone. I really appreciated it.

”I am very pleased to have introduced so many people to ballet, opera and classical music. It feels lovely.”“ Mrs Chapman explained that she had started organising trips as a way of getting to see the arts without having to make the journey herself by car.

She said: “I have loved dancing since I was a child. Ballet is my favourite. The movement, the music, the dancing – everything is fantastic.”

She added: “If you are all tensed up and go to see ballet it relaxes you instantly. It improves the quality of life for everyone and brings real pleasure. To see that in other people is very satisfying.”

Mrs Chapman also introduced her late husband, Terence Chapman, a former RAF officer, to ballet and the couple lived all over Europe before retiring to Bewdley in 1981.

Jenny May, 65, of Rock, is one of the people who has benefited from Mrs Chapman’s coach trips.

She said: “She has introduced so many people to the arts. It was no mean feat organising everything for people and it was always done with a cheerful demeanour.

“She is a delightful, amazingly active woman who has made people really enjoy and want to see lots of music.

“She is a real patron of the arts in every sense. Now it is our turn to look after her and make sure she can keep going to events.”