John was a leading member of the set design and construction team from the first moment he joined the Company in 1972 after moving back to St Albans. So much so that in 1974 he was appointed as one of the original Technical Directors - in his case for the Workshop. His creativity and attention to detail have led to countless amazing constructions over the years; in 1981, for example, he created a large spiral ramp for a production of Follow the Star and in 1984 designed the original version of the seating rostra in the then new Studio theatre. Others can attest to his construction skills but we should also mention his very considerable contribution to our early IT systems. John and his wife Suzanne - who appeared on stage many times until her health declined - were constant supporters of all that we did. Many of us will remember that, from anywhere on stage, one would always know if John was in the audience because his distinctive laugh would ring out loud and clear, often from the front row. As we heard at his funeral service, he certainly merited the description of ‘polymath’ and brought his many skills to the Company and the theatre in many different ways - a contribution which was recognised by the award of Honorary Life Membership. He will be very greatly missed by us all. Paul Davidson