John Bettley (1950 - 2007)

Born in Yorkshire in 1950, John Bettley moved with his parents to Gloucester at an early age where he joined the Cathedral Choir. On leaving school he went to Durham University as Organ Scholar. On graduation he joined the teaching profesion, evenually taking the post of Head of Music at Windsor Boys’ School and was Organist here in St.Michael’s for 12 years before taking up the post of Director of Music at the Cathedral School in Bristol in 2005.

He will be remembered for his excellent musicianship, his incredible ability to mentor and encourage young musicians, amongst whom is our present Organist and, of course, his wonderful sense of humour. Certainly and by no means least, he will be remembered as a loved friend of our community here in St.Michael’s.

Although he moved to Bath on taking up his position at Bristol Cathedral in September 2005 he returned to St Michael’s on a number of occasions to participate in special musical events put on by our Choir.

He died aged 57, in hospital from injuries received in a traffic accident not far from his home in Bath.

Over 200 people including members of St. Michael’s choir, a large contingent from the Windsor Boys’ School and Bristol Cathedral School attended the funeral service lead by the Revd. George Repath in St. Michael’s on Thursday 6th December 2007, which was preceded by the bells being rung
half-muffled.