In Memoriam

Arthur Soothill
By Rodney Newton

Arthur Soothill was born in Nottingham and trained as an engineer. He was also a very talented percussionist and became, for many years, the resident tuned percussion player at the London Palladium (at a time when the theatre had its own permanent orchestra).

On the dissolution of the Palladium orchestra, he turned to his former occupation, becoming the most sought-after percussion technician in the south of England. He held a contract for the maintenance of percussion equipment in all the BBC house orchestras throughout Great Britain and his workshop in Walkern, near Stevenage in Hertfordshire, was a focal point for every timpanist and percussionist who needed any kind of repair carried out. No job was too small or too large for Arthur, whose engineering skills were of the highest order. He was immensely popular among his colleagues and, as a loyal friend, he was without equal.

Some years ago he suffered a major stroke, but appeared to be making a good recovery when cancer of the pancreas was diagnosed. Arthur died on June 13. His many friends throughout the music profession send their sympathy and kindest wishes to his wife, Sheila, and his son on the loss of a unique individual. He will be sorely missed.