We have been informed of sad news of the death of SMCS Old Boy Mike Benson
The following tribute was written by his SMC contemporary, Andy Vaughan-Jones.
Mike, a familiar face in the North Bedfordshire bell towers – Felmersham, Sharnbrook, Harrold and, when ‘roped in’, to help out, Turvey – passed in March at the grand old age of 80 years.
Not many people can say of an octogenarian that ‘I knew him man and boy’ but in my case it is true. Mike was my dormitory prefect and a Senior Chorister at St Michaels College Tenbury in 1954 and although we were out of touch until the early 80’s, a fortuitous meeting in Bedford brought us back into contact. By this time instead of being a young schoolboy this gentle and smiling giant of a man was married to Fiona and had three young boys Jeremy, Oliver and Timothy. He was at the time working as an Administrator of educational/vocational courses with City and Guilds having decided at a late stage to withdraw from his Ordination as a Church of England priest.
Sadly Mike and Fiona drifted apart having brought up three very successful children, and they parted company many years ago although remained good friends. Mike re-married to Reiko and the couple settled in Felmersham and over the ensuing years made several trips to Japan to spend time with Reiko’s family. Reiko still lives in Felmersham.
Mike was a leading light with the Bedford Choral Society and by all accounts had a beautiful singing voice. One of his major achievements was to produce and publish “Bedford’s Musical Society: A History of Bedford Choral Society” which was well received and carefully documents the history of this important local Society.
At the time of our renewing our acquaintance Mike was busy collecting ‘Classic cycles’ including amongst other treasures a penny farthing. His enthusiasm led to him being involved with the local and ‘larger than local’ Classic Cycle fraternity. He also went on to own a very early Skoda car (the one that all the jokes were about) which he maintained in beautiful condition. Sadly he parted company with all his cycles and later on the Skoda when ill health made driving difficult.
Mike had suffered from ‘Parkinsons’, for some time and friends and acquaintances would have been aware that his increasing infirmity would lead to him retiring from his beloved bell ringing.
Mike was a good friend and we shared many happy occasions over the years. I was to become a bell ringer and although it was obvious that my lack of co-ordination and advancing years would limit my progress Mike was very encouraging and helped me with my lame attempts to master even the most basic skills.
