MR ARTHUR SMITH

Early day motion 780, tabled 24 May 2000 by David Chaytor (Labour). Signed by 14 members.

That this House congratulates Mr Arthur Smith on successfully completing sixty-five years as organist and choirmaster of Christ Church, Walmersley, in the constituency of Bury North; notes that Mr Smith is almost certainly both the organist and the choirmaster with the longest record of continuous service at any church in the United Kingdom; commends his good humour, dedication, patience, universal popularity and admirable record of service to his community; and calls on the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to consider the means by which the contribution to the local community of talented and dedicated musicians and teachers such as Arthur Smith could be formally recognised.

Signatures by party: Labour 13, Labour/Co-operative 1.