It is with great sadness that we announce the recent death of Brenda Philpott, past Chairman of IOW Cantata Choir. 

Brenda was a senior teacher at Roedean Private School for Girls in Sussex, and taught at Upper Chine School in Shanklin; becoming its Headmistress. 

She was a very enthusiastic, stalwart member of the choir for many years during the 1980s and 1990s, alongside her great friend, and fellow teacher at Upper Chine School, Kate Pugh (who died a few years ago). 

Brenda was well-regarded and served as a committee member; including in the role of Alto Section Leader, and then as a hard-working, reliable and dedicated Chairman, remembered as being “very supportive” to Musical Director at the time, Douglas Potts. 

When Brenda retired from being Head of Upper Chine School, she liked to travel and is remembered for conscientiously arranging her travel dates around the choir’s rehearsal schedule.  

In later years Brenda continued to be a very keen supporter and Patron of the choir. 

Aged 92 years, Brenda died in St Marys Hospital, in the early morning hours of Thursday 3rd November, after a short illness. 

Brenda was not married, and did not have any immediate or extended family. 

Our thoughts and best wishes are with her friends who remember her fondly.