Welcome to GeoffreyDancer.com
The Geoffrey Dancer Memorial Fund
The fund has been set up by Geoff's family with Emanuel School, Wandsworth in memory of his musical life. Geoff taught at the school for many years and we hope to raise funds through charitable donations on an annual basis and award the Geoffrey Dancer Prize to a young talented pianist each year.
The first Geoffrey Dancer Music Prize will be awarded to a very talented young female pianist at Emanuel School who is currently in year 11. She has already won the overall prize in the school's instrumental competition and achieved Grade 8 piano, Grade 4 organ, Grade 7 violin and singing grade 8. A worthy recipient of the award for 2009-2010.
With current funds we will be able to send the winner on a music summer school at Dartington Hall and afford similar prizes for many years to come.
Sincere thanks to everyone who has made a donation to the fund so far."
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If you wish to make a donation you may do so in two ways:
On Line: Go to www.emanuel.org.uk, follow the links to 'Support Us' and on the 'Donate Now' form select 'Geoffrey Dancer Prize' in the pop up menu in 'Additional Details'. Debit and Credit payment are accepted. Gift Aid is automatically claimed if you declare you are a taxpayer.
By Cheque: Please make your cheque payable to Emanuel School and send to Sarah Fisher at Emanuel School, Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HS.
Gift Aid: If you are a tax payer the school can reclaim tax on your gift, therefore in your covering letter, please write that you wish your gift to be donated to the Geoffrey Dancer Prize. Use the words: 'I declare that I am a UK taxpayer and I wish the school to treat, as Gift Aid, all my contributions to the Emanuel School Fund held by United Westminster Schools Charitable Foundation, charity No. 309267.'
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Following Geoff's death in December 2008, his business interests, and work in progress, have been passed to:
Derek Love
Piano Workshop
46b Albert Road North
Reigate
Surrey RH2 9EL
Tel 01737 242174
Website www.pianoworkshop.co.uk
Email info@pianoworkshop.co.uk
Please contact Derek with any enquiries you might have.
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This webpage is a repository of photos, videos, music and reminiscences of Geoff. The copy from Geoff's business website is here, which explains his approach to pianos and their restoration.
If you would like something posted on this page, do please send it to us by email.
30th January 2009
Geoff’s ashes
It was a typical atmospheric day in June, the day after Tony’s 65th birthday celebrations.
Brian had suggested Holy Island as ‘a truly special and magical place’.
We travelled north on the A1 towards Edinburgh in family cars.
Roger and Barbara looked after Geoff while Keith had brought along a few memories – a photo of Geoff, a music score, a photo of Geoff’s grand piano.
We crossed the causeway in the sunshine at Lindisfarne at 12 noon, Sat 13th June, and left the cars, facing a North Sea breeze that made you feel alive.
Coffee and cakes at the café while everyone gathered, then a heavy shower of rain.
A walk across the fields towards the castle dramatically guarding the coastline, but we carried on searching for a place by the sea guided by Tony. Others had been left behind to their own pilgrimages around the village.
It just happened. A boulder uncovered. A bare patch of earth exposed on a grassy bank next to the beach. Barbara used Susan’s trowel to remove the earth and everyone placed a cupful of Geoff’s ashes in the ground followed by the photos and music. Finally a small flowering plant covered the place and Chris supported this with pebbles collected from the nearby beach. Brian’s bottled water gave the plant a drink.
Few words were spoken and we all had our private thoughts for a while. The place felt right for Geoff, a place for a wonderful free spirit and a special brother.
Keith Dancer
13th Jul 2009
