A tribute to Malcolm McEwan, our Vice Chairman between 2002 and 2011, who sadly passed away recently:
A few words about Mal and BOST – not Mal and several other Societies, just Mal and BOST – because with Mal there was only BOST, he was the most loyal member; quite happy to play a role, or be the tall one in the back row of the chorus.
As Vice Chairman, Chairman of the Audition Committee, Chairman of the Marketing Committee, Mal was an integral member of the small bunch of people who, year after year, show after show, week in week out, are always there, when the stars have shone and gone – selling tickets, making costumes, props, tea, etc, attending meeting after meeting to ensure the smooth running of the Society. Mal was the friendliest face of BOST – first with the handshake and usually, “Hiya mate, lovely to see you, how are you doing?”. He thought we were all brilliant, even when we were not! Now and then he was brilliant himself – remember his King Pellinore in Camelot?
Naturally we feel sad, but we should also feel glad and privileged to have known Mal, and we’ll carry on, despite the massive hole he’s left in our lives – he’d expect nothing less.
It’s true that no-one is indispensable, but, some people, like Mal, are simply irreplaceable. Well played Mal, you were brilliant!
Written by John Bowen.