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Monday, August 11, 2008, 07:00
John Davis joined the Torbay Recorded Music Society in 1958, eight years after it was set up.
The society has weekly meetings and serves as a social group travelling to concerts and operas together.
John, 79, has been chairman of the society on and off for the last 50 years and still holds the position.
He said: "I have to step down from the chairman's position every three years and let someone else take over, but I am always back for more.
"I have had a fantastic, incredible time with the Torbay Music Society — it has been the thrill of my life."
He intends to continue his involvement with the society for as long as he can.
He said: "As long as the good lord allows me to stay on this earth I will be involved with the society."
John is an insatiable record collector and lifelong concert goer.
His principal music interests are the Finnish composer Sibelius and the conductor Leopold Stokowski.
Over the years he has presented many talks on these artists to record societies across the UK.
During a visit to America in 1981, he was even lucky enough to stand on the spot where Leopold Stokowski made conducting history recording the score for the Walt Disney film Fantasia.
He organises many activities for the group and they have travelled all over Europe and as far afield as Russia on trips.
He is also a published author with musical articles published in the UK Sibelius Society newsletter and the Leopold Stokowski Society's publication Toccata.
To celebrate his 50 years with the society John is organising a musical presentation called Fantasia talking about the music he has loved over the years.
If you would like to become involved with the Torbay Music Society go along to one of their meetings on Wednesdays at St Matthias Church Hall, Wellswood, Torquay, at 7.30pm. The group's meetings will begin again for this year on October 1.
John's Fantasia presentation is on December 10. Programmes are available by calling the society secretary Janice Richards on 01803 856475.
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