AN ORGAN recital is taking place at Pershore Abbey as a memorial for Sir George Dowty on April, 6.
The event is organised by the Dowty memorial committee, chaired by Martin Robins and promises to be a tribute to a man whose contributions towards engineering and the community left an indelible mark.
John Whitaker, who will be giving a speech at the event said: “Sir George is a man eminently worthy of international recognition, a man who lived by Christian principles in family life and especially in business.
“His care of his employees is legendary.”
Sir George was born in Pershore in 1901 and received his education locally before attending the Royal Grammar School in Worcester.
In 1924, he joined the Gloucester Aircraft Company as a brass man and eventually formed his aircraft component business, Aircraft Components, in 1931.
The outbreak of World War II led to a significant expansion of his business, with Sir George playing a pivotal role in designing the undercarriage for the Lancaster aircraft.
Post-war, the company diversified into mining machinery and then his career was recognised with a knighthood in 1956, he later passed away in 1975.
His twin brother, Edward Dowty, known for his role as an organist at St. Mary’s and St. John’s in Worcester, lost his life in a car accident in 1945. In 1946, a memorial service held in Pershore commemorated Edward’s life, and the family supplied altar rails in his memory. Both Sir George and Edward rest in Pershore.
The Dowty Organ Recital aims to celebrate the legacy of Sir George Dowty through music with organist Simon Bell will be leading the recital.
The program includes heartfelt contributions from various individuals, including George Dowty, Sir George’s son.
Adding a unique touch to the event is a 97-year-old former Dowty apprentice who played the piano in the canteen during wartime. He will be reprising his role, playing the same service at the abbey during the recital.
The memorial committee has issued booklets on Sir George Dowty and the Dowty legacy.
As an additional tribute, a statue of Sir George Dowty is currently in production, ensuring his legacy and contributions to Pershore and the world of engineering are remembered.
The recital is not limited to employees, and those interested can register via email at [email protected].
