Camberwell Green

Celebrating Dr Bill Denholm AM’s 98th Birthday | 20 May 2023

Retired chorister Dr Bill Denholm AM turned 98 on 17 May 2023, and this remarkable milestone was celebrated three days later with a surprise concert in his honour at Camberwell Green Aged Care.

Due to space and mask restrictions, the choir performed from the open doorway of the main lounge, where Bill sat in the front row flanked by daughters Toni and Wendy, with many residents also gathered. Lorna was stationed just inside on piano, while Faleiry moved between conducting and encouraging audience participation. A number of residents enthusiastically joined in the singing, with strong ladies’ voices emerging early as we opened with Cwm Rhondda (Bread of Heaven), Ar Lan y Môr, Calon Lân, and Gwŷr Harlech.

President Tony Davies spoke warmly about Bill’s contributions to the choir since joining in 2003. He recalled how Bill had revolutionised our learning systems by digitising scores using Noteworthy software, enabling choristers to learn parts more efficiently. Bill was also our long-time sound engineer – the man behind the wiring diagrams, the set-ups, and the crawling under tables to make it all work. Tony also shared with the audience Bill’s impressive career as Chief Research Scientist at CSIRO and a leading international figure in metal corrosion and smelting.

Tony then led the room in singing Happy Birthday to Bill – and was promptly surprised himself, as Faleiry announced that it was also Tony’s 81st birthday that day, and Victor Gago’s 93rd on the 17th. A joyous reprise followed.

While many sang along throughout the performance, the atmosphere lifted even further when Ed Hughes launched into Danny Boy – clearly a favourite. The choir then shifted into operatic gear with Speed Your Journey, before Barry McMahon roused the crowd with Working Man, followed by more audience participation in When the Saints Go Marching In.

As a proud baritone, Bill was honoured with a heartfelt a cappella solo by Roger Bartlett, singing the traditional Scottish farewell The Parting Glass – a fitting nod to the Denholm family’s heritage.

The final bracket included the rousing Battle Hymn of the Republic, a lively duet by Roger and Geoff Roberts on Green, Green Grass of Home, and a spirited double finale of Waltzing Matilda and Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.

A warm and musical tribute to a cherished friend and extraordinary man.