POPULAR entertainers the Kinfayre Singers have been paying tribute to their pianist May Beebe who has been forced to retire after 49 years.

May, who is 83 and lived in Stourton, suffered a fall but still managed to perform at their Christmas Concert.

However, ill health prevented her from appearing at the Kinfayre Singers 50th anniversary concert this year.

Chairman of the choir Avril Boyson said: “May was a very loyal member who came everywhere with us and it’s very sad to see her in such poor health at the moment.

“She is currently in a nursing home in Wordsley and many members have visited her there.

“Music was her life. She played all kinds and accompanied many distinguished soloists. She had such a varied repetoire “She still plays the piano now - but only from memory.

“We greatly appreciate what she did for the Kinfayre Singers and we miss her desperately.”

Friend Alun Davies added: “May was a much sought after pianist. She was so adaptable, she could play anything from classical to jazz, you name it, she could play it.

“I play myself and May was the best pianist I’ve ever heard.”