Jessie Murray

Jessie Murray passed away on July 2nd 2020 in Larbert Hospital. She was a kind, generous, lovely person and a loving and doting great grandmother. She helped so many through her long and successful years at Murray School of Dance in Alloa and her service as choreographer in the 1960s, 70s and 80s to Alloa Amateur Operatic Society (now Alloa Musical Players).

This sad news came to AMP from Jessie's son-in-law, Duncan Findlay, who is a valued member of our orchestra.

Many AMPers and their children attended Jessie's dance classes and her daughter, Barbara, Duncan''s wife succeeded Jessie as choreographer and occasional performer with AMP. Barbara's younger sister, Fiona was also a talented dancer and performed with our company - but sadly Fiona died at a tragically young age. Barbara's daughter Jan, another fine dance talent, appeared in several of our shows.

Jessie will be fondly remembered and much missed by all who knew her.

Bobby Stewart

Sir Bobby Stewart of Arndean supported Alloa Musical Players as Diamond Patron for five years until 2017. He and his wife Grizel attended every performance and made substantial financial contributions to AMP which helped keep the company afloat across some choppy waters and lean years. Bobby retired as Diamond Patron in 2018 with our grateful thanks. His death was announced in September 2019.

Dorothy was a performer since her schooldays and a keen member of our Concert Party. Although she had a lovely voice, she was also a talented dancer. She was often a committee member and also served as President. She died in December 2017 aged 65.

David was a founder member, a performer, a valued volunteer and Honorary President, who died in June 2018 aged 86. David lived a long and active life from his early years in the merchant navy through his many years of service with Maclay’s in Alloa. He was in his time a very skilful tennis player and a demonstration-standard country dancer – (the owner of many kilts!) He loved to cruise but was also very busy locally – notably as a volunteer with Friends of Alloa Tower. With Alloa Musical Players, he covered front-of-house duties once he retired from the stage, and always came to rehearsals to help make the tea. In 2014 David became the first person in AMP to achieve the 60 year award of NODA (the National Operatic and Dramatic Association). He will be sorely missed.

Helen was a performer for many years, a committee member and President who died in October 2017 aged 54.

She was at her most glamorous and amorous as Hope Harcourt in “Anything Goes” in 1994, at her most sensational with AMP in the title role in Mame 1999 and was always a hoot in her many panto roles.

There are also non-AMP musicals she shared with AMP and Alman Drama Club friends: Cabaret, Chicago, Hair and Godspell – as well as Montrose. Helen also spent a number of years performing with Larbert Amateur Operatic Society.