Eden lost a man known for his musical talent, theatrical expertise, wit and good humour with the death of Bill Turner, of Sand Croft, Penrith, aged 68.
Bill was particularly well known for his long association with Penrith Players, both on stage and behind the scenes, regular performances as a guitarist and singer and role as a meticulous proofreader with the Herald.
Born in Stoke-on-Trent, he was the middle of three children, sandwiched between two sisters, Sue and Wendy.
Bill inherited his lifelong love of music from his parents. His father played several instruments, including the Hawaiian guitar, and his mother sang in a choir.
Music was very much part of his family life.
All through his childhood, Bill was interested in both theatre and music but his parents insisted he learn a trade and get a “proper job”. He trained as a printer’s compositor during the day while playing in a band called Solent in the evenings and performing in the area around Stoke.
As soon as he qualified as a compositor he applied to and was accepted into Birmingham School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art, where he spent the next few years and won several awards for his acting abilities.
After leaving the Birmingham school, Bill worked for several regional theatres, including Theatre North in Sheffield, Dukes Theatre in Lancaster and Torch Theatre in Milford Haven, both as an actor and stage manager.
He then went to Cannon Hill Puppet Theatre in Birmingham to work as a puppeteer, which saw him involved during a tour to Hong Kong.
He first met his future wife Sandra in 1979 while Theatre North was doing the summer season at the old Blue Box Theatre in Keswick. They were married nine years later in 1988.
It was in 1989 that they moved from Sheffield to Penrith so Sandra could help her mother care for her grandmother — three generations in one house.
Bill worked as a taxi driver for a brief period but was not happy doing this and so applied to the Herald for a job as a proofreader. He was taken on, became part of the newspaper’s family and remained there until 2017.
Herald editor Emily Atherton said: “Bill was a valued member of the Herald team as a proofreader for many years. His wit and wisdom will be greatly missed by all of us who knew and worked with him.”
Bill’s interest in the theatre remained strong so he joined Penrith Players where he performed — he was well known for his ability to speak in many different accents — directed and worked backstage, especially in the lighting department.
His more memorable productions included taking the roles of Rene in Allo Allo and Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and directing Little Shop of Horrors and Cabaret among many others. He also co-wrote a couple of Christmas shows.
Mike Head, who worked alongside Bill at the Players for many years, said: “Bill was a consummate professional. With the Players he was an actor, director, writer, technician and musician, all of which he did excellently.
“He was known for his wit and humour. I know of no-one who didn’t like him. Despite all his skills there was no edge to him. He was generous in his help to all. He will be severely missed.”
Bill also joined a band called The Beagles with Phil and Sarah Caton and Nick Thomas, playing his 12-string guitar and singing. They became quite well known in Cumbria and Bill enjoyed his time with them very much.
A few years later he was asked to join a band called Soul Junction as their bass player and was very happy to be performing again.
He was known for his ability to know the words to any song and to play it despite the fact that he could not read a note of music.
Reluctantly he had to retire from Soul Junction earlier this year due to his increasing ill health but he still managed to keep cheerful and enjoy a good laugh.
He will be missed very much by all his family and many friends. The funeral service was held on Thursday at the Eden Valley crematorium.
Richardsons Funeral Directors, Penrith, had charge of the arrangements.
