GEORGE HUMMER

I have just heard the sad news that George died last week after a courageous battle against his long illness. It is only a few weeks since he was making regular trips up and down the Burford Road and stopping for a gossip on his way to the shops. Our thoughts are with Pam and George's family. In recent years George has been amazingly active as Arts Editor of the Chippy News - writing deeply perceptive reviews of plays at the Theatre in his wonderfully fluent and elegant English. I remember once saying to him that I thought it was unfair that an American should be blessed with such a perfect mastery of our language - which prompted a tutorial  about the writing styles of William Faulkner and Henry James. Because George was above all a great teacher who was passionate about literature - a love which he successfully transmitted to generations of students. I first met George twenty years ago through a mutual artist friend. At that time he and Pam lived in Hook Norton and he was teaching at the American School at Croughton. Their home was always buzzing and full of interesting people and good conversation. I will always associate George in that period with good friends of his like Joan Lawrence, Tamara Malcolm and Martin Lawrence. It was a vintage time! George and Pam later moved into the town and set about transforming the garden at Whipwell into an absolute masterpiece of intensive planting. In particular, George contributed the imagination and expertise behind the water features and the play areas for his grandchildren. The Open day every summer in aid of the Lawrence Home Nursing Team was an occasion George enjoyed every bit as much as the many visitors. I shall remember him fondly on those occasions - so quintessentially English in his Panama hat happily munching on a piece of Pam's walnut cake - eagerly discussing the latest play at the Theatre. He will be much missed.   EDITOR