TRIBUTES have been paid to one of the founding members of Kirkham Henry Performing Arts Centre in Malton.

Jennie Henry, who died at York Hospital on April 1, aged 79, co-founded the arts centre more than 20 years ago with Angela Kirkham, who was running The Kirkham School of Dancing in Malton at that time.

Her interest in music started at the age of 10 when she first attended Great Ayton Friends Boarding School.

York Press:

When she graduated to Sheffield Teacher Training College, Jennie maintained her passion for singing and studied privately with the renowned Eva Rich.

After taking up her appointment a teacher of music at Burtonstone School, York, she was also appointed as musical director of York Singing Teachers’ Association.

Jennie’s professional engagements include a Sunday Summer Season with Moira Anderson at the Scarborough Futurist Theatre and musical broadcasts from the BBC Leeds Studios.

These activities were interrupted by two years of life in Gambia, West Africa, associated with her husband Gordon’s business developments. However, her skills were quickly identified and she assisted with musical productions at the British High Commission developing music and drama.

On her return to Malton in 1979, Jennie gave voice and piano tuition at her home in Easthorpe and also became teacher of music at Malton School, while also joining Malton and Norton Operatic Society as their musical director.

It was there that Jennie met Angela Kirkham and the idea of Kirkham Henry Performing Arts Centre was born. They acquired the premises in Horsemarket Road, and this was very quickly refurbished to provide studio space to combine their individual teaching.

The results of their successful partnership became apparent when their first year production of The Aftermath won the All England Dance Championship.

Jennie became musical director of Ryedale Youth Theatre when it was first formed 26 years ago, for the further expression of the young talent

She retired from her role as musical director of Ryedale Youth Theatre in 2005, but continued with her professional support for both the youth theatre and for Kirkham Henry Performing Arts until her illness forced her to officially retire.

Jennie’s colleague, Angela, said: “She taught so many young people and adults who now appear all over the world singing and performing. Jennie had a very particular way of teaching and they learnt so much from her while having fun.

“Although she had been very poorly her death has still come as a shock to us but she will still be with us her at Ryedale Youth Theatre and our current production of Beauty and the Beast is dedicated to her. She will be very sadly missed.”

Jennie leaves her husband, Gordon, daughter, Rebecca and three grandchildren, Rupin, Ishani and Tayin.

Rebecca said: “She was a much loved wife , a wonderful and cherished mum and devoting Nana. She brought endless fun, laughter and happiness into everybody’s life with her infectious laugh, warm smile and kind heart. Jennie was one in a million and will be missed by so many but she will continue to live in our hearts.

Jennie’s funeral service will be held at St Michael’s Church, Malton, on Thursday, April 13, at 3.30pm.