A Rickmansworth resident who will soon take over as director of music at St Mary’s Church has been named on the King’s Birthday Honours List.
Since his retirement, former music teacher Timothy Smith has been busier than ever. From founding and directing Kids Choir in Harrow five years ago to running The Castle Choir in Berkhamsted and the Phoenix Mandolins in St Albans, Tim’s life is still fully immersed in music.
Although he no longer teaches music in schools, the Rickmansworth local has continued to act as the director of music at St Mary’s Church in Harrow since his retirement. However, this autumn, Timothy will leave his church of 19-and-a-half years to take up a new role at another St Mary’s – the one in Rickmansworth town centre.
Speaking of his career, Tim said: “I wear many different hats, but all involve music and education in some shape or form.
“Music is so central to life in so many ways. There are a few of us working very hard to keep music alive in schools for future generations.”
Though he was “shocked” and “humbled” to be awarded a British Empire Medal, Tim suggested that his acceptance would be on behalf of all those doing everything they can to keep music at the heart of both the curriculum and the community.
“I like to think I’ve done some good work over the years, but there are other people who have made significant contributions and who haven’t received this same accolade,” he explained.
“I suppose that I have a bit of imposter syndrome – questions like ‘why me?’ and that sort of thing. However, I’m flying the flag for all those colleagues who deserve this award just as much as I do.”
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