PEOPLE 

J F S Halliwell pondered on the possibility of an Amateur Operatic Society after the Polytechnic Hall was completed in 1937. He and one or two others persuaded the Governors and Principal to spare a little money to enable an 'Operatic Class', which was to form the Woolwich Polytechnic Operatic Society which was later to become TEPOS that we are today! He served as Chairman of the Society from 1937-1945.

Miss Lilian March was the accompanist of the Society from 1937-1962. 'Aunt Lil', as she was affectionately known, was a music teacher at the Poly and could play all G & S scores blindfolded having rattled  through them hundreds of times.

Miss Elsie Short produced shows for the Society for many years. Elsie was connected with the stage and played the soprano lead in nearly all the G & S and many other operas. Her experience enabled her to to perform varied principal roles, including male, when demonstrating what she wanted at rehearsals.

Hector Tate was the musical director of the Society for many years but was also responsible for all the singing by the company. He spent many an hour in early rehearsals going over and over various pieces endeavouring to reach as near perfection as possible.  

Cecil A MERCER 

Ray BIRD

Alan THOMPSON