Marion Sandeman 1924 – 2008
From the Parish News – March 2008
Many Denton folk will have fond memories of Marion who died following a short illness on Monday February 4th aged 84 years. Marion & her husband Leslie came to live in Wortwell following their retirement after teaching careers in Witham Essex. Marion's musical talent as pianist and accompanist were soon to make her widely known throughout the area.
In 1983 the producers of the Denton Variety Show breathed a sigh of relief when she offered to accompany "Denton at War" which was the second show of the newly formed Variety Club. This was to initiate a long lasting relationship with the village; she accompanied five of the annual performances which gave a real boost to the musical content; her exceptionally sympathetic accompaniment helped greatly the confidence of the very amateur performers. Although she gave up playing for the annual shows, she was always willing whenever possible to help at concerts or any events at the church, and very rarely failed to come along with Les to see the DVC shows.
Her teaching abilities were also appreciated by several of the younger members of the community who were always made to realise that music was something to enjoy. Marion & Les regularly attended the Emmanuel Church where Marion sang in the choir. She could also tell some interesting tales of her experiences when she was employed at the highly secret but now famous "Bletchley Park Code Breaking Centre" during the Second World War. This was where the German secret code was broken giving the Allies a wealth of information, which intelligence proved to become a major factor in the course of the war. Her cheerful presence will be sadly missed, but there are lasting memories to treasure.