Oxford and Cambridge Musical Club

Leonard Whitehouse (born 11/6/1926, died 10/5/2008, member from 1951)

Leonard joined out Club in 1951 and I four years later, rather a long time ago. Perhaps for this reason I have been asked to say a few words about Leonard on the occasion of this celebratory concert for him. Leonard, needless to say, did not wish to have anything said about him, but as we insisted I was told to keep it short.

Leonard's knowledge of music extends to all types, from baroque to the newest compositions and jazz to opera. In his professional life he was for many years an Examiner at her Majesty's Patent Office in Chancery Lane. Very considerable intellectual powers are required for this occupation as you have to keep one jump ahead of the brilliant inventors working in your field.

Leonard's field was the large one of Telecommunication. It was also common to have a smaller field of some kind. In Leonard's case this field had the general term Harnesses, which included Horses and Dogs. It seems that there is much patent activity in the doggie world, what with quick action buckles and dog leads which lock when the dog's acceleration reaches a dangerous level.

Leonard is a keen and very knowledgeable concert goer. He much enjoys visits of foreign orchestras to London, particularly the Vienna Philharmonic, and has a profound knowledge of that orchestra's style of playing and the way their wind and brass instruments differ from those used in London today.

Should anyone wish to know what is worth seeing in the Cinema either today or from the past, you only have to consult Leonard.

We owe a great debt to Leonard for besides contributing as a performer, he was an invaluable woodwind orchestral fixer.

Thank you Leonard!