A TRIBUTE concert celebrating the life and legacy of ‘remarkable Coventrian’ Margery Jones will be held by the inclusive rock band she founded this weekend.
Margery, who formed the Notables Band comprised of musicians and singers of all ages with special needs, passed away aged 91 in June.
The band will now hold a charity concert in memory of their beloved leader at the New Crow Bar and Grill on Saturday, just six days before what would’ve been her 92nd birthday.
Cash raised will help the band, which has recently found funding more difficult to come by, to continue Margery’s legacy through their music.
A lifelong campaigner for social justice, Margery founded Coventry Against Racism and in 2016 was awarded the Jimmy Hill Most Inspirational Person Prize at the Pride of Coventry Awards.
The Notables’ musical director and project manager Dave Claridge met her in 1997 when working with a group of learning-disabled adults at Tile Hill College, including Margery’s son Lewis.
It was Margery who suggested the trio start the band, which now performs live music, conducts outreach work in schools and helps people with their mental health.
Dave told the Observer: “It was a real blow to lose Margery, she is so missed by all of us but is talked about fondly by the band a lot.
“She never judged anyone and always gave a voice to people who were marginalised- it’s remarkable thinking back to how much she achieved.
“She was also really funny and would have you in stitches- I remember once I went to see her in hospital when she was 88 and we spent at least four hours in tears laughing about times we had in the band.
“Margery was just brilliant and always gave amazing advice- she was a great friend to those who knew her.”
Dave added he was inspired by her fearlessness, such as when she wasn’t allowed to adopt her son due to her Socialist political beliefs and worked with then-councillor Jack Sprung to get the rule overturned.
Saturday’s event will get under way at 4pm and will be free to enter.
As well as live music, guests can enjoy food and cakes and take part in a raffle.
