Thelma Larter (nee Marsh)

Thelma Olive Gwladys Marsh was born on 9 September 1905 at 135 Station Road, Silkstone. She is the daughter of Samuel Marsh and Fanny Ellen Parker, who was also known as Nell.

Thelma married Hector Ronald Larter on the 2 March 1940 at St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, Ipswich. They had two children, Ashley Ronald Larter and Rhyl Nelda Larter.

Thelma Marsh commenced her musical career at an early age. She was 9 years old when she started her musical training with her chosen tutor Mrs Ida Ponti. She was passionate in her musical practices and this progressed into her profession.

When she was 13 she formed her own Choir, The Silkstone Juvenile Choir.

She was an accomplished pianist and organist as well as a music and singing teacher. She had a Music studio in Robson Chambers, Brisbane Street, Ipswich.

Thelma passed the A.L.C. M. (Associate of the London College of Music) in 1919 when she was 14 years of age. She also passed the theoretical examination for the R.A.M (Royal Academy of Music), R.C.M (Royal College of Music) in 1920 aged 15.

Success followed success and in 1923 she gained her A.T.C.L. (Trinity College), following two years later with her L.T.C.L (Trinity College).

She was a successful competitor at various Eisteddfods.

The possessor of a rich soprano voice, Thelma Marsh has had many successes in choral work.

She worked with various public bodies who owed much of their success to her efforts. She was the pianist and deputy conductor of the Silkstone Booval Choral Union, Pianist for the Silkstone Apollo Club and Conductor of the East Ipswich Juvenile Choir.

Thelma Larter died on the 20 January 1972 in Lauriston Nursing Home at Eastern Heights, Ipswich. She was 67 at the time of her death. Her remains were interred 22 May 1972 at Mount Thompson Crematorium, Holland Park. Location: Single Position, T3 R/B 6 Area 41.