John Fry Lobb

John Fry Lobb, who died in 1980, was a much loved member of a most musical family. His life revolved around making music in his native Island and encouraging others to enjoy it and develop their talents, a devotion which earned him recognition when he was awarded the M.B.E. in the 1976 Queen’s Honours List and in 2017 when he was nominated and chosen for commemoration on a B.B.C. Blue Plaque unveiled at St Helier Methodist Centre on BBC Music Day.

Born in St. Helier in 1914, son of John W.F. Lobb and Amy Amelia Fry, and brother to Arthur and Amy ( Luce), John Lobb was educated at the New Street Elementary School and the States Intermediate School, after which he embarked on a three year teacher training course at St. Luke’s College, Exeter. He returned to Jersey and taught at various schools until the outbreak of the 2nd World War.

During the war he spent five years in the Royal Navy, reaching the rank of Lieutenant and in the last 12 months of his service, he acted as Music Adviser for Portsmouth Command. He met his wife Betty in London during the War and they had three children, Peter, Jennifer and Rosemary, and seven grandchildren.

At the end of the Occupation, John Lobb came back to Jersey, teaching again in a number of schools before becoming Head of Music at St. Helier Girl's School, a post which he held for 17 years. His last teaching post was at St. Saviour’s Primary School where his cousin Ron Lobb was Headmaster.

On his return to the Island after the war, John Lobb formed two singing groups; the Jersey Elizabethan Singers, and the Jersey Evening Institute Choir which was heard many times on the radio. As chorus master he ran this choir until it merged with others to form the Jersey Festival Choir .

In 1955, following consultation with Mr Leslie Woodgate, the distinguished English choral conductor, Mr Lobb obtained a promise from Mr Woodgate to come to Jersey the following year to conduct a performance of the “Messiah”. This was how the Jersey Festival Choir was formed.

As Conductor of the Jersey Festival Choir, a post he held for 20 years until his death in 1980, John Lobb forged strong ties with the Royal Academy of Music in London. During his life he forged many such ties with English musicians and Institutions, often inviting English musical celebrities to visit and perform in Jersey and also encouraging Jersey musicians to attend courses and musical events in England.

John Lobb was also involved with the Jersey Eisteddfod, an association that began when he was studying the piano with Mr William Bedell-Aubin. In turn Mr. Lobb encouraged children and adults to enter the Eisteddfod. He served on the vocal and instrumental committees and was Vice President at the time of his death.

John Lobb was a very talented accompanist and, for many years, official accompanist for the B.B.C in Jersey. He was organist for Wesley Grove Methodist Church and the General Hospital Chapel. He also founded and conducted the St. Cecilia Chamber Orchestra, for many years conducting the Orchestra and Choir at the annual Festival of Carols at St Thomas’ Church.

John Lobb made an enormous contribution to Island music making, encouraging and assisting many young musicians. The John Lobb Memorial Trust continues that work.