Former Stroud pupils who organised a sell-out concert in memory of their beloved music teacher are setting their sights on a fundraising festival next year after raising over £11,000 for a local charity, writes Freddie Whittaker.
“Stars” was held on June 14 at Archway School to commemorate the life and work of Rosamund Tyler, or just “Ros” to her many students.
Teaching at Archway from 1977 to 1980 and again from 1995 to 2014, Ros inspired thousands of pupils through her direction of dozens of musical theatre shows and concerts at the school.
Following her death last year at the age of 75, former pupils teamed up with her family to raise money for Longfield Community Hospice, which helped care for her in her final days.
Performers included Craig Mather, a former Archway pupil who has gone on to lead a successful West End career, as well as Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes and Iwan Lewis, an actor and the founding artistic director of The Barn Theatre in Cirencester.
The evening also featured a special guest performance from Mike d’Abo, the lead singer of Manfred Mann, the composer of the popular song ‘Handbags and Gladrags’ and the first musician to record King Herod’s song from the hit musical Jesus Christ Superstar.
The packed audience of 200 people also saw video messages from Matt Lucas and Michael Ball, as well as renowned songwriter Sir Tim Rice.
Organisers have now confirmed the total amount raised was over £11,000. This will go towards the Minchinhampton-based charity’s exceptional work providing community hospice care, wellbeing and bereavement services.
Now Craig, who led the organisation of the event, has announced an ambition to run an outdoor event next year for the same cause.
Picture gallery: imlouis.co.uk.
“The spirit Ros created, that sense of community and togetherness was shining bright on June 14. It felt like coming home. Bringing it back to Archway just made sense,” Craig said.
“We all pulled together and created something truly unforgettable. Despite growing up and living separate lives, we slotted back in like no time had passed, just like the old days.”
But he said the event made him realise “something important: it wasn’t just the shows we did, it was the people. That space, that stage, that time in our lives… it was our safe space. Ros created that.
“That’s why next year, we’re dreaming bigger. We want to turn this into more of a festival. Something that celebrates not just talent, but connection, stories, and community.
“To everyone who attended, donated, performed, or simply shared a moment – thank you. It meant the world.”
Ros’s husband Bob and sons Paul and Mark said: “For all who knew and loved Ros, the evening of June 14 was unbelievably special.
“Archway School hall was packed with family, friends, inspired former pupils, and stars of the West End and New York. Every performance carried the key message from Ros Tyler – always aim for the STARS.”
Jane Dyer, head of fundraising and marketing at Longfield Community Hospice, said: “What a fantastic warm and heartfelt event Stars was.
“We were touched to be invited along to this showcase of homebred talent inspired by Ros Tyler. She was clearly an inspiration to so many, and we are so grateful to everyone who took part and raised such a large amount of money for Longfield, in Ros’s memory’
The organisers of the event also want to thank Benefact Group for its headline sponsorship of the event.
The event next year has a working title of Stars in the Park, and organisers are working to find a suitable location, date and sponsorship partners.
