A CELEBRATION concert of music is being held next week in memory of a long-time member of Malton & Norton Amateur Dramatic Group.

The Milton Rooms in Malton will host a cabaret-style concert of music in tribute to Tom Todd.

Tom, who lived in Malton passed away last December, aged 83.

His family, wife Sandra, and children, Chris, Martin and Katie, said Tom had lived a truly remarkable life.

After grammar school, Tom went to university at Keele to study German and English and then set out on a career in journalism, starting at British Visqueen in Stevenage and was soon taking trade delegations to East Germany.

Tom later started working for Swiss Broadcasting followed by other jobs with the German press Agency from 1968 based in Hamburg and then, for 20 years, in Munich with Radio Free Europe.

His family said: “It was in this role that he covered some of the most historic events of our time including the space program in general and a live commentary on the moon landing in particular, numerous significant international elections, independence in Rhodesia, the Afghan war, Vietnam and many, many more.

“His voice was well-known all-over Europe, not only to the man in the street but to all the big agencies too.

“There were times when he had visits from MI6, when he was on the CIA’s radar, and he was once almost blown up by the KGB.

“He finally stopped going out to work in about 1989 and came home to settle in his dream house in Malton where he continued to write.”

Alongside his family and his career, Tom enjoyed a full and active social life.

He and Sandra are lifetime members of the Malton & Norton Amateur Dramatic Group and Tom helped found the Malton & District Male Voice Choir.

Tom’s family added: “He had a lot to be proud of in his life but was most proud of his family. He was proud of Sandra and loved her deeply. He was proud of his children – both their achievements and the people they have become.

“He was proud of his grandchildren who, even in his darkest moments, gave him joy and happiness just by being near.”

The celebration concert will be held on Saturday, June 11, with music ranging from Les Miserables, Oliver, Scarlet Pimpernel and Annie Get Your Gun, to The Merry Widow and a selection of patriotic war music in this Jubilee year.

Malton and Norton Musical Theatre company, Malton Male Voice Choir, members of Kirkham Henry Performing Arts, and many top quality soloists will pay tribute to Tom with help from Angela Kirkham and Rory Queen this promises to be a night to remember.

Tickets are £10 and available by calling 01653 692387 or 07739 959419.

All proceeds will go to the Salvation Army.