Music teacher, magician and friend to many

St George's Church, Swallowbeck, Lincoln, was packed with over 400 people for a thanksgiving service to celebrate the life of John Thursby, a much-loved and well-known Lincoln man who died on 12 February, 2008, aged 72.

Born in the city, Mr Thursby, and his sister Margaret, grew up in a loving family on Rookery Lane. He attended Skellingthorpe Road School before his academic abilities won him a place at the Lincoln School.

It was as a boy that he began a lifelong support for Lincoln City F.C. holding a season ticket for many years.

After completing his teacher training at Ripon and St John College, York, he took up his first post at the Bishop King Secondary School, Lincoln, teaching music. In 1966, he joined the Robert Pattinson School in North Hykeham as head of music until his retirement in 1990.

Music always played a key part in Mr Thursby’s life and it was while conducting the County Amateur Dramatic Society that he met his future wife, Carol Bean.

He also sang in a number of choirs, performed with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society and won the Echo trophy at the Lincoln Music Festival.  For over 40 years he took part in, and latterly conducted the annual Good Friday performance of Stainer's Crucifixion in the city.

He and Carol were married at St Peter at Gowts, Lincoln, on 12 August, 1967 and they had two children, Dawn and Damian. A devoted family man, he supported both children with their music and encouraged them as they followed him into teaching.

Along with his passion for music Mr Thursby had a lifelong love of magic which he shared with his wife. The couple formed a popular double act which became well known in the area, performing in support of Sir Harry Secombe and for royalty. Later, he continued his magic act on a solo basis, working mainly as a children's entertainer using doves and a white rabbit.  As 'Uncle John' he performed hundreds of shows in schools and at children's parties across Lincolnshire.

Both strong Christians, Mr and Mrs Thursby attended St George's Church, Swallowbeck, where he was church warden for several years. In 1996, they set up the Stepping Stones charity shop in the church hall. The shop has raised more than £30,000 to support children’s homes in Uganda and Brazil by selling second-hand clothing and bric-a-brac, and serving refreshments.

Mr Thursby was survived by his wife, two children and four grandchildren.