Tributes paid to Black Country performer
Tributes have been paid to a talented folk singer, pub landlord and music teacher who was known throughout the Black Country and beyond.
Geoff Bodenham performed in clubs and pubs across the Black Country, Shropshire and the wider and the UK. He died this month aged 71.
Mr Bodenham's early music career saw him appear on The Black and White Minstrel Show and as a contestant on Opportunity Knocks with flautist Derek Craft - finishing runners-up to Bobby Crush.
Geoff later taught English, maths and music in schools and prisons, eventually becoming head of music at Codsall Middle School.
He died at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital on April 11 following a short illness, aged 71.
Over a period of 20 years, despite having three open heart operations, he spent a lot of his time singing and running folk clubs.
He was born in Kingswinford and then lived in Codsall, Codsall Wood and eventually settled in Bridgnorth.
Geoff, who was known for his rich voice, fine guitar playing and sense of humour, ran the Summerhouse pub in Kingswood with his wife, Joan, for one year.
They bought the Bell and Talbot pub in Bridgnorth, which they ran for eight years, and he later served as a town councillor from 2007 to 2013.
Geoff was a former president of the Bridgnorth Licensed Victuallers' Association and a member of the Castle Lodge of Freemasons.
He also took part in a triple zip-wire challenge over Snowdonia six months ago for his 70th birthday, with his daughter Helen.
Geoff was still a co-opted member of Bridgnorth Town Council's planning committee when he passed away.
Wife Joan said Geoff was loved by all who knew him.
"Geoff was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by all his family and by everyone who knew him," she said.
Anne Wilson, clerk of Bridgnorth Town Council, added that he was a respected and active member of the community.
"Geoff was valued town councillor during his time in office and a respected co-opted member of the planning committee," she said.
"He always had the town's best interests at heart and cared very much about Bridgnorth."
The funeral was held at St Mary's Church, Bridgnorth, yesterday, before moving on to Bridgnorth Cemetery.
A post funeral reception followed in the Castle Hall where musicians were encouraged to play songs.
Donations will be taken for both the British Heart Foundation and British Lung Foundation.
Geoff is survived by his mother Betty, wife Joan, daughters Liza and Helen, stepchildren Paul, Helen and Stephen, and eight grandchildren.
