It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our Honorary President and lifetime member Tony Parfitt who died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday 9 August.

Tony was well-known to local audiences throughout the North Surrey area, having performed in, and directed, many shows for over 60 years. Most of his thespian career was spent with WPDS, but he also guested for many other societies.

After joining WPDS in the early 1950’s and becoming involved with some early post-war productions, Tony went on to become one of our principal actors. Among the many roles for which he will be fondly remembered are the part of ‘Sweeney Todd’ (twice) in Brian J. Burton’s melodrama, the burglar ‘Spriggs’ in Eric Chapple’s Theft, and his last stage role of ‘Major Pollock’ in Terence Rattigan’s Separate Tables in 2011.

Right up to the end, Tony was always keen to hear of the activities and achievements of the society. His last appearance was with his wife Shirley when they attended our 95th Anniversary celebration only a couple of month’s ago. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.