From Colin B

Sadly, Rex Manville died this afternoon (7th February 2025) in Broomfield hospital.  He was recovering from a broken hip after a fall in the garden and was hoping to go home fairly soon, so this was unexpected.  He leaves his wife, Hazel, who has some family members and neighbours who will be able to help her. He was a lovely fellow.

For those who remember Rex, his funeral will be on Thursday 13th March, 2.30pm at Maldon Fields Crematorium, Maldon Road, Woodham Mortimer CM9 6SN.  This will be followed by a wake at the Crown at Sandon.  Family flowers only but donations may be made to ShelterBox via Pennack's Funeral Directors.

From Brian P

What sad news he was a really nice guy and what a shame that he was recovering from a broken hip.

What a shame.

From Mike P

Happy memories of some nifty piano work on Wednesday jazz club sessions in the old Social club on the corner.

From Brian C

That’s so sad. Sounds like dvt?

Rex and I worked together on FPPS when my defence work was low, at Kensal House

Great days with him

And of course apprentice days him so fluent on the keys along with Howard Binns — I could go on!

Bye Rex so nice to have known you.

From John M

I was saddened to learn of Rex Manville’s passing. Rex (keyboard), Alan Matthews (bass) and I (clarinet) played in a local (Hutton) New Orleans Jazz band for most of my “Baddow time”.

Over time the band really evolved into a pretty competent (and fun) outfit. Rex was truly the lynchpin!!

Somehow our boss man, Sir Eric Eastwood, heard he had some musicians on board, and wandering around the Lab one day asked Rex & me if we ever played classical music.

We replied that we “probably” could – and Sir Eric said he’d like to play something at the annual Department Dinner. He suggested a Beethoven piano-cello-clarinet trio - that I was familiar with.

Rex had more of a challenge – but got the music and dedicated himself to playing it perfectly – which he did. We had a couple of rehearsals - during which we found that Sir Eric was an excellent cellist.

The Dinner was enjoyable – and lively – but eventually settled down for some “real music”. We started together – and finished together – and (to my relief) – were greeted with a standing ovation!!

Rex was one of the folks that I always appreciated knowing – he was kind, considerate and helpful – and always made our musical outings fun.