I remember Mervyn as a voice of kindness and humour in a school environment I experienced as largely hostile. His Music Room was an oasis for me and my friends. He taught me O level Music in 1973-4 and A level in 1975-6, besides encouraging a small musical group I began. My best friend and I starred in some of the school shows he MD’d, HMS Pinafore, a Victorian Evening, and several Christmas Concerts - often with my father, an Art Teacher, as set-designer. He was my favourite teacher - thank you, Mr Byers, so much!

I was first admitted to St Andrew's Cathedral Choir School in 1953 at the age of nine. I was first trained under a brilliant, but very arduous choir master by the name of Kenneth Long. We spent many hours of our childhood being trained for not only cathedral music but also concert music. We performed many concerts throughout a number of states in Australia. We were requested to sing in Westminster Abbey but the Chapter saw fit not to allow us to go. Kenneth Long left then Mervyn Byers took his place. Mervyn took the choir back to its real meaning, that is, to be a cathedral choir. He was an articulate professional with his music and had a demanding sense of perfection. He also had a deep sense of caring for those under his charge . I have always been proud to have served under him especially as a Head Chorister. I left the choir in December 1959. I owe him so much for my love and understanding of music along with the help and confidence he instilled in us as choristers to become future useful citizens. May you rest in peace Mervyn. J Alan Bousie

I remember Mervyn with love, affection and admiration. I was a chorister at Selby Abbey in the 1970's when Mervyn was choirmaster and organist. He taught me how to read music, sing, play the piano and organ. I feel very lucky and privileged to have been taught by such a brilliant musician and such a wonderful caring person. Music is really a very special thing in my life. Thanks to Mervyn I have developed a wonderful appreciation of classical music and continue to enjoy playing the piano. Also, I'd like to send love and best wishes to his wife Margaret and family.

I remember Mervyn as a very hard-working and much respected music master at Selby Grammar School, in Yorkshire, UK. Apart from Christmas and celebratory concerts he also put on very successful performances such as 'The Pirates of Penzance' and Benjamin Britten's 'Little Sweep' with the pupils. My condolences to his family, including his children, most of whom I taught at one time or another.

I remember Mervyn Byers as he used to trudge up the little hill from his cottage in Kent Street On St Andrew's Cathedral School grounds and stoop through the hole in the wire fence. At 3.05, Tuesday to Friday we used file into the practice room and spend an hour or so practising the works for evensong that night, or the pieces for the Sunday services. This from 1958 till my voice broke in 1963. Mervyn and Margaret were great friends with my mother (Audrey) and my dad, Norm (who was an exceptional amateur theatre organist), would sit with him in the Cathedral organ loft on the occasions that he drove me into (generally) evening services on a Sunday. Personally, I was a villain during those years, always in trouble, but I loved the choir with a passion. It gave me the wonderful basis to pursue a career in singing, both in amateur and professional theatre, club and band work and my own wonderful choirs over the past 45 years. God knows how, but I made "corner boy" and I think that Merv was responsible largely for that little leap of faith. He always told me that I had a voice on which to base my life; he taught me to sight read and the love of all thing harmonic and gave me the most wonderful solos. I owe so much to this gentle, talented man. Thanks Merv, may you rest in peace, you deserve it after the joy you gave to so many people and I like to think that a part of you lives on in every choir I conduct or concert/show I sing in. Merv, if you're watching, I owe you :-) AND, I didn't turn out too badly after all!!! (Hello to Peter Whale ... and my best also to your twin brother, Geoffrey :-)

I remember Mervyn Byers as he used to trudge up the little hill from his cottage in Kent Street On St Andrew's Cathedral School grounds and stoop through the hole in the wire fence. At 3.05, Tuesday to Friday we used file into the practice room and spend an hour or so practising the works for evensong that night, or the pieces for the Sunday services. This from 1958 till my voice broke in 1963. Mervyn and Margaret were great friends with my mother (Audrey) and my dad, Norm (who was an exceptional amateur theatre organist), would sit with him in the Cathedral organ loft on the occasions that he drove me into (generally) evening services on a Sunday. Personally, I was a villain during those years, always in trouble, but I loved the choir with a passion. It gave me the wonderful basis to pursue a career in singing, both in amateur and professional theatre, club and band work and my own wonderful choirs over the past 45 years. God knows how, but I made "corner boy" and I think that Merv was responsible largely for that little leap of faith. He always told me that I had a voice on which to base my life; he taught me to sight read and the love of all thing harmonic and gave me the most wonderful solos. I owe so much to this gentle, talented man. Thanks Merv, may you rest in peace, you deserve it after the joy you gave to so many people and I like to think that a part of you lives on in every choir I conduct or concert/show I sing in. Merv, if you're watching, I owe you :-) AND, I didn't turn out too badly after all!!! (Hello to Peter Whale ... and my best also to your twin brother, Geoffrey :-)

I remember Mervyn Byers as he used to trudge up the little hill from his cottage in Kent Street On St Andrew's Cathedral School grounds and stoop through the hole in the wire fence. At 3.05, Tuesday to Friday we used file into the practice room and spend an hour or so practising the works for evensong that night, or the pieces for the Sunday services. This from 1958 till my voice broke in 1963. Mervyn and Margaret were great friends with my mother (Audrey) and my dad, Norm (who was an exceptional amateur theatre organist), would sit with him in the Cathedral organ loft on the occasions that he drove me into (generally) evening services on a Sunday. Personally, I was a villain during those years, always in trouble, but I loved the choir with a passion. It gave me the wonderful basis to pursue a career in singing, both in amateur and professional theatre, club and band work and my own wonderful choirs over the past 45 years. God knows how, but I made "corner boy" and I think that Merv was responsible largely for that little leap of faith. He always told me that I had a voice on which to base my life; he taught me to sight read and the love of all thing harmonic and gave me the most wonderful solos. I owe so much to this gentle, talented man. Thanks Merv, may you rest in peace, you deserve it after the joy you gave to so many people and I like to think that a part of you lives on in every choir I conduct or concert/show I sing in. Merv, if you're watching, I owe you :-) AND, I didn't turn out too badly after all!!! (Hello to Peter Whale ... and my best also to your twin brother, Geoffrey :-)

I remember Mervyn Byers as he used to trudge up the little hill from his cottage in Kent Street On St Andrew's Cathedral School grounds and stoop through the hole in the wire fence. At 3.05, Tuesday to Friday we used file into the practice room and spend an hour or so practising the works for evensong that night, or the pieces for the Sunday services. This from 1958 till my voice broke in 1963. Mervyn and Margaret were great friends with my mother (Audrey) and my dad, Norm (who was an exceptional amateur theatre organist), would sit with him in the Cathedral organ loft on the occasions that he drove me into (generally) evening services on a Sunday. Personally, I was a villain during those years, always in trouble, but I loved the choir with a passion. It gave me the wonderful basis to pursue a career in singing, both in amateur and professional theatre, club and band work and my own wonderful choirs over the past 45 years. God knows how, but I made "corner boy" and I think that Merv was responsible largely for that little leap of faith. He always told me that I had a voice on which to base my life; he taught me to sight read and the love of all thing harmonic and gave me the most wonderful solos. I owe so much to this gentle, talented man. Thanks Merv, may you rest in peace, you deserve it after the joy you gave to so many people and I like to think that a part of you lives on in every choir I conduct or concert/show I sing in. Merv, if you're watching, I owe you :-) AND, I didn't turn out too badly after all!!! (Hello to Peter Whale ... and my best also to your twin brother, Geoffrey :-)

Mervyn was my choir master when I was a chorister at St Andrew's Cathedral School in the 50's. This was the best experience of my school life and ensured a great love of music. It has been great to catch up with him a few times at Bathurst Cathedral in recent years.

My condolences to Mervyn's family. I met Mervyn in 1997 here in Blackheath when he and Margaret kindly offered to attend the inaugural meeting of 'The Blackheath Singers' to give invaluable musical, philosophical and organizational advice to this fledgling singing group which eventually became what is now known as 'The Blackheath Phoenix Choir'. His, and Margaret's, kindness is not forgotten.

The last time i remember seeing Uncle Mervyn was when I was a little girl, and I remember him as a very caring and loving man, who always spoilt his grandchildren! Rest In Peace, your with the Lord God your father now, in a much better place with no more pain! Lots Of Love From Cheryl Allen xxxooo