Body bag

It would be churlish not to congratulate John Skinner, Director of Music at Haberdashers' Aske's, on his MBE in the New Year's Hounours List. One of only three teachers in the country to be so honoured.

Always eager to urge his charges to participate in music, he is renowned for his subtle and gentle encouragements.

Approaching a group of reluctant singers, he once said: "It's your choice: choir or body bag?".