Crosslinks former missionary Janet Whitmore |
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Janet Whitmore (1967-76)
Janet, with Edward and their two young daughters Elizabeth and Hazel, went out to Tanzania in 1967. She had great musical gifts and studied at the Royal Academy of Music (where she was also President of the CU) before teaching music at Wadhurst. Whilst Edward was teaching at St Philip’s Theological College Kongwa, she was able to work with the students on their music. They produced a book at 20 African hymns and this was used to promote local music in churches throughout the country.
When the Whitmores moved to Dodoma so that Edward could pioneer Theological Education by Extension, Janet taught music at Stockley School. Together with Barbara Wigg she trained choirs and continued to encourage the use of African hymns and tunes. The family returned to UK in 1976 but they continued to support the work of Crosslinks through their local parish.
Janet was diagnosed with brain tumours in the summer of 2001. Radiotherapy seemed to bring some respite but she was later admitted to St Catherine’s hospice. For the past few weeks she has been permanently asleep and she died on Friday 24 May 2002. The funeral which followed a music recital, was held on 31 May and David Smith represented Crosslinks