It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Daphne Ladell
[of Box Hill, Tadworth, Surrey, UK].  Daphne was a generous woman
with many talents.  In her private life she was active in community
service and a local councillor.  She was a superb organiser and a
wonderful hostess whose culinary skills were highly appreciated.

She was a longstanding member of MBSI and helped them to organise
a joint UK meeting.  Her meetings were not just good value for money
but always entertaining, sometimes quite hilarious with all attendees
joining in the fun.  Her generosity of time and spirit extended to
finance because she never claimed for justifiable expenses.

Her interest in self-playing instruments ranged from the serious
to the most sublime, including modern novelties.  The range of her
collection was extraordinarily eclectic, whether an electronic gizmo
behind a toilet door or an antique instrument that she had helped to
lovingly restore.  Yes, she had her own workshop and was hands-on in
restoration.

Our sympathy goes to her husband Malcolm, to her family and to her
mentor in restoration, Clive Houghton.  The world of mechanical music
has lost a great ambassador.

Ted Brown, Paul Bellamy