Terminally ill former Oakham School teacher completes 50th instrument

A former music teacher and master craftsman has defied the effects of terminal prostate cancer by making his 50th musical instrument.

Gerald Botteley, who was head of string playing at Oakham School for 20 years, was told he had two years to live last January, but was persuaded by a friend to take on a labour of love.

"Three months ago a friend of mine who heard about my predicament said I needed something to take my mind off it so he sent me a complete set of wood to make another violin," he said.

"I just had to work when the energy was there. When I was in my prime I would work up until 10 'o'clock or midnight sometimes.

"It is not everyone diagnosed with terminal cancer who goes on to make a violin. It gives me great pleasure to look at it.”

Mr Botteley, a violin teacher with a diploma from the Royal Academy, completed the bespoke instrument in around eight weeks and had the pleasure of listening to his grandson Joseph play it.

Having left school at 15, Mr Botteley's musical career took off in earnest when he spent five years playing with the world-famous Royal Artillery Band.

He went on to hone his craft at prestigious violin manufacturers Edward Withers, in London, before later being offered a teaching position at Oakham School in 1969.

While at the school Mr Botteley also ran an international chess tournament and once pitted his wits against world champion Garry Kasparaov.

After leaving the school he set up business in the town, and continued to make instruments in retirement.

This included five violins in a single year for grandson Joseph, a talented player who attends specialist violin school at St Peter's in York.

Through his performances, his grandfather's legacy will live on and be heard for generations to come.

"Joseph is an extremely talented violinist, and is already better than I ever was" said Mr Botteley (88).

"He has the option of playing with a very fine Italian violin, but prefers the sound of mine which gives me a huge lift.

"When he came over we played Mozart violin duets together which was a joy above joys."

But is there time for one more instrument?

"There is just a possibility,"he added.

"Certainly the pain is becoming quite bad now and this instrument is potentially the last one."