In memory of Cedric Sharpley 1951-2012
INTRODUCTION
My name is Stephen Roper and I'm the author of the Gary Numan book 'Backstage' in which drummer Cedric Sharpley contributes a brilliant chapter. I've also worked on other Numan projects including the 'Living Ornaments '80' CD reissue and a few other Numan releases on Beggars Banquet.
During the time of researching my book, I did many interviews with Cedric, and we became good friends. He always loved a good party, and he was so looking forward to the book launch at Westminster with the "old gang", but unfortunately never made it.
THE CED SHARPLEY DRUMMING BURSARY
Cedric (‘Ced’) was a renowned name on the Hertfordshire music scene, but later gained international fame – first with bands such as 70s prog-rock award=-winners Druid and later as the drumbeating engine room behind Gary Numan from 1979 to 1992.
Following Cedric’s unexpected death in 2012, his long-time partner Gill Mabey wanted to create a memorial on his behalf – a creative springboard for talented young drumming students.
In partnership with her brother David Mabey, they set up THE CED SHARPLEY DRUMMING BURSARY at Ashlyns School, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, where Ced was a pupil. This pays for two students to have specialist one-to-one drumming tuition for a full academic year. New recipients are chosen each year, and the Bursary is totally funded by donations, special events, live gigs, crowdfunding, CDs, downloads and so on
Please help to keep Cedric Sharpley’s name alive by sponsoring and supporting more young drummers.