BORN in Calcutta, Sam Driver White is one of the most dedicated citizens of Worcester as his energies have been committed to so many years of promoting the cause of the city and of Elgar in a manner which cannot be compared.

His list of positions on arts bodies within the city which relate to Elgar includes more than 30 years with the Three Choirs Festival and service as director of the Elgar Foundation, the Elgar Birthplace Museum Trust, the Elgar Choral Festival, the Elgar School of Music and of the 150th Birthday Festival.

In the words of admirer Sir Michael Perry: "A truly formidable catalogue of continuous and sustained service to the causes he loves."

Former Bishop of Worcester, Philip Goodrich said: "It must be palpable that few people have identified themselves with Worcester and Worcestershire as Sam Driver White has. It has involved hard work, much exercise of imagination and diplomacy."

The Elgar statue on the High Street is not only a memorial of the musician but also a tribute to Sam for his involvement in that project and to preserving and promoting the name and image of Elgar.