London: Popular young Catholic musician killed in traffic accident + FUNERAL DATE

Tributes have been flooding in following the tragic death yesterday, of one of England's leading Catholic musicians, writes friend, Phil Andrews. Nick Gale, 39, died at the scene of a hit and run collision between his motorcycle and a cement lorry on London's Kensington High Street at 10am, Tuesday 10 March.

Eyewitness reports revealed how a passerby had fought desperately to save Nick's life, holding his hand and praying with him whilst waiting for the Ambulance Service to arrive. The lorry involved in the collision was later recovered, and the driver interviewed by police, but not arrested.

Born in 1975, Nick was educated at Belmont Abbey in Herefordshire, and later went up to Oxford to read Music, where he was also an Organ Scholar. His love of Chant was encouraged during his time at the Abbey of Solesmes in France, which, together with his other appointments, prepared him for the 13 years he spent as Master of the Music at the Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of St George, in Southwark.

Having worked alongside leading performers and musicians, Nick was much sought after as a choral director - both in the United Kingdom, and abroad - and led workshops with organisations such as the Royal School of Church Music, and the Academy of St Cecilia, of which he was both an honorary fellow and Secretary.

In addition to music, Nick was an avid explorer and travelled widely. He was particularly fond of trying the local cuisine, no matter how outré the dish, the effects of which he then worked off in the gym, fitness being another of his passions.

Listen to Nick Gale directing the Choir of St George's Cathedral performing the Communion antiphon for the Midnight Mass of Christmas, followed by MacMillan's "In splendoribus", which was broadcast live on BBC1, 24 December in 201: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg6ZpxU-xrc&feature=youtu.be

Visit Nick Gale's site here: www.nickgalemusician.com

+ NICK'S FUNERAL WILL TAKE PLACE AT 11AM ON 24th MARCH, AT ST GEORGE'S CATHEDRAL, SOUTHWARK.