In Memoriam – Ken Hughes BEM

 It is with great regret that we write of the death of Ken Hughes, our Musical Director until 2010

Ken was born within the walls of the City of Chester making him a true Cestrian, into a musical family so began his   musical life at an early age.

Playing cornet in the school band during this time he developed an interest in other instruments and was encouraged by his music master to extend his knowledge of the theory of music, on leaving school he joined the Royal Air Force and served as a bandsman, and was able to study conducting, During this time he developed an interest in the organ and was given the opportunity to continue his studies on this instrument.

On leaving the Royal Air Force he married Margaret Roberts in 1955 and they have two children Julie and Gareth, as well as four grandchildren, and four Great grandchildren.

In 1958 Ken joined the Kelsall PTA Choir where his father was the Musical Director. The choir later became The Kelsborrow Choir and on his  father’s sudden death in 1964 he  took over the position of Musical Director  which he held until 2010 when he retired, In 2004 he was presented with a  presentation baton for 40years service as MD.

He also received a Civic award from the then Lord Mayor of the City in recognition of his Musical contribution to the people of the City of Chester.

In 1990 Ken was awarded the British Empire Medal by Her Majesty the Queen for his Services to Music

Ken remained an active member of the Choir as Associate Musical Director and singing in the choir until shortly before his death on 10th November, 2011. He will be  greatly missed.