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Kelsborrow Choir celebrated a very special milestone on Saturday, 19 September 2026, when members, former members, friends and supporters gathered at Boughton Hall Cricket Club in Chester for a commemorative dinner to mark the Choir’s 70th anniversary. It was an evening of celebration, reminiscence and friendship, providing a wonderful opportunity to look back over seven decades of music-making and the many people who have helped to make Kelsborrow Choir such an enduring part of the local community.
Following the dinner, the Choir’s Chair, Elaine Campey, welcomed the assembled guests and gave a short speech reflecting on the significance of the anniversary. Her words acknowledged the contribution of the many singers, conductors, accompanists and supporters who have been part of Kelsborrow Choir’s story over the past 70 years, and set the scene for the evening’s guest speaker.
Elaine then introduced Ron Hutchinson, an accomplished after-dinner speaker whose career has given him some fascinating stories to tell. After leaving the British Army in the mid-1970s, Ron spent more than two decades as chauffeur to Viscount Leverhulme at Thornton Hall. His role took him well beyond the ordinary duties of a chauffeur, involving Rolls-Royces, distinguished guests, royal encounters, shooting parties and horse-racing events, providing him with a unique insight into a world that has often been likened to a real-life Downton Abbey.
Drawing on these remarkable experiences, his address provided an entertaining and engaging centrepiece to the anniversary celebrations. His stories brought to life some of the extraordinary experiences he encountered during his years as Lord Leverhulme’s chauffeur, and were warmly received by the diners.
Adding a particularly nostalgic touch to the evening, two television screens around the room displayed a continuously scrolling presentation of photographs and memories from Kelsborrow Choir’s 70-year history. The collection provided plenty of opportunities for guests to recognise familiar faces, recall past occasions and share memories with fellow members and friends. The presentation was much appreciated and helped to bring the Choir’s long history vividly to life throughout the evening.
The celebrations continued in a warm and convivial atmosphere, with guests enjoying the opportunity to chat, reminisce and share memories of their own connections with Kelsborrow Choir. Reaching its 70th anniversary is a remarkable achievement, and the dinner provided a fitting opportunity to celebrate not only the Choir’s history but also the people, friendships and love of music that have sustained it throughout seven decades.
The photographs above capture just a few of the many happy moments shared by members, friends and guests during the evening. We hope they bring back some wonderful memories of a very special occasion and of the friendships and music that have been at the heart of Kelsborrow Choir for 70 years. Our warm thanks go to Sarah, Elaine’s daughter, for kindly sharing these photographs and helping to preserve the memories of this memorable anniversary celebration.
