Ian Parrott born 1927, died June 2013
Ian Parrott (35-39) Church musicians in the Diocese of Ely were saddened to learn of the death of Ian Parrott in June 2013 at the age of 85. Born in Bromley, Kent, in 1927, he attended initially his village Church of England school, but at the age of 8 won a coveted place at Westminster Abbey Choir School. The climax of his time there was singing at the Coronation of King George VI in 1937.
With the outbreak of war, the choir was disbanded and the boys sent to various cathedral and college choirs throughout the country, in Ian's case to the choir of New College, Oxford. When his voice broke he finished his education in north London.
Although he earned his living in the Cambridgeshire Constabulary, his abiding love was music and he made a significant contribution to musical life in the Cambridgeshire area. For over 20 years he was the Musical Director of the Cambridgeshire Police Choir, and he also conducted the Royal Air Force Brampton Choral and Orchestral Society. He served as organist of Brampton Parish Church as well as carrying out the duties of Secretary for the then RSCM Committee for Cambridgeshire, a role that was officially recognised in his appointment as an Honorary Member of the RSCM.
In final retirement, he became immersed in a wide variety of activities in his home village. His connection with Westminster Abbey continued through the years. One of his proudest moments was being selected to receive the Royal Maundy purse in 2011.
We have thus lost a good friend who made a significant contribution to the life of the local community. He will be sadly missed.
Ken Diffey, Ely Area Committee RSCM
Ian Parrott (35-39) Church musicians in the Diocese of Ely were saddened to learn of the death of Ian Parrott in June 2013 at the age of 85. Born in Bromley, Kent, in 1927, he attended initially his village Church of England school, but at the age of 8 won a coveted place at Westminster Abbey Choir School. The climax of his time there was singing at the Coronation of King George VI in 1937.
With the outbreak of war, the choir was disbanded and the boys sent to various cathedral and college choirs throughout the country, in Ian's case to the choir of New College, Oxford. When his voice broke he finished his education in north London.
Although he earned his living in the Cambridgeshire Constabulary, his abiding love was music and he made a significant contribution to musical life in the Cambridgeshire area. For over 20 years he was the Musical Director of the Cambridgeshire Police Choir, and he also conducted the Royal Air Force Brampton Choral and Orchestral Society. He served as organist of Brampton Parish Church as well as carrying out the duties of Secretary for the then RSCM Committee for Cambridgeshire, a role that was officially recognised in his appointment as an Honorary Member of the RSCM.
In final retirement, he became immersed in a wide variety of activities in his home village. His connection with Westminster Abbey continued through the years. One of his proudest moments was being selected to receive the Royal Maundy purse in 2011.
We have thus lost a good friend who made a significant contribution to the life of the local community. He will be sadly missed.
Ken Diffey, Ely Area Committee RSCM