Richard Fenwick was born in Cardiff, his first musical training being as a member of the Llandaff Cathedral Parish Choir under the fondly remembered Kenneth Turner – originally a student under Harold Darke, and composer of a number of anthems, including “O Trinity, most blessed light”. Richard went on to study Organ under the celebrated Welsh blind Organist, David Williams. Williams had been a student at the Royal College of Music under teachers including John Ireland and Sir Walter Alcock, and his lessons left an indellible mark – particularly the memories he passed on of tutorials with these great figures.
After an Arts Degree at Lampeter Richard went on to Cambridge to study Theology. He was ordained in the Diocese of Llandaff, but continued with his studies in Music. He won Fellowships at the London College of Music and Trinity College London. He then took his MusB degree at Trinity College Dublin. This was followed by a Master's in 19thcentury Church Music – and finally a PhD of the University of Wales in Ecclesiastical History.
Though always lacking time to practice (like us all!) he has played for many Recitals – including the cathedrals at Rochester, Guildford, Coventry, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Bangor and St Woolos Cathedral Newport. He also did two at St Paul's Cathedral, London. Again, his work in the Church has taken him to many parts of the world – latterly as Bishop of St Helena in the Anglican Province of Southern Africa.
Now, after 7 years on St Helena, he and Jane have returned home for good. It is with real delight they have come back to their family – but also for Richard into the life of the Guild.