Pillar of music in Salisbury John Powell MBE dies aged 92

Described as "a local treasure", John Powell MBE was born in Salisbury along with his twin sister in June 1931 and after a very short illness, died in Salisbury Hospital surrounded by his children on April 19, 2024.

Among his many achievements, John founded the St Johns Singers in 1975 and volunteered for many organisations including the International Arts Festival and the Salisbury Combined Music Societies.

He grew up in Coombe Bissett where his father was the organist of the church and John and his sister sung in the choir from the age of five.

Aged 10, John's singing talent was recognised by a visiting priest who said his voice was good enough to be in the Cathedral choir.

As a result, Sir Walter Alcock, then organist and master of the choristers, auditioned John and accepted him straight away which John always said 'changed his life'.

A young John Powell MBE became a chorister at Salisbury Cathedral. (Image: Gillian Broadway)

John was a cathedral chorister at Salisbury Cathedral School during the war from 1941-1945 where he also became head chorister.

In 1954 at a dance in Salisbury John met the love of his life, Christine whom he married on January 1, 1955, and enjoyed a fulfilling 65 years of marriage before Christine died.

She too was a well loved and respected servant of the city, notably she held the position of head of Salisbury Cathedral Guild of Flowers for more than 20 years and had a beautiful soprano voice well into her 80’s.

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The couple would organise and host ‘Christmas Wassail’ parties in the City Hall.

Tickets were very sought after as these entertaining parties always were a lot of fun, they included a speech from a celebrity and raised thousands of pounds for charity.

By July 2016, it was estimated that they had raised over £250,000 for over 200 organisations.

John Powell MBE at the St John Singers 2014 Christmas concert. (Image: Gillian Broadway)

John joined the army in 1985 and became a retired officer at HQ UK Land Forces at Wilton until he retired aged 64.

For his services in Berlin, John was awarded a Member of the British Empire (MBE) medal, which he proudly received from the late Queen Elizabeth II in November 1973.

During his service in 1971, John was concerned that with all the musical concerts being performed within Salisbury, that there was a potential for event clashes so he formed the Salisbury Combined Music Societies Committee.

This group produced a ‘Music in Salisbury’ booklet which is still used today and is an invaluable resource for the city's musicians.

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After 41 years of service, John retired as Musical Director from the St Johns Singers Choir in July 2016. However, he continued to sing with the choir with his powerful bass voice until the end of March 2024 when he suddenly became very unwell.

John Powell MBE has died aged 92. (Image: Gillian Broadway)

John leaves behind children Stella, Gillian and Mark, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Daughter Gillian Broadway said: "John was an extraordinary kind and generous man. A once in a generation man.

"A man who, with his wife Christine, has left his mark on Salisbury.

"A man who will be missed by his family and by so many in Salisbury and beyond."

John's life will be celebrated at a Service of Thanksgiving at Salisbury Cathedral on Monday, May 20, at 2.30pm, followed by the Crematorium for immediate family only.