LIVES REMEMBERED
no interest in performing in opera and little ambition to make an international reputation as a soloist. He preferred to sing as an oratorio soloist and in choirs, and moved from London to Winchester where he was for more than forty years a lay clerk in Winchester Cathedral choir. He was highly respected and became a legend. Willie returned to Canterbury for Edred Wright’s memorial service in the Cathedral, making a deep impression on all present with his beautiful voice and marvellous way with words. He was a regular soloist for John Eliot Gardiner and the Monteverdi Choir, and his recording of Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Hill, is considered by many to be the finest recording available. Willie was a unique individual; a keen motorcyclist, a bon viveur and a wonderful musician. Stephen Barlow (GR 1968-72) said: “I shall remember him for his wonderfully natural musicality, vocal ease and beauty. He was exceptional. His humour seemed so natural too. I remember so well how wonderfully he sang at Edred’s memorial. I was at the organ – it was always a pleasure to play for him.”
Christopher Mullens
role in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui. Going on to Leeds Metropolitan University, via a gap year travelling around New Zealand and a ski season or two, he eventually settled in London. Working at Strutt & Parker, Chris transferred to their Harrogate office so he could care for his mother in her final years. Tragically, Chris had to do the same for his father who sadly passed away only a few years later.
Above: Christopher Mullens
(MO 1997-2002) Christopher ‘Chris’ Mullens died on 20 February 2025, aged 40. His friend, Freddie Clough (MO 1997-2002) sends this tribute.
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nyone who met Chris will remember him. He was a memorable chap. Tall, handsome and full of an infectious positive energy, people would say he was destined for a career in PR. Coming from St Andrews, Chris was well liked by pretty much everyone. Across all the social groups that made up our year, Chris managed to make waves with all of them thanks to his big heart and consideration of others. Excelling at football and drama, Chris gained colours for the first XI and won the drama prize for his starring
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Now in Eastbourne, Chris took the bold move to buy a kayak hire business on the promenade. He was in his element, giving locals and tourists alike the time of their lives as they paddled along the Sunshine Coast. Chris’s enthusiasm and vision made the business a huge success and a go to destination for anyone visiting or living in Eastbourne. Adopting the moniker Kayak Kris, he also found time to get involved in local politics and underwent lifeguard training. In his short life, Chris made an unforgettable impression on the people he encountered and his absence will be felt by many and deeply. He was always driven by a genuine desire to make people smile, which seems like a difficult thing to do now, but his legacy, in time, will be a happy one. OKS
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Spring 2025