14 hours ago
Talented musician and school's former director of music dies aged 74
A TALENTED musician and former teacher who inspired the community in music-making has passed away aged 74.
Hugh Turpin, of Oak Crescent, Whitehaven, formerly of St Bees, was director of music at St Bees School and had a life-long passion for running choirs.
Born in Doncaster in 1950, he showed an aptitude for music at an early age so his parents sent him for piano lessons. He then joined the local church choir and soon became head chorister.
As a child Hugh devoured music scores and would go to the library two or three times a week to hire classical music.
Hugh Turpin had a life-long love of music (Image: Family handout)
However, his interest covered many genres which led to him forming his first band while a young teenager at school. After hearing the band rehearse a couple of teachers were so impressed they asked if they could join and Hugh was happy to recruit them.
As a young boy Hugh held various positions as church organist and would cycle many miles to get from one church to another. The fruits of his labour meant he was earning a man's wage while still a schoolboy.
Then aged 14 he was asked to take over as Choirmaster of St James' church choir in Doncaster which began his life-long passion of running choirs.
He was accepted by Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester at the age of 16 and began his degree course there when he had just turned 17. He again began earning good money in his spare time playing jazz piano in hotels in Manchester.
Hugh Turpin was director of music at St Bees School until he retired in 2013 (Image: Family handout)
After graduating he took up his first teaching position in Liverpool. He then moved to Whitehaven and taught at Richmond school for 10 years where he enrolled both staff and pupils in many concerts and shows including full scale productions, notably Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance.
This job saw him take on an additional role helping out other schools across Copeland and Allerdale. Time spent with staff at Wyndham School led to him forming The Wyndham Singers which later became The Priory Singers when the school closed but the choir members wanted to continue.
In 1983 Hugh was given his dream job at the prestigious St Bees Public School and remained there as director of music until his retirement in 2013. His 30 years there was to yield many close friendships and a plethora of music.
Hugh Turpin, director of music at St Bees School, gives pupil Sarah Berwick some advice (Image: The Whitehaven News archive)
Productions included Ruddigore, Tartuffe, Oliver, The Beggar's Opera, The Sound of Music, The Threepenny Opera, Pantomimes, Sweeney Todd, with Hugh triumphing in the title role.
He accompanied students to Russia and China and took school choirs on tour to Germany. There were weekly Chapel services filled with music, Proms on the Crease and Nine Lessons and Carols at Christmas.
A musical venture with some colleagues resulted in the forming of a successful quartet, Deo Gratias, which saw the four members of staff performing spots on Radio 3 and receiving rave reviews in the national press.
One of Hugh's other collaborations was with fellow musician Anthea Bremner. In 1997 they joined forces to form Lakeland Opera and many productions followed.
St Bees Village Orchestra was another inspiration to involve members of the community in music-making.
Hugh Turpin pictured in 2006 (Image: The Whitehaven News archive)
Away from music one of Hugh's other passions was sailing. Always wanting to excel in any endeavour he studied for, and achieved, his Yacht Master and Navigation qualification.
He became musical director of West Cumberland Choral Society in 2009 where romance was to blossom. Hugh and Vanessa had each lost their partners and friends and relatives were delighted when they went on to marry in 2013.
Hugh's stroke in 2014 meant he could no longer play the piano but, never one to be idle, he spent many hours composing and arranging music.
Having built his first computer in the eighties he went on to develop a keen interest in flight simulators and was awarded the rank of Captain after completing the requisite number of flying hours.
Hugh Turpin pictured on his wedding day (Image: Family handout)
Hugh leaves behind his wife Vanessa, son John, grandchildren Rebecca and Luke and brother and sister Philip and Cathie.
Vanessa said the messages they have received from people saying how he inspired them and was influential in their career path has been 'overwhelming'.
His legacy of music lives on in the many recordings made of him playing virtuoso pieces on the piano. Some of these were used at his funeral service in St. Bees Priory.
