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By David Newble
Friday, July 6, 2012
Mr Les Church
A FORMER worker at the British Hovercraft Corporation (BHC) and GKN, who also played violin in the IW Orchestra, has died at St Mary’s Hospital, aged 87. Les Church, of Carisbrooke Road, Newport, who died on June 23, was born and bred on the Island and was the youngest of the five children of Albert and Florence Church.He went to school in Newport and later became a dental assistant while completing his national service for the Royal Navy, serving in India and Singapore.He then worked at the joinery office at Moreys until 1975 and, following one summer season at Whitecliff Bay Holiday Camp, he joined the then BHC until his retirement in 1989.Mr Church met Beryl Moody at Bible class and they married in March 1952. The couple recently celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.Mr Church played violin in the IW Orchestra until he broke his wrist. He was Newport Carnival King in 1954 and had a long association with the old Newport Carnival Committee, including a spell as vice-president.He compered many children’s parties in the 1960s for Ronsons, Dixons and Newport Fire Service and also compered at summer fetes.He served on a number of PTA committees for Newport schools and continued to help at Nine Acres School after his retirement.Latterly, he was involved with the Friends of St Mary’s Hospital and was a life member.He leaves his wife, Beryl, daughters, Sandy and Jan, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one step-great grandchild.The funeral will be held at the IW Crematorium on Wednesday at noon.
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