Barry Hodkinson, Musical Director

Barry started learning piano at the age of 6. He took his exams at the London College of Music. At the age of 12 he became organist at his school in Harrow Weald, playing two services each week.

During his time at the school he was also a guitarist in a group playing rhythm and blues in local venues. It doidn’t help his O-levels! At 17 Barry furthered his musical skills in the world of scouts and guides, putting on  musicals and concerts.  He went on to study music at St Mary’s College, Twickenham  majoring in piano, guitar and voice.

After qualifying Barry went into musical education teaching for the next 20 years, including running many children’s choirs and orchestras. It was also during this time that he was conductor of the church choir in Hayes, a position he held for 30 years and also was a member of the West London Vocal Ensemble, making a number of tours including Venice, Prague and Vienna.

Now in retirement from work, he plays the organ and runs the choir at Our Lady of Grace RC Church, Booker, as well as being the Musical Director of the West Wycombe Chamber Choir.

Barry is a steam railway enthusiast and a retired Chairman of the Slough & Windsor Railway Society, an organisation he has been a member of for over 35 years. His garden contains a garden railway and in the garden shed is a smaller layout. It keeps him out of trouble now that he has finished full time working, according to wife Michèle!

Michèle Hodkinson, Choir Manager and Administrator

Michèle started learning the guitar at the age of 13 having already developed a love of music from her parents who enjoyed listening to the big bands and stars of the 1950s.

Her interest for organisation led her to developing a folk group at church for young people and a social fundraising group raising considerable funds for many charities. She also produced and directed Godspell, many variety shows and concerts.

Following on from folk and church choir singing Michèle became a founding member of the West London Vocal Ensemble directed by Jean Carter (former Swingle Singer) touring Venice, Prague and Vienna, as well as London events.

Michèle is a nurse by profession and has recently retired as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care, after 50 years in nursing. However, she continues to work the odd day! In her spare time(!) Michèle loves gardening, cake decoration, and playing her violin and guitar at church.

Michèle (and Barry) are very proud of their children Daniel and Sarah who have both followed in their footsteps with the influence of music in their lives. Then along came the grandchildren, first Jack, followed by George and now Kitty. Barry says all this keeps Michèle out of trouble!  However, they do enjoy the respite of their French retreat in Normandy and go whenever they can.