Church of St Gregory Development Project

Project Patron
Sir Peter Maxwell Davies – Master of the Queen’s Music

Lead Corporate Partners

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Lead Artistic Partners

Regional Project Champion
John Shipton

John Shipton was born in Folkestone and has lived in Kent all his life. He is married to Kay from Sydney NSW and they have four children. Music plays a large part in the Shipton's family life, with members playing Cello, Viola, Violin, Piano and Organ.

After National Service in Korea, John entered the insurance broking business founded by his father, becoming Managing Director in 1964. The business was very successful and was bought by CT Bowring, with John becoming Chairman of this leading UK broker. After the business was taken over by Marsh of America in 1981, John concentrated on other Lloyd's businesses until retiring in 1996.

In the early 1970's, John was on the Committee of Management of the RNL and between 1979 - 1980, he was High Sheriff of Kent. He served on the Finance Committee of the Caldecott Foundation and was closely involved with their Hope Appeal, which raised over £8 million. From 1986 to 1990, John was President of the 120 year-old St Moritz Tobogganing Club (the Cresta Run), but no longer rides!!

John has been very involved in the recent flowering of the Deal Festival of Music and the Arts, which is now a vibrant festival, with a strong emphasis on Educational Projects.

Project Supporters

The following give their full support to the St Gregory’s Project to deliver a new vision for music in Kent: