The music at Brentwood Cathedral will continue to hit the high note for many years to come following a generous bequest from a prominent church member.
Former businessman Peter Rippon left £30,000 to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brentwood, in his will.
Mr Rippon, of Broomfield, Chelmsford, who died at the age of 79 two years ago, left the money in memory of his late wife, Olga, to be dedicated to a bursary to the Brentwood Diocesan Cathedral Choral Trust Fund.
The couple had frequently attended concerts at the cathedral.
Mr Rippon was a Knight of St Gregory, the highest of honours that can be bestowed on a lay person by the Pope.
The couple, who had two children, worshipped at Our Lady Immaculate Church in New London Road, Chelmsford.
Father Brian O'Higgins, the former priest-in-charge, said: "Peter Rippon was a generous benefactor to our church and he liked to attend concerts at Brentwood Cathedral. He was a great supporter of their musical events."
Mr Rippon left an estate valued at £1,307,695 net.
Together with his brother, Alan, he had developed their parents' newsagents business into a chain of shops in the East Anglia region.
Andrew Wright, master of music at Brentwood Cathedral, said: "It is wonderful news that this money has been left to the choral trust fund that facilitates our music department."
Published Thursday, May 22, 2003
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