Royal date leaves couple ‘truly humbled’

MUSIC runs in the family for John and Costello Marshall, who attended the event of a lifetime at Buckingham Palace.

The couple, from Prince Edward Street, Clarksfield, were among the guests at a Royal Garden Party hosted by the Queen.

The invitation was believed to be in recognition of their dedication which has encouraged many people in Oldham to discover a love of music — including their three successful children.

Famous son Wayne Marshall (49) travels worldwide as a conductor, virtuoso organist and solo pianist.

He has also been organist in residence at Manchester’s Bridgwater Hall since it opened in 1996.

Daughter Melanie (48) is a renowned singer and actress who has appeared in the West End.

She is preparing to make her debut at the National Theatre in “Fela!” in September.

Louise (37) is touring as a singer with Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and has also performed with everyone from Michael Ball to Robbie Williams.

Music is in the blood for the trio whose parents say they have “enjoyed the fantastic hospitality of Oldham” since moving here from Barbados in the late 1950s.

The couple initially lived in Glodwick, singing in the choir at St Mark’s Church where they were married, and John said: “If you meet anyone born in Barbados in that particular era everyone sings because music and cricket were our big interests. It was something we started in school and church.

“I always liken the children’s musical talent to the fulfilment of a third generation. I always thought my late grandfather had a voice to compare with any tenor anywhere, if he had any training he could have been as good as any tenor.

“My mother, too, and my father could sing. Everyone at home sung — music was really in our blood.

“With the children being born in Oldham, they had the ability to receive the technical education and I am so grateful to the schools here which helped them to develop.”

The family later moved to Westwood and Clarksfield, attending All Saint’s Church, Northmoor, and then St Barnabas Church where John plays the organ and is choirmaster.

John, a retired cotton mill worker and engineer, also sung with Oldham Parish Choir and was instrumental in founding both Oldham Cosmopolitan Choir and its later incarnation, Oldham International Choir.

He said that he was honoured to attend the garden party and explained: “When we received the letter with the official stamp from the Lord Lieutenant’s office we were shocked.

“The first question we asked was ‘why us?’ as we are humble folk living in Oldham.”

He thanked the person who nominated them, who has not been revealed, adding: “We are truly humbled to receive this great honour.

“On reflection, we would like to think that it has something to do with our children’s involvement with classical music.

“We would like to pay significant gratitude to all those who have helped and inspired our family in any way where music is concerned. Many of the elderly helpers are no longer with us and we are extremely grateful for their vision.

“Finally, we would like to share this honour with all the people of Oldham.”

John likened the 8,000-strong crowd at the garden party to travelling to Wembley to see Oldham Athletic play Manchester United in the 1994 FA Cup semi-final.

“We were fascinated to see people from all walks of life there, uniformed, clergy, diplomats, people from different countries. That was the highlight of it,” he said

Costello, a retired health care assistant, added: “It was lovely, a beautiful day. The weather was sunny and hot and we made a lot of friends talking to other people.”