Chris Boulton
After a long illness, Greenham Trust Chief Executive and Kennet Radio presenter, Chris Boulton, died peacefully yesterday, Wednesday 7th January, surrounded by his family. He was 62 years old.
Chris has been a Kennet Radio presenter for many years. His weekly Fantastic Friday Feeling Breakfast Show was enjoyed by Kennet Radio listeners across West Berkshire and beyond.
Chris shared his passion for Northern Soul music with Kennet Radio listeners every week, with his regular “Three Before Eight” feature – three Northern Soul classics played just before 8am. This was a nod to the tradition at Northern Soul venue Wigan Casino where the last three songs played at the end of a Northern Soul “all nighter” at 8am were known as the “three before eight”.
Another popular feature on Chris’s show was his “Charity Chat” – an interview with a representative of one of the many charities and voluntary organisations supported by Greenham Trust.
Chris joined Greenham Trust as CEO in 2014 and, through his expertise, foresight, and exceptional business acumen, helped to double the size of the charitable endowment and increase the surpluses that could be distributed to local charities. He had a deep passion for charity and the arts, shaping the sector with his innovative ideas, energy, and unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for others.
Despite his long illness, Chris remained dedicated to Greenham Trust and continued to provide steady guidance and support to the team. Whether transforming Greenham Business Park, chairing the West Berkshire Covid Response Group, or hosting Battle of the Bands talent shows at The Corn Exchange, Chris had a remarkable ability to bring people together and make a meaningful, lasting difference to the lives of others. This will be his enduring legacy.
Away from work, Chris had a wide range of interests—cycling, skiing, Northern Soul, and DJ’ing among them. He was endlessly curious and loved embracing new skills, whether painting, learning a new instrument, ballroom dancing, or even writing a musical. His creativity and enthusiasm weren’t just hobbies; they were fundamental to who he was.
The whole Kennet Radio team will miss Chris immensely, and we send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Jennifer, sons Albert and Arthur, his colleagues at Greenham Trust, and his wider family and friends.
