• Full name: Christopher (“Chris”) Strachan. historyproject.org.uk+2Electric Palace Harwich+2

• Date of birth: 25 April 1939. historyproject.org.uk

• Place of birth: Aberdeen, Scotland. nationaljazzarchive.org.uk+1

• Moved during childhood: his family moved to London when he was 12. Eventually moved to Harwich in 1973. nationaljazzarchive.org.uk+1

Education / Early Life

• Childhood in Aberdeen, then London from age ~12. Accents, early schooling reflect that move. nationaljazzarchive.org.uk+1

• Developed interest in jazz and music early: at school in Kilburn in late-1950s he set up a jazz band. nationaljazzarchive.org.uk

• Professional career: He was trained and worked in medicine. He became a general practitioner (GP) and surgeon. Specifically, he worked in plastic surgery in Sheffield before moving to Harwich for a combined GP / surgery post. historyproject.org.uk

Involvement with the Harwich Electric Palace

This is perhaps the role for which Chris Strachan is best known in local / preservation / community heritage circles.

• The Electric Palace is a vintage cinema in Harwich, built 1911. It had closed in 1956, then was left derelict. It was listed (protected) in 1972, but was deteriorating. historyproject.org.uk+2Electric Palace Harwich+2

• Chris Strachan, together with retired architect Andrew Carden, was instrumental in rescuing the building in the 1970s. Electric Palace Harwich+1

• In 1975, Chris (as secretary) and the Trust (formed to restore the Electric Palace) obtained a lease from the council and started work to halt further decay, then repair damage. Electric Palace Harwich+1

• In 1981, on the 70th anniversary of its original opening, the Electric Palace re-opened. After that, Andrew retired and Chris became Chairman of the Trust, a position he held for over 30 years. Electric Palace Harwich+1

• Besides overseeing the restoration and preservation work, Chris also worked (with volunteers and his wife Celia) to raise funds, recruit expertise, and promote the cinema, especially putting on film showings, jazz concerts, etc. Electric Palace Harwich+2nationaljazzarchive.org.uk+2

Other Roles / Civic Life

• High Steward of Harwich: Chris Strachan was the High Steward (a ceremonial role) of Harwich. He held this until stepping down, paving the way for Sue Daish to become the 34th High Steward. harwichtowncouncil.co.uk+2harwichandmanningtreestandard.co.uk+2

• Music: He has been active as an amateur musician, especially in jazz. He plays brass instruments — trumpet, as well as other horns, flute etc. He helped in promoting live music at the Electric Palace. nationaljazzarchive.org.uk+2Electric Palace Harwich+2

Later Years & Legacy

• Chris Strachan passed away on 7 May 2024. His death was noted by the Electric Palace Trust, and in local sources. Electric Palace Harwich

• His legacy: Preserving the Electric Palace — avoiding its demolition, ensuring its restoration, continued use as cinema / performance venue — is seen as his major contribution. His long tenure and continuous work with volunteers and community are frequently praised. Electric Palace Harwich+1

• In addition he wrote about local cinema history: e.g. he is the author of The Harwich Electric Palace (original version in 1979, followed by a later edition with updates) recounting the story of the cinema from its opening, through decline, restoration, and more recent years. electricpalaceharwich.savoysystems.co.uk+1