Angela Ruggles was passionate about the importance of music education. She was caring, supportive of those she worked with, conscientious, hard-working and totally committed to all of her activities. In her role as a senior civil servant, she ensured that many important and life-changing government policies were developed and enacted.
She had a passion for social fairness and a vast knowledge of music, in part from being a clarinettist herself. Her contribution to improving the music education of literally millions of young people through taking forward government policy is beyond measure.
Tireless in the face of opposition
Angela had many areas of responsibility in addition to music education, but always worked tirelessly to ensure that all children had the opportunity to receive equal and fair access to the best possible music education in school, as part of the national curriculum, through instrumental and vocal tuition, and through out of school activities.
She worked tirelessly to ensure the implementation of policies that would work in practice, even in the face of opposition. Both the Music Manifesto and the National Plan for Music Education came to fruition on her watch. Her aim was always to achieve the best possible outcomes for all young people.
Genuine care for music educators
Although Angela had the ear of secretaries of state and ministers of education, she always found time to listen to and meet with music educators from across the sector. Her interest went beyond her professional responsibilities. She genuinely cared about and appreciated the work of music educators and wanted to facilitate this in whatever ways she could.
On retiring from the civil service, she continued to work in key roles to support the UK Music Education Council (MEC) and the International Society for Music Education (ISME), first as secretary general and later as chief executive officer. In these roles she applied her considerable skills to further promoting the cause of music education throughout the world.
'Immense' contribution
Overall, Angela's contribution to music education has been immense. She was the consummate professional in all she did. She leaves a significant legacy. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to work closely with her and by those who were lucky enough to know the truly wonderful, caring person that she was.
During her long illness, Angela and her husband John discussed the end many times. It was their wish not to have a traditional funeral. She will be cremated on 19 May, which would have been her 60th birthday. Her ashes will be spread in a beautiful memorial garden. There will be no formal ceremony.
Her wishes were that everyone individually, privately or in small groups of their choice should have a cup of their favourite drink, a piece of cake, and raise that cup thinking of the wonderful memories they have of Angela.
Accessing her Facebook page provides a clear sense of how much she is going to be missed. Those wishing to make a practical contribution to celebrate Angela's life are asked to make a donation in her name to the leading charity focused on raising awareness regarding ovarian cancer, particularly of early diagnosis: Target Ovarian Cancer. Angela herself supported this charity, crocheting Teal Teddies and Triceratops to be adopted in return for donations.
