Church Choir             

On most Friday evenings during the year, a dedicated group of around 10 choristers (the average complement is 5 ladies and 5 men) meet in church to practise the musical content for forthcoming services. Accompaniment is provided by our 2 regular organists (Marion Edwards & Mary Tucker) supplemented on occasions by Margaret Blackmore. We are very fortunate to have their musical talents at our disposal and we are extremely grateful for their collective time, effort and expertise. Together with the organists, the choir aims to provide joyful and effective musical leadership during most forms of Sunday worship. Our repertoire of hymns is based on “Hymns Ancient & Modern”, “Mission Praise” or “100 Hymns for Today”, and range from the very traditional to those which are more contemporary.

In addition, to mark special occasions in 2011, the choir sang the following anthems:

8^th May  “Ye Choirs of New Jerusalem” – an anthem for Easter

14^th August   A version of “The Lord’s My Shepherd” at Whitestaunton Songs of Praise

9^th October   “Praise, O Praise Our God & King” – an anthem for Harvest Festival

18^th December “When a Child is Born” – a Christmas song at Combe Carol Service

Towards the end of the year, our long-serving, knowledgeable and conscientious musical director, Colin Bray, decided to relinquish the “baton”. We thank him most sincerely for his tireless energy in this role over many years and are delighted to report that his strong bass voice will continue to be heard within the choir whenever he is able to join us.

 Looking ahead to 2012, we are busy practising anthems for Lent & Easter, we are preparing to participate in the Women’s World Day of Prayer on 2^nd March and we will be involved in a Community Songs of Praise service on 25^th March.

Finally, as our regular choir members are not getting any younger, we would welcome new female or male voices of any pitch to join us. No knowledge of music, previous choral experience, ability to sight-read or auditions are involved – just the desire to make a joyful sound in convivial fellowship! If you are interested, please contact Steve Yarrow (0146065916 or swsyarrow@btinternet.com)