Events
2008 Reunion
Photograph courtesy of Dr David Kelsall
The Ex-Choristers Association held its second reunion on Saturday 5th July and what a day it turned out and after what could have been a soggy start we were blessed with a warm sunny day. The reunion began with the General Meeting which was attended by 21 members – copies of the Chairman’s Report and Minutes of the Meeting can be found on the website and are available on request from the Hon. Secretary, Bob Staten.
Choral Evensong, with the Cathedral Choir conducted by Andrew Lucas, was attended by some 120 members, 44 of whom (pictured) joined the Cathedral Choir to sing the Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis in C by Charles Villiers Stanford and Light of the World by Edward Elgar.
Copies of the photographs above and below will be posted on the website and hard ‘glossy’ copies are available, on request, from the Chairman, Malcolm Bury. Whilst no charge will be made, a small contribution to our funds would be welcome.
Photograph courtesy of Dr David Kelsall
The reception in the Deanery Garden was a time for well earned refreshments and to catch up with old friends. Master of the Music, Andrew Lucas, commended the Association on the work that had been done since the Inaugural Reunion a year ago. Peter Hurford, in thanking the Committee for the work undertaken during the year, and specifically the publication of the Association Directory, stressed that the long term sustainability and success of the Association depended on more members stepping forward to offer their time and talents to help manage the Association’s activities.
Helen Charleston, Charlotte Campbell & Tori Cox
Simon Johnson & Gemma Saunders
Andrew Lucas – Master of the Music
Members at the reception
Simon Morley & Paolo Baroni
Bob Fitzsimmons (L) Geoff Ward & John Bate (C)
Andrew Lucas & Peter Hurford
Malcolm Bury (Chairman) with Moira Dean
50th Anniversary of Luccombe Choir Camp
Over 30 former choristers and lay clerks participated in the 50th Choir Camp celebrations which were held during the weekend of 25th to 27th July. The camp was run by Tony and Ros De Rivas (their tenth time as camp masters) and was attended by Peter and Pat Hurford who instigated the camp in 1958 together with The Dean, Dr Jeffrey John, who also preached at the Sunday morning Eucharist, and former Precentor, The Reverend David Munchin. The brave souls who scaled Dunkery Beacon on the Saturday (see picture below) are to be commended, including the two youngest Henry Meager and Lydia Pazzi-Axworthy. One of the high spots was an anniversary cake, engineered by Ros De Rivaz and a picture of Exmoor which was presented to Peter and Pat as a memento of their years at Luccombe. A further gift was presented to farmer Bill Partridge who has made his field available for so many years.
The Anniversary Camp Cake
Present & Former Masters of the Music, Andrew Lucas & Peter Hurford
The Cathedral Choir
Tony De Rivaz with the Hurfords at Webber’s Post
Former Chorister – Keith Hill
Trampers nearing Dunkery Beacon
Present & Former Choristers, Lay Clerks, Music Staff & Spouses/Partners
2008 Members’ Directory
Copies of the 2008 Directory are still available. Members who were unable to attend this year’s reunion or the 50th Choir Camp and would still like to receive a copy should contact the Secretary, Bob Staten.
Fund Raising
This year’s operations (Reunion / Directory / Postage and admin costs) have now effectively ‘zeroised’ our bank account so if any members feel they have a few pounds to spare please do make a contribution – cheques to the Chairman payable to St. Albans Cathedral Ex-Choristers Association.