I have two choristers in my family and my daughter's early love of singing in churches and cathedrals has meant that as a family we have visited many beautiful historic buildings as she was growing up. Her passion for this type of music has led my husband Richard to also join a choir, and this morning he was up bright and early to sing on the tower of St Peter's Church in Dorchester to celebrate Ascension Day.
Ascension Day is a public holiday in many parts of Europe, but unfortunately he has to work today, but he certainly has had a good start to his day. Singing followed by bacon butties has put him in a very good mood!
The St Peter's Church choir has recently said goodbye to a dedicated choir master, Alan Hallett, who retired after 30 years of service. The church is now looking to appoint a new leader for their choir and currently have several people who are interested. This is very positive news for the town as the church choir has an excellent reputation and offers two annual chorister scholarships to pupils from Thomas Hardy School.
My daughter has recently moved to Stratford-Upon-Avon and has joined the choir of Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried. Very recently the town held the 400th anniversary celebrations which included a choral compline which was sung around his grave. The candlelit occasion held towards midnight, allowed visitors to pass by Shakespeare's grave, giving them the opportunity for quiet reflection after the very busy weekend.
