This is a very special year for Hereford Church Choir Singers as the choir is celebrating its 50th anniversary of bringing sacred music to churches in the Hereford diocese and beyond, that do not have a choir of their own. Once described by BBC Hereford and Worcester as ‘The Flying Choir’, the choir was founded in 1968 by members of the congregation of Stretton Sugwas church.

Once the word got around, many churches in Herefordshire and Shropshire took advantage of having sung services and the choir has grown in experience in providing this important service, not only to Anglican churches, but to other denominations as well.

Currently the group has 25 members, under their Director of Music, John Eden, who has now been in charge for nine years and they fulfil on average 30 engagements per year. Obviously, it is busier around the Christmas period and Holy Week, but Harvest Festivals are popular in the country churches.

Another feature of the choir’s programme is the annual performance of the ‘The Crucifixion’ by Sir John Stainer. This event is open to anyone who wishes to have a go and has proved to be very popular.

A very special annual engagement for the choir is to sing ‘Carols for Shoppers’ to a packed Hereford Cathedral just before Christmas. This amazingly popular event attracts visitors from all over the country and beyond. The other important activity for the choir is performing at weddings, which greatly enhances the beauty of these church ceremonies. Weddings are the only engagements for which a fee is charged, although donations are much appreciated for the other occasions, to help cover expenses.

In order to celebrate this 50th anniversary year, the choir was invited to sing Choral Evensong in Hereford Cathedral on May 29th and will enjoy a special dinner to mark the occasion in June. Other highlights include joining the Dore Abbey Singers at this wonderful venue for their Patronal Festival and singing at St Michaels, Tenbury for a special commemoration service, both in September. It is hoped to be able to arrange a reunion of former members to join a ‘Songs of Praise’.

For news of this and full details of the choir, please visit: www.herefordchurchsingers.co.uk