Choir

During the past year the choir has sung regularly at Sunday Services and also for festivals and other special occasions making an important and much-valued contribution to the worship of our congregation.

In April 2005 the choir made a weekend visit to Denmark, staying in the town of Holstebro. The choir gave a very successful concert and also sang at the Sunday service in Holstebro Church. Everyone was very grateful to Helle Kamstrup and her parents for arranging such an enjoyable weekend, with superb hospitality. We are currently preparing to welcome some of our hosts from Holstebro, who will be visiting us in Dunmow during the weekend of 9th – 11th June 2006.

Last September we said farewell to another valued Head Chorister, as Abigail Gallant left us to study at Cardiff University. It has been a great delight that both Abigail and Alison Walker, who left us the previous year, have been keen to come back and sing with the choir during their University vacations. Elizabeth Beecroft is now ably sharing the responsibility of Head Chorister with Amanda Michell, who sings with the choir as often as her Cathedral Consort and School Chapel Choir responsibilities allow. Sally Rippon and Stephanie Rue have joined the choir during the year, adding further strength to the adult membership.

Several members of the choir are continuing to follow the Royal Schools of Church Music Voice for Life training scheme. We would like to congratulate Caroline Abbott on completing all the targets for the Dark Blue level and look forward to presenting her with her medal very soon.

We would like to thank everyone in St. Mary’s choir for their hard work, commitment and support throughout the year.

Music Group

The singers and instrumentalists of St. Mary’s Music Group have continued to lead our music at Holy Communion services once a month. The group has also sung and played on several special occasions, including Harvest, the annual Christingle Service, Mothering Sunday and Palm Sunday.

We would like to thank all members of the music group for their support and fellowship during the year.

Both the Music Group and the Choir would be happy to welcome further new members.

Pam Warren
Jo Wood