THERE has been high praise for Crediton Parish Church, its wonderful choir and all involved in the live broadcast of Morning Worship from the Church on BBC Radio 4 on October 18.

Iorwerth Pugh, Musical Director of Crediton Town Band, said afterwards: “Congratulations to all at Holy Cross for a magnificent, accomplished and uplifting Sunday Worship!

“What a wonderful choir! Much credit to Jon Rawles and the choir but also the wonderful leadership of the service and the excellent readers.

“The musicianship and discipline demonstrated by the singers was very impressive.

Some of the choir and clergy during rehearsals for the BBC Radio 4 service.
Some of the choir and clergy during rehearsals for the BBC Radio 4 service. (John Rawles)

“The diction, intonation, sonority and balance were all so commendable.

“Two of the hymns sung were great favourites of mine and took me back to our family going to Sunday Mass in my youth.

“The sermon about being treated for blood cancer at the RD&E had special resonance for me and was so helpful and reassuring.

“Listening to the service has made me feel even more proud to be a part of the wonderful music-making of Crediton and I hope you all feel very proud of the fruits of all your dedicated hard work."

Holy Cross Choir members during rehearsals for the BBC Radio 4 service.
Holy Cross Choir members during rehearsals for the BBC Radio 4 service. (John Rawles)

Jon Rawles, Holy Cross Director of Music, said he felt “most proud and delighted to have conducted the choir as they led the music so vibrantly”.

He added: “I count myself very lucky to work with this amazing group of singers and make such wonderful music every week, and this morning just shows how brilliant they all are! Congratulations to all of them - they are all fabulous, both with all that they do musically and behind the scenes to make the choir so great.

“A big thank you to Graham Keitch for writing us an anthem especially for the service, to Luke Tayler for his assistance in all our endeavours through the year - but a huge congratulations and well done must go to our Organ Scholar, Oliver Macmullan, for his incredible organ playing!”