THE Choir of Crediton’s Holy Cross Church will sing at the Crediton Farmers’ Market on Saturday, June 4, from 10am onwards.

The music will be mostly from the current repertoire, with some well-known favourites from the hymn book.

The Choir, which has be in existence for more than 1,000 years is probably the oldest organisation in Crediton, and, numbering 30-plus most Sundays is one of the strongest and most widely recognised from among the Parish churches in Devon.

Its musical standard is such that it has frequently been asked to perform at Cathedrals, in which respect it has carried out services at Exeter, Truro, Bristol, Gloucester, Bath, Cardiff, Chichester, Salisbury, Christ’s Church Oxford, Romsey Abbey and several times on BBC Radio 4’s “Daily Service”.

It has toured in France, Germany, The Netherlands, and the USA: (it is currently planning a trip to Dixon and posibly Chicago.) Recently on a return from such a trip, Willam Byrd’s beautiful "Ave Verum" was heard to come from the back of the bus, sung impromptu by the juniors, just for the pure joy of singing.

Our younger members have provided finalists in BBC Radio 2’s "Chorister of the Year" for the past two years.

It is a well-known fact that many soloists and members of groups on the contemporary youth music scene started off in Church Choirs.

Many from the large section of "Junior" choristers have added to their musical knowledge by taking up a musical instrument supported by the Church’s Endowment Music Fund, in addition to gaining a greater knowledge of all forms of music.

Members are encouraged (but not forced!) to gain qualifications from the examination syllabus set by the Royal School of Church Music.

There is a strong social side, forming friendships which endure over the years, as well as providing great fun: a necessity to offset the moderately strenuous demands on peoples time.

New members are always welcome, and during the Farmers’ Market, more information will be ready to hand.

John Musty

Tenor

Crediton Parish Church Choir