Thames Head Singers' programme for 2005 (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Thames Head Singers' programme for 2005

EARLIER this month the Thames Head Singers, one of Gloucestershire's finest small chamber choirs, celebrated their 25th anniversary with a dinner at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester.

The Singers, a mixed voice chamber choir of 30 members, directed by Richard Sharpe, have performed a wide repertoire of sacred and secular songs since their foundation in 1980, often raising money for local and national charities such as the Cotswold Care Hospice.

They perform concerts and accompany services all over Gloucestershire and beyond and, as well as singing pieces by British composers from William Byrd to Benjamin Britten, their international repertoire includes folk songs from Catalonia and Iceland and church music from Russia, many collected by chairman Theo Stening on his travels round the world.

The idea of forming a new group of singers was first discussed by Edith, Lady Robertson and Brian King on Christmas morning 1979.

Twelve members - one of whom, Robin Harrison, is still with the group - went to the first rehearsal, on February 5, 1980 at Lady Robertson's house.

Their first public appearance was at a confirmation service at Bussage Church on May 25 and their first concert was held in Rodmarton Village Hall on July 19, when over £150 was raised for the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths.

The Thames Head Singers programme for 2005 includes a weekend singing choral services at Hereford Cathedral (April 9/10), full choral evensong at Horton Church (April 24) and concerts at Stratton Church (June 25) and Nailsworth Church (July 2).

The Singers are happy to support charities and churches by giving concerts.

Further details from concert secretary John Pinnington on 01285 653246 or john@pinnington.freeerve.co.uk