A FORMER Westminster Abbey chorister will be giving an exciting talk in Malmesbury next week.

Neil Medland, aged 73, will be sharing his life experiences and love for choral music at Athelstan Museum on Friday, March 17. 

His passion for choral music first ignited at eight years old when he became a pupil at the Westminster Abbey Choir School. 

During his five years there he sang at numerous state occasions and two major royal events - the weddings of Princess Margaret (1960) and Princess Alexandra (1963).

Neil said: “I think part of Christian worship is the celebration of and enjoyment of music.

"I enjoyed being part of this when I was a boy and I believe that my experience of working with professionals from such a young age helped me in my life. 

“My talk is not just about those five years, it’s about what happened beyond that and how my love of choral music has been an integral part of my life for more than 60 years.” 

Later in life he embarked on a career in the nuclear industry as an operations engineer but his love for choral music never left him.

He is the current chairman of the Purcell Club which is made up of former Westminster Abbey choristers, named after composer Henry Purcell who was the Abbey organist between the years of 1679 to 1695. 

The 73-year-old also sings with Malmesbury Singers, the Abbey choir and supports the musical director John Hughes by conducting the choir from time to time. 

Susan Mockler, a member of the Athelstan Museum’s management team, said: “We are very pleased Neil is bringing such an interesting story about his choral career to another Athelstan Museum evening talk. 

“We endeavour to provide a variety of topics and this one is certainly apt for this year. We are pleased to be able to share proceeds with Malmesbury Abbey at Neil's request. The tickets are going fast!”

His talk ‘Five Years In The Choir At Westminster Abbey & Beyond’ will also include a virtual musical tour of Westminster Abbey.

Tickets cost £10 - to book click here.