Norwich Youngest Chorister Meets The Oldest!

Earlier this month the Federation of Cathedral Old Choristers’ Associations were in Norwich for their annual festival. As Chairman Alastair Pollard says: “The events and experiences of being a cathedral chorister remain with you all your life, ably demonstrated when the oldest of Norwich’s ex-choristers met the youngest current chorister in Norwich Cathedral.”

Duncan joined the Choir in 1935. His older brother had also been a cathedral chorister, as had his uncle in the 1890s. Duncan was a pupil at the old Cathedral Choir School which was merged with Norwich School in 1951. After leaving the Choir, he served with the RAF and then spent his working life as an NHS administrator. He and his wife still live near Norwich.

Charlie has completed his probationary period with the Choir and is a pupil at Norwich School. He was encouraged to join by his father, David, who was himself a chorister from 1976-1981.

More than 100 former choristers and guests enjoyed three days of musical entertainment, hosted by Norwich Cathedral’s Ex-Choristers’ Guild. Alastair continues: “It was particularly good that we got to hear both boy and girl choristers, with many of the latter attending the festival as former choristers.  We were treated to wonderful sacred and secular music throughout, with an organ recital and a performance by the chamber orchestra.

“Our Festival Dinner, held in Norwich School Refectory, was attended by the Lord Mayor and Bishop of Norwich with solos and duets by choristers during the meal. Thank you, Norwich – a wonderful venue for us to meet old friends, make new ones and to reminisce and listen to such beautiful music.”

If you were a chorister and haven’t signed up to FCOCA yet you can find out more by visiting their website http://onceachorister.org/