Cathedral's old choristers reunite for big anniversary event

[dutchman]

A reunion of former Coventry choristers is planned for the Cathedral’s anniversary service this year.


Mike Smith (front-row, left) with other members of the Coventry Cathedral choir in a session with composer Benjamin Britten

Former Coventry Cathedral chorister Mike Smith is organising a get-together of boys who sang at the cathedral’s 1962 consecration for its 50th anniversary service in May.

The 61-year-old has fond memories of the historic event when, as an 11-year-old schoolboy, he and 23 other King Henry VIII School pupils who were in the Coventry Cathedral choir performed during the service attended by the Queen and Prince Philip.

The retired headteacher and former Woodlands School teacher hopes to secure places at the anniversary service for as many of the 24 choristers as possible. They made up the choir after three intakes in 1959, 1960 and 1961. The grandad, who now lives in Lincolnshire, said: “The cathedral’s consecration was one of the most memorable days of our lives and the choir worked really hard in preparation, with rehearsals between 8am and 9am every morning, two rehearsals every Saturday and two services every Sunday.

“Being in the choir dominated our lives and it involved a lot of commitment.”

When the Queen and Prince Philip entered the cathedral, the choir formed a guard of honour which the Royals walked through.

Mike recalled: “We didn’t get to meet them formally, but the Queen did nod and smile at us in acknowledgement.”

The boys sang a number of hymns during the service, including I Was Glad and Christ is Made the Sure Foundation. The service was also broadcast live on TV, with presenter Richard Dimbleby commentating on the event for the BBC.

A highlight for Mike was getting Dimbleby’s autograph.

He said: “Richard was going down a ladder and I held if for him until he go to the bottom. When he got down I said ‘please Mr Dimbleby, would you sign on this piece of paper?’ and he did.”

The 1959 intake were: Bob Carlton, Chris Crocker, Jonathan Edwards, Peter (Chas) Greetham, John Harvey, Stephen Lovick, Stephen Milliner, Michael Newth, Brian Owen, Brian Saunders, John Van Toren (deceased) and Mike Williams. The 1960 intake were: Jesse (Andy) Anderson, Michael Barton, Duncan Gray, Derek Hossle (deceased) Paul Maggs, David Sleath, Mike Smith and Howard Trett.

The 1961 intake included: Bill Evans, Guy Hawking, Rod Marshall, and David Stables.

* Former choristers who would like to take part in the reunion should contact Mike Smith on 01507 609901 or email mikesmith.rww@hotmail.co.uk