Dover Choral Society celebrates 125th anniversary

Music-making and singing are good for both physical and mental health.

That was the message from composer and choir director Adrian Bawtree who was guest speaker at a celebration dinner to mark the 125th anniversary of Dover Choral Society at Dover Town Hall on Saturday evening.

Although there are records of singers in Dover getting together as early as 1846, it wasn't until 1892 that Dover Choral Society was formed by Dr EF Astley, Dover Mayor and medical practitioner who also provided the organ for the town hall.

"Music and singing is good for the human soul," said Mr Bawtree. "It is a fundamental part of what it is to be human. Everyone can sing and should be encouraged to do so.

"Singing releases endorphins that make us feel better. Music can also help break down the barriers of social division.

"The arts in this country have taken cut upon cut. Organisations like Dover Choral Society have held high a brightly shining torch, but the challenges for the future include attracting audiences and funding.

"There is a resurgence in singing at the moment, what might be called the Gareth Malone effect, and all credit to him for what he has done."

Mr Malone formed the Dover-based P&O Ferries Choir which went on to win a competition for workplace choirs and has since performed in the UK, France and America.

"Different cultures bring different musical systems and ideas, creating a rich creative canvas," said Mr Bawtree.

"Music-making is a living organism and requires constant evolution. We need to blend tradition and break new ground."

Mr Bawtree paid tribute to the choral society's current musical director Steve Yarrow, as well as referring to his appearances as a "community diamond" on local buses and on the television quiz show Pointless.

Mr Yarrow said that after 125 years, the current members of the society were holding it "in trust" for the next generation.

Society chairman Donald Beck thanked Lindsay Powell-Williams for organising the evening which was attended by present and former members of the society, as well as guests.

The evening started with a minute's silence in memory of Mr Yarrow's father, John Yarrow, who had died the previous weekend. He was a former member and chairman of the society as well as a chorister at St Mary's Church.

The society's next concert, a performance of Handel's Messiah, is at Dover Town Hall on Saturday November 18 when former Dover girl Mary Seers will be among the soloists. Tickets, which are £14 or £7 for students, are available from 01304 822850, online at www.doverchoralsociety.org.uk or at the door.