A Very Brief History

 

 The first meeting of Bearsted Choral Society was held in the schoolroom of Bearsted Village School (now the Library) in November 1970. About 20 Bearsted residents met to plan a music programme and choose a committee. It was decided that Trevor Webb, who at that time was Organist and Choirmaster at Holy Cross Church, Bearsted would be the Conductor and Chairman. Rehearsals began in the New Year and the inaugural concert was performed in Holy Cross Church on

May 17th 1971 with Peter Hart as the Organist.

 

 Over the years the Society has given concerts in a variety of venues in Kent and now presents three major concerts each year at Holy Cross Church, with shorter appearances at other places.

 

 For the past ten years we have been very ably led by our conductor Peter Ashley and are regularly joined for concerts by soprano soloist Maggie Bloor, who doubles as our rehearsal pianist. Martin Hogben accompanies the concerts on organ and piano and additional professional artists are invited to sing or play instruments as required.

 

 From the original 20 Bearsted residents the choir has grown and now numbers around 55 enthusiastic people. About 20% of members live in Bearsted but the majority now live further away in Maidstone and surrounding towns and villages.

 

 

 Christine Goodey

 April 2007

History

By email:

publicity@bearstedchoral.org.uk