The choir's spring concert with guests Hall Royd Band took place this month to a packed audience in aid of the Martin House hospice.

The programme opened with the very attractive Hallelujah from the film Shrek, glowing from the larger number of members under their conductor Helen McCory with Joyce Holbrook accompanying.

Four of Howard Goodall's Great Big Tunes followed enjoyably but slightly short-lived in comparison with the three items the band chose to follow, with two cornet soloists in one and the rigorous march from Gilbert and Sullivan's Iolanthe.

The band headed for the interval with the exciting Great Escape and a Cliff Richard medley, which faltered slightly prematurely before the break.

This is the Moment launched the second half featuring an enjoyable Best of the Beach Boys selection before the band's final slot prefaced by a string of jokes from their bandmaster and including a splendid baritone number How Great Thou Art.

The choir's final selection was from Bernstein's West Side Story including the exquisite number One Hand , then Maria which all the higher voices were required to deliver in this tricky score.

All the participants were warmly thanked by Avril Forster, the choir's chairman.

John Pettitt