Wakefield Cathedral Old Choristers' Association
WCOCA Officials and Committee Members 2016-2017
Chair: John North
Secretary: Alec Tinker
Treasurer: James Holt
Federation Representative: John Holt
Clergy Representative: Canon Leah Vasey-Saunders
Committee Members:
Adrian Altman, Emily Beal, Alexis Cooling, David Dean, Neil Hopwood, Andrew Revans, Will Renoussie
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Above: The augmented Cathedral Choir practising for the service with Tom Moore.
Below: Tom Moore addressing the diners
More photos on Girls' Silver Jubilee page.
GIRLS' SILVER JUBILEE May 2017
At the Association's AGM on Advent Sunday, 2017, Elsie Bouckley became the first honorary member of the Old Choristers' Association. Although Elsie has never been a chorister, she has supported the Association's events for many years and all those present at the meeting were in favour of granting her her new status. Well done, Elsie!
ASSOCIATION'S FIRST HONORARY MEMBER
MARC CORBETT-WEAVER
Piano Recital
Marc (Old Chorister) gave a wonderful piano recital in the Cathedral on Friday, 16th February. His keyboard skill and artistry are exceptional and it is understandable how his repuation as a concert pianist is rapidly growing both in Britain and abroad. The Association and the Cathedral are greatly indebted to Marc as the concert's proceeds were given to the Cathedral's phase three development fund, which will include the creation of a new Music School.
The concert was repeated in March at St James' Church, Piccadilly and received a fantastic write-up in the Musical Opinion Quarterly (April-June, 2018). The article will be printed in the September Old Choristers' Newsletter.
2018 ANNUAL DINNER
A smaller than usual gathering met for the 2018 Annual Dinner which took place on Saturday, 28th April. A glorious evensong was sung by the full Cathedral Choir, singing music by Blair and Elgar. The Choir were on top form as was the playing of James Bowstead, the Cathedral's new Assistant Director of Music.
After the service, pre-dinner drinks were served in the Crypt before an excellent meal was served by Ea Nielson, Head of Cathedral Catering, in the Chapter House. The Cathedral's Precentor, Canon Leah Vasey-Saunders, was the guest speaker and provided a very appropriate talk before proposing a toast to the Association.
NEW DEAN APPOINTED
Canon Simon Cowling has been appointed the new Dean of Wakefield. A former Precentor of Sheffield Cathedral, he is at present Vicar of Bolton Abbey. He is to be installed in the Cathedral on Sunday, 30th September.
The Association looks forward to having a warm and friendly relationship with Dean Simon over the coming years. We hope he will be present at the Association's Advent Sunday Lunch and AGM which takes place on 2nd December. Booking details will be included in the September Newsletter.