The Importance of Local Primary Schools

Local primary schools are essential in supporting our aim ‘that no voices are lost’, and West Pennard Primary School is a wonderful example of how early musical encouragement can shape a child’s future.

We spoke with Headmaster Tony Wheat and Anna, the mother of Walter, a former pupil who has since become a Wells Cathedral Chorister. Walter has been surrounded by music from a young age, raised by parents who are both singer‑songwriters, and exposed to a wide range of musical genres.

His mother, Anna , recalls that “his talent for singing was first recognised beyond his family by Alison Sutton, his brilliant violin teacher at West Pennard School.” Alison, impressed by Walter’s voice and natural musicality, was the first to suggest the idea of him becoming a Chorister, and she continues to support him by attending many of his concerts at Wells Cathedral.

 “At the time I had no idea what it entailed, but it sounded like a wonderful opportunity and so we began the application process,” Anna says. Before the family knew it, Walter was preparing to leave West Pennard at the end of Year 4, to begin his new chapter.

The decision was fully supported by Headmaster Tony Wheat, who speaks proudly of the school’s strong musical tradition. “West Pennard has always had a reputation for the promotion of music, and in recent years we have really built our music provision under the expert guidance of Mrs Clarke, the Deputy Head,” he explains. This commitment was recognised last year when the school was named a Lead School for Music, one of only a handful in Somerset. With the school’s long-standing reputation for nurturing musical talent, Mr Wheat remembers clearly that “it was apparent Walter had a gift, and it was something that he should pursue.”

Whilst leaving West Pennard was one of the hardest decisions Walter has ever made, life as a Chorister could not have worked out better for him. “The level of commitment required by both the children and their family is a lot, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges, and we continue to be very grateful for the opportunities,” says Anna. “Walter’s life is extremely rich. Every time I see him sing he is animated, his spirit lifted, and it is a joy that at such a young age his gift as a singer has been recognised and continues to be celebrated.” She wholeheartedly recommends the Chorister path to any child who genuinely loves singing.

Likewise, Mr Wheat encourages parents of talented young singers to explore the Cathedral’s annual ‘Be a Chorister for a Day’ event and to seek support early. “To sing in such a special place is an absolute privilege and one that can truly enhance a child’s future,” he says.

Summer Tea Party for the Friends of the Trust

Last week, the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust hosted the first of two Summer Tea Parties, welcoming a group of Friends of the Trust for a delightful afternoon.

Guests enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea while receiving an update on the Trust’s ongoing activities and initiatives. A highlight of the event was a special appearance by current Chorister, Grace, who captivated the audience with her performance, accompanied on the piano by Cathedral Director of Music, Timothy Parsons.

The WCCT was honoured to host such a wonderful gathering and looks forward to welcoming more Friends at the next Summer Tea Party on Thursday 11th June.

Former Choristers join the Sound of Wells Festival for the 2026 Reunion

On Saturday 9th May, we were delighted to welcome back former Choristers and members of the Choir Association to Wells for their annual reunion. It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces from across the generations.

The event formed part of the Sound of Wells Festival and returning Choristers joined the current Cathedral Choir, the Chapel Choir and a string orchestra for Evensong. The Grand Choir created a wonderful sound, which made for a really special and memorable service. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed catching up and sharing stories over a lovely dinner.

This year Chris Seaton has handed over the Chair of WCCA to Frances Fowler after 16 years at the helm. “I will of course continue to be an energetic ambassador for the WCCA and WCCT and look forward to seeing everyone at future events.”

The WCCT are now the main point of contact for all former Choristers, so if you’re one of them – stay in touch, we’d love to hear from you!

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Cantiamo to sing in Wells

WCCT are very pleased to welcome Cantiamo to Wells on the 14th June, for a concert in the Bishop’s Palace Chapel in aid of WCCT. It promises to be a lovely evening with beautiful music and a drinks reception in the Palace garden afterwards.

Cantiamo was formed in 2017 as a new group of 16 singers based in North Somerset. Their “home” is All Saints’ Church, Wrington, where rehearsals take place as do the majority of the concerts. Cantiamo also sing for some services. All concerts are performed for the benefit of churches and other charities. 

Cantiamo are distinguished from similar choirs by their commitment always to sing with 16 singers, “two to a part” with divisi. Membership is by invitation and the singers have great musicality, sonority and diction and enjoy the challenge and commitment of singing with such a small ensemble.

The repertoire is drawn from all periods of choral music from the Renaissance to the present day, exploring the music of contemporary composers alongside the great choral classics, both sacred and secular.

Following a break in activities enforced by Covid, Cantiamo resumed their program of concerts in the autumn of 2021. In the spring of 2022 a particularly memorable event took place with Barry Rose, former organist of Guildford, St Paul’s and St Alban’s Cathedrals as guest recitalist and accompanist, celebrating the newly restored organ in All Saints. 

Under the direction of Jeremy Martin, in 2025 Cantiamo passed another significant milestone with a performance of two Requiems — combining the well known and much loved Faure Requiem with the little known but exquisite Requiem in F by Lotti, the 18th century Venetian composer best known for his setting of Crucifixus for 8 voices.  To do full justice to these pieces the group were accompanied by organ and string ensemble and soloists were drawn from within the choir.

WCCT are delighted that Cantiamo will be giving a concert in the Bishops Palace Chapel in June in aid of the WCCT. The programme will be on the theme of creation with, as its centrepiece, Aaron Copland’s In the Beginning. The group will be joined by professional soprano soloist Josephine Goddard.

Mark Bide, member of Cantioamo, says ”We are greatly looking forward to singing in Wells in June.”

For further information about the concert and to book a place. Please visit WCCT - Cantiamo Concert 14th June 2026

Lady Hobson

It was a great sadness to hear that staunch supporter and Patron of WCCT, Lady Marina Hobson has died.

Prebendary Helen Ball OBE writes “I well remember back in 1994 when girls were first included in Wells Cathedral Choir, Iain, my late husband, then Chair of the Chorister Trust, was thrilled that Marina, had volunteered to give financial support to the girl Choristers. Without this financial support the girl Choristers would have really struggled. Since then Marina has continued to give her commitment and loyal support to the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust and also the Wells Cathedral Music Foundation.  She will be greatly missed by so many here in Wells.”

Chair of the Trust, Arnold Wills, says “We will always be grateful to Lady Hobson, who has been such a wonderful supporter of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust. Her early support was invaluable and she continued to maintain an active interest over many years as a most valued Patron of the Trust. Our thoughts are with her family at this time.”

Dr Anthony Crossland Memorial Evensong

The sun shone as we arrived in Wells for a special day to give thanks for a magnificent musician, friend and mentor. Evensong was well attended by Tony’s family, many other friends, including former Choristers, Vicars Choral, Deputy Vicars Choral, neighbours and teaching staff over the years.

Wells Cathedral School was represented by Alex Laing, Director of Music who arranged for a string Orchestra to play before the service. Also attending from the School was Robert Powell, Chair of Governors. The address was given by Dean Toby Wright, the organist Carolyn Craig and the Great Choir directed by Timothy Parsons, Director of Music.

The Choristers and back row were in fine form and music included Howells ‘St Pauls Service’ and Elgar ‘Give unto the Lord’.

25 or so gathered for lunch in The Crown beforehand and a number gave personal tributes. The Education Room was overflowing for tea and cake with the family before the service, and the sun continued to shine. Guests spilled out into the Cloisters and the Camery Gardens to enjoy refreshments. The general view was that Tony would have enjoyed the whole day and especially the rousing voices during the hymns.

Arnold Wills, Chair of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust.

WCCT Hosts Its Second Friends Lunch at Rugantino

On Thursday 12th March, the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust (WCCT) held its second Friends Lunch.

Hosted at Rugantinos in Wells, the event brought together supporters of the charity for an afternoon of conversation, giving friends of the Trust another opportunity to connect and enjoy time together. We were delighted to be seated in the room overlooking the Cathedral, which provided a wonderful setting for the occasion. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, with guests enjoying excellent food and lively discussion.

Arnold updated everyone on the latest news from the Trust, sharing recent developments and plans for the months ahead. The Trust extends its thanks to everyone who attended and helped make the occasion so enjoyable.

We look forward to announcing details of our next Friends Lunch soon and hope to welcome both familiar faces and new friends to our next gathering.

Chorister’s Visit to St George’s Chapel, Windsor

On Wednesday 25 February, the Choristers set off for Windsor to sing Evensong in the magnificent St George’s Chapel. After arriving in Windsor, the group enjoyed lunch in the sunshine at Alexandra Gardens, complete with a well‑earned run-around, before making their way up to the Castle. The Choristers were shown to their rehearsal space, a space known as The Dungeon and were then taken on a fascinating tour of the Chapel, including a visit to the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The Choristers then prepared for Evensong, singing music by Sarah MacDonald and Charles Villiers Stanford. It was a joy to see so many familiar faces from Wells in the congregation, including supporters of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust who had travelled to hear them.

After the service, St George’s School where the Chapel’s own choristers are educated, welcomed our singers for supper.

This was a hugely successful and memorable visit, and the Choristers were exemplary ambassadors for Wells. The Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust was delighted to support the trip and is immensely proud of the dedication, musicianship, and spirit shown by every Chorister.

Wells Cathedral Choir - Tour Preview Concert

As you may have heard, there will be chance to hear Wells Cathedral Choir perform some of the repertoire from their forthcoming tour to Tuscany, in a concert in the Cathedral at 4.00pm on Saturday 28 February 2026.

Admission is free, with a retiring collection in aid of the Tour Fund. Please do come along

Ceremony of Carols

On Saturday 7th February, the Choristers of Wells Cathedral, directed by Timothy Parsons, gave a beautiful performance of Benjamin Britten's a Ceremony of Carols. The Choristers were joined by the exceptional Mared Pugh-Evans, Harpist to His Majesty The King. The performers received a standing ovation for their wonderful performance. The Nave was filled with over 400 guests, creating a truly special atmosphere. We were especially pleased to welcome the Mayor and Mayoress of Wells to share in the occasion.

The Ceremony of Carols concert raised funds for the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust. WCCT exists to ensure, as best we can, that no child for financial reasons loses out on the life transforming opportunity to take up a place to be a Chorister. The Chair gave a special thanks to all the regular supporters of the WCCT, known as The Friends of WCCT. It is due to these valuable supporters that the Trust is able to provide bursaries for Choristers. There is more information about the Friends scheme here. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported, it was an afternoon to remember.