High Sheriff Award for the Chair of the Trust

On Monday, 1 December, Janet Montgomery, High Sheriff of Somerset, presented a High Sheriff Award to Arnold Wills, Chair of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust.

The High Sheriff explained that these awards honour those who go above and beyond in serving their local communities.

‘Since becoming Chair in 2019, Arnold has worked tirelessly in support of the Cathedral music tradition and the Choristers of Wells Cathedral. In the past two years alone, the Trust has raised £500,000 for 95% or more, Chorister bursaries through the Coronation Fund. He is truly deserving of this recognition.’ said Janet

‘I am delighted and honoured to have received this award.’ said Arnold

Thank you to Robert Powell

Robert Powell and wife Sarah Powell.

On Tuesday 18th November, the Trustees of WCCT came together with past Trustees to bid a fond farewell to Robert Powell, a longstanding Trustee whose dedication and service have left a lasting impact. The gathering was both a celebration of his many contributions and an opportunity to express heartfelt thanks, marking the close of his remarkable chapter with WCCT. Robert, who has been appointed as Chair of Governors at Wells Cathedral School after many years as a Trustee. A former pupil of Wells Cathedral School and father to two alumnae, Robert has been a link between the School and the Trust. “Helping to raise the funds to enable young people to join the Choir and receive world-class musical training has brought me the most pleasure,” he says.

Robert counts amongst his highlights the many events that the Trust’s Royal Patron has attended. He has also seen many changes, including the pivotal 2011 amendment to the Trust Deed allowing fundraising for both girl and boy choristers.

Robert steps aside to “allow new Trustees with fresh enthusiasm to take it forward.” Said Arnold Wills, Chair of Trustees, “We thank Robert for his wisdom, perseverance, and common sense over the years, and I have appreciated his support and friendship. We hope he will continue to join us for events”.

Special thanks were also given to Robert’s wife, Sarah, who was involved at the very beginning of the Trust’s journey, generously supporting its start-up phase by helping with administration.

Welcoming Our New Patron, The Very Reverend Toby Wright

We are thrilled to announce that The Very Reverend Toby Wright, Dean of Wells, has become a Patron of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust (WCCT).

Arnold Wills, Chair of WCCT, expressed his delight: “This appointment of a Dean of Wells is long overdue.” The closer involvement of the Dean brings renewed energy and vision to our mission.

The Very Reverend Toby Wright shares our passion for making music accessible to all. “WCCT has given so many opportunities to enable children to join the Choir who would otherwise not be able to,” he said. “We know that music changes lives, and what WCCT does is vital.”

His enthusiasm and commitment to the transformative power of choral music will be a tremendous asset as we continue to support young Choristers and expand our reach. We warmly welcome Dean Toby Wright to WCCT.

The Tallis Voices Return to Wells Cathedral

We’re thrilled to announce the return of the Tallis Voices to Wells Cathedral on Friday 16th January 2026 for their much-loved annual promenade concert, performed entirely in aid of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust. We are deeply grateful to the Tallis Voices for their continued generosity and artistry. Under the direction of David Allinson the new Tallis Musical Director, this year’s programme explores the profound and moving theme of Psalms of Penitence and Praise.

We’re delighted to offer a new way to share the experience, this year concert tickets are available to purchase as Christmas gifts. When you choose this option, we’ll send a Christmas card along with the ticket to your chosen recipient.

Message from the Chair of the Trust, Arnold Wills.

At the annual Evensong, the Chair of the Trust, Arnold Wills reflected on the success of the past year and the opportunities to come.

Thank you to everyone today for being with us as we celebrate the ‘Chorister Cause’, giving thanks for the work of this joyous Trust and its family of supporters. 

We are very pleased that The Very Reverend Toby Wright has become a Patron. We enjoy a happy and excellent relationship with both the School and the Cathedral, and this appointment for a Dean of Wells is long overdue. 

The Annual Evensong is always a wonderful occasion but this year we especially celebrate the completion of the Coronation Fund Appeal. The idea of the Coronation Fund and an Appeal first came about when the Choristers visited St George’s Chapel, Windsor to sing Evensong in 2023, and after a conversation at that occasion with our Royal Patron. 

The name Coronation Fund was thus agreed, and from September 2023, we began a two-year fundraising period to raise a separate fund of £500,000 that could only be used to support Choristers who required 95% or more bursaries. We had very generous support from so many individuals and grant-making bodies, and who are listed later here. The type of formal recognition of those names is yet to be agreed. 

N.B. The general funds of the WCCT are used for other main Chorister bursaries. All Choristers receive a 6% bursary from WCCT these days as part of the Chorister offer, and for those who need additional help, we aim to assist after the School’s independent financial review. 

In June 2024, WCCT organised the 30th Anniversary of the Wells Cathedral Girl Choristers, which was a magnificent success. Largely as a result of this, the administration and workings of the Wells Cathedral Choir Association have now been passed over to WCCT. We have the administrative resources in the Trust office to build the database and coordinate the Choir Association family, as well as the enthusiasm for the Chorister alumni. 

The current Chair of the Choir Association is Chris Seaton who has indicated he will be stepping down at the Choir Reunion in April/May 2026, and generations of former Choristers have been grateful to Chris for his support and enthusiasm. Chris and his wife Catherine are also enthusiastic supporters of WCCT. 

We welcome as a WCCT Trustee, former Wells Chorister Frances Henderson, and she, with another former Chorister Hugh Goodgame, former Chorister Coordinator Di Armstong, and others passionate about the Choir Association, will drive it forward. Former Wells Cathedral Choristers, and Cathedral Musicians can be in contact with the Wells Cathedral Choir Association at choirassociation@wcct.co.uk. 

We thank Robert Powell (Trustee) who has stepped down after 21 years of service. His contribution, both as a Trustee with wise advice and enthusiasm, and as a good friend to the Trust, has been enormously appreciated. Current and former Trustees will have an occasion to thank Robert next month. Robert has now become the Chair of Governors at the School. 

The Constitution of the WCCT is being revised. A draft, now with the Charity Commission, has been agreed by the sponsors of WCCT (Wells Cathedral School and the Chapter of Wells Cathedral).

During the year, the Friends of WCCT has continued to grow and we are almost at 100 regular donors. This is amazing — thank you. We hosted two tea parties for Friends which were well attended and will be repeated in 2026. Also on 25 September, there was the first of the Friends of WCCT Lunches, which we plan to hold quarterly. 

The database and the quality of the information we hold is so important, and this as well as the general administration of the Trust and the Choir Association could not happen without the support of our Clerk, Fiona Clapp, and the Administrator, Emma Hall.

We said farewell last year to Hannah Candlin who had been Clerk for nearly two years and remains a much-valued member of the Chorister Trust family. 

For me, it continues to be an exciting privilege to be Chair of Trustees. I took on this role from Jenny Kingston on 6 November 2019. At that time, the Trust didn’t even have a telephone number, let alone an office. Much has been achieved with the magnificent support of Trustees, current and past, and the ever-growing list of generous supporters. 

The Trustees are aware that I feel it is right that I finish my time as Chair of Trustees before the end of 2027, although there is still more to do before that date. I will continue to support WCCT, of course. More to follow.

Please may I ask, if you are not already, do consider becoming a Friend of WCCT. People give what they can afford ranging from £10 per month, although we suggest a monthly donation of £30. Any regular contributions are very much appreciated.

During this year, we bade farewell to two of the Trust’s most fervent supporters. Dr Anthony Crossland was Organist and Master of the Choristers as well as Assistant for thirty-five years until 1991. I was privileged to attend the funeral service in Bath which was attended by a number of former Choristers and Organists, as well as our Dean. We will have the opportunity to attend a memorial Evensong in the early part of 2026 in Wells Cathedral; the date is to be announced. Barbara Dickinson was a most loyal supporter of the Trust and never missed an Annual WCCT Evensong. Her memorial service was yesterday in the Cathedral, and the Trust was represented. May they rest in peace and rise in glory. 

Lastly, we look forward to the 25th Anniversary of the Chorister Trust, which falls in January 2028. We have set the year from 1 August 2027 to 31 July 2028 as one when we can celebrate all that is ‘Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust’. 

Photo Credit: Bill Bradshaw

A memorable Annual Evensong

Saturday 11th October was the Annual Evensong celebrating the work of Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust, and on this occasion we also celebrated the completion of the £500,000 Coronation Fund, a separate fund specifically for those Choristers needing 95% or more bursary support.

We were welcomed to the Cathedral by The Dean, The Very Revd Toby Wright, Patron of WCCT. Those present remembered the generous donor Pamela Pye, and all other donors no longer with us.

“The service featured our magnificent Cathedral Choir, directed by Timothy Parsons, Director of Music, with organ accompaniment by Carolyn Craig, Assistant Director of Music and Edward Marshall, Organ Scholar. The Choristers as always were exceptional”, said Arnold Wills Chair or Trustees. Music was by Bairstow, Parry, Dyson and Millington, and the blessing at the end was given by The Rt. Revd Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath & Wells.

Also taking part were Timpanists and Brass players from Wells Cathedral School, who as always added so much to the service.

We were delighted that in attendance were Janet Montgomery, High Sheriff of Somerset; Mohammed Saddiq DL, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset; and Tessa Munt, Member of Parliament for Wells and Mendip Hills. Their presence, along with that of our generous supporters, made the evening truly memorable.

As Robert Powell has just retired after 21 years as a trustee of WCCT, many of those present had the opportunity to thank Robert. The trustees will have a special thank you for Robert after the November Trustees meeting.

The date for the next Annual Evensong in 2026 is Saturday 3 October.

Photos by Bill Bradshaw.

Capturing the work of WCCT on film

The Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust enjoyed a particularly busy week. We were delighted to welcome the team from 50 Degrees Media, who spent two days filming our Choristers and interviewing supporters of the Trust. Their work will culminate in a short promotional video that captures the spirit and mission of WCCT. We extend our sincere thanks to all who participated and a special thanks go to 50 Degrees Media for their professionalism and seamless execution throughout the filming process. We look forward to sharing the finished piece in due course.

WCCT Hosts First Friends Lunch at Goodfellows

On Thursday 25th September, the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust (WCCT) held its first Friends Lunch.

Hosted at Goodfellows restaurant in Wells, the event brought together supporters of the charity for an afternoon of conversation, offering friends of the Trust a chance to meet one another and share stories. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with guests enjoying delicious food and lively discussion in a relaxed setting.

A highlight of the afternoon was the presence of the Dean, The Very Revd Toby Wright, who attended as our guest speaker. His thoughtful words highlighting the importance of music, community, the trusts support and an update on the latest news from the Cathedral.

The Trust expresses its gratitude to everyone who joined the occasion, and especially to the Dean for his support. The Friends Lunch was a resounding success and a promising start to what will hopefully become a cherished tradition.

Looking ahead, WCCT is delighted to announce that the next Friends Lunch is planned for January. The exact date will be confirmed soon, and we look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new friends to another gathering.

Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust Announces Appointment of New Trustee, Frances Henderson

The Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Frances Henderson to its Board of Trustees. Frances brings with her a distinguished background in music and public service, and a deep personal connection to Wells.

Frances served as a Chorister at Wells Cathedral for eight years. She sang under esteemed directors Malcolm Archer, Rupert Gough, and Matthew Owens. Her chorister journey included tours and collaborations with renowned artists such as Dame Emma Kirkby and Jools Holland.

Following her time at Wells, Frances read Criminology at university. In 2017, Frances joined the police force, first serving as a Special Constable before becoming a full-time officer in 2020, in her current role she oversees a Response Team and serves as a key liaison between frontline officers and senior leadership.

Choral music remains central to Frances’ life, and she describes singing Evensong at the Cathedral as a return to her roots. Reflecting on her formative years, Frances remarked:

“It was an incredible, historical, and wonderful thing to have been part of. I'm extremely proud and honoured to have been a Wells Cathedral Chorister.”

The Trust warmly welcomes Frances and looks forward to her valuable contributions in supporting the next generation of Cathedral Choristers and promoting the enduring legacy of choral excellence at Wells.

'No Lost Voices' Article in Somerset Life Magazine

The WCCT has been featured in the September issue of Somerset Life magazine, in a beautifully crafted article by Andrea Cowan. The piece highlights WCCT’s dedication to ensuring Chorister life is accessible to all children and marks the remarkable achievement of raising £500,000 for the Coronation Fund.