Words from the Chair of the Trust at the Annual Evensong

On Saturday 3 October the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust celebrated their Annual Evensong. Here are the words from Arnold Wills, Chair of the Trust, included in the Order of Service.

‘Thank you for being with us today. As we wait for the start of this 2026 Annual Evensong, may I ask that you all think about what difference you yourself can make to help the Chorister cause at Wells Cathedral.

Today especially, we celebrate the work of The Friends of Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust and its support for the ‘Chorister cause’. It is one of the main ways for supporters to financially assist the Chorister tradition at Wells. I am very grateful to all our regular and occasional donors, and we especially welcome any new Friends who have joined this year.

Wells Cathedral School musicians will be joining with the Choir today and we are very pleased to have our friends from the School’s music department with us. It is always good to collaborate.

Today, HM Vice Lord-Lieutenant Robert Drewett is representing HM Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset. Both are Patrons of WCCT. Robert is joined by his wife Celia and it is a pleasure to have them both with us.

The Right Reverend Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells, has been called to serve in the House of Lords as one of the Church of England’s Lords Spiritual. Bishop Michael has received his writ of summons from the King and is expected to be introduced to the House in October. We send him our congratulations.

James Davies became Headmaster of the School this term. His enthusiasm for the Cathedral, the School, and the Chorister Trust makes it seem as though he has been here for years. He has a key role, and the Trustees have assured him of their full support. Even before taking up his post, James became WCCT’s 100th Friend — what a commitment.

Just before the service today, the Choir will sing an introit as we remember the life of Lady Patricia Marina Hobson who died recently. Lady Hobson, along with her husband Sir Ronald, particularly in the early days of the Chorister Trust, were fervent supporters. The Chorister Trust would not have been so successful without their early support and enthusiasm for all that we did, helping those who, after means testing, need additional bursaries.

Lady Hobson was a supporter to the end and she was a delight to liaise with. She loved the Choristers here and enjoyed receiving news and hearing all about the children and the work of WCCT. The last opportunity to support the WCCT was in favour of the Coronation Fund. We have sent condolences to her family. May she Rest in Peace.

We were so pleased that this summer Cantiamo Singers, directed by Jeremy Martin, held an enjoyable fundraising concert in the Bishop’s Palace Chapel and tickets sold out well in advance. There will be a repeat Sunday evening event in the summer of 2027. Date to be announced.

So, what difference can I make to help the ‘Chorister cause’ at Wells Cathedral? There have been Choristers singing at Wells Cathedral since 909 (as far as records can tell) and that is before the current Cathedral building was completed. I can tell you that without the work of WCCT the Choir and this tradition in its current form would no longer exist. The Friends of WCCT undertake a regular commitment to support the ‘Chorister cause’, ranging upwards from £10 per month. Ambassadors undertake £100 or more per month. Each donor gives as much they can, which makes a real difference. We need your help!

What difference can I make?

·       You could simply do nothing and continue telling your friends and family how marvellous the Choristers and the Choir are. We all know that is not an option if we wish to preserve this magnificent tradition.

·       You could join the family of WCCT – The Friends of WCCT www.wcct.co.uk/friends

·       You might decide to review your Will and leave a legacy on your death for the WCCT.

·       You might decide to make a lifetime gift. Currently there are tax benefits on lifetime gifts and legacies. I wonder how long this government will allow that benefit to continue?

So unashamedly, I ask for your support.

This is my final year as Chair of Trustees which ends in November 2027 with much ahead still to achieve. Meanwhile, my very best wishes and thank you to our amazing Choristers and to their supportive families.’

Arnold Wills

Chair of The Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust

chair@wcct.co.uk

Friends of WCCT Lunch with the New Headmaster

The Friends of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust gathered during September for a special lunchtime event in Cedars Hall, Wells Cathedral School, where they were delighted to meet the new Headmaster, Mr James Davies. Guests enjoyed a relaxed ploughman’s lunch, with lively conversation filling the room as Friends reconnected and welcomed new faces.

Following lunch, Mr Davies introduced himself and spoke warmly about his first weeks in post. He shared a light‑hearted moment from his installation as the 86th Headmaster, the room responded with good‑natured laughter, setting a tone of openness and approachability.

During coffee, the Friends were delighted to be joined by a group of Year 9 Choristers, who spoke confidently about their experiences in the choir. They shared highlights ranging from memorable tours to Italy and Windsor, to the friendships formed through singing together each day. Their enthusiasm and pride in their role were warmly received by all present.

To mark the occasion, Arnold Wills, Chair of the Trustees, presented Mr Davies with two framed images of the Cathedral Choir and Choristers for his new office, a gesture symbolising the strong and valued relationship between the School, the Choir, and the Trust.

The Trust extends its thanks to all Friends who attended and helped make the afternoon so memorable.

A New Academic Year Begins at Wells Cathedral School

Last week marked the beginning of a new academic year at Wells Cathedral School. We welcomed the new Headmaster, Mr Davies. The Choristers had a very busy start to the term: alongside school classes and vestment fitting, they took part in the first Evensong of the new Choir year on Saturday evening, which included the presentation of the new Head Choristers, admission of new Choristers, Choral Scholars, and the Organ Scholar. On Sunday, all 36 Choristers sang at Cathedral Eucharist.

Pictured here with Mr Davies are the Year 9 Choristers for 2026–27, including the Head Choristers, Deputy Head Choristers, the Iain Ball Chorister, and the Tudway Quilter Chorister.

A New Patron for the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust

We are delighted to announce that celebrated composer Bob Chilcott, has agreed to become a Patron of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust. Hailed by The Observer as ‘a contemporary hero of British choral music’, composer and conductor Bob Chilcott has enjoyed a lifelong connection with singing and choirs.

He was a chorister and choral scholar in the choir of King’s College, Cambridge and then a member of The King’s Singers for twelve years. He became a full-time composer and conductor in 1997, and has composed a large catalogue of vocal music published by Oxford University Press, including sacred and secular choral works and music for young singers,

Bob said '“I am aware how important it is to nurture the support of those who value the traditions and living energy of a place like Wells Cathedral along with the people who make it all happen. Thank you for asking me to be a Patron of the Wells Cathedral Chorister Trust”

You can read more on our Patrons page.

Bob Chilcott is pictured on the left with Arnold Wills, Chair of the Trust, and the Rt Revd Dr Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells

A milestone to sing about: 100 friends

We are delighted to share that the WCCT has now welcomed its 100th Friend.

Our Friends and Ambassadors are at the heart of everything that we are able to achieve to support our mission. Through your generosity we are able to offer life-changing opportunities to talented children and to nurture musical excellence, ensuring that the centuries-old choral tradition at Wells Cathedral continues to flourish.

In the words of a mother of a current Chorister: “Our family has huge respect and admiration for Arnold Wills and the work of the WCCT. Our child is one of many that the Trust supports enabling this musical tradition within the Cathedral to continue and thrive. It acts as a lifeline in bridging the financial barriers many families face when considering life with a child who has the potential to become a Chorister.”

Reaching 100 Friends is a testament to the importance of our shared belief that talent, not circumstance, should determine who has the chance to become a Chorister.

Here’s to the next 100!

WCCT Annual Evensong 2025

A new role for Alastair Tighe

We say farewell to Wells Cathedral School Head Master, Alastair Tighe, who begins his new role as Head of Ardingly College in West Sussex this September.

A former organ scholar of Magdalene College, Cambridge, Alastair joined Wells in 2018 after teaching at Oundle School, Eltham College, and Bedford School. His eight‑year tenure at Wells saw the school achieve what governors described as the best A‑level results in Somerset.

Chair of WCCT, Arnold Wills says: “Daily worship and Cathedral life have been important to Alastair and we will miss his support and enthusiasm. We wish him and Gavin every happiness in their new life in Sussex.”

Alastair is succeeded by James Davies who is currently Head of Halliford School, in Shepperton, Middlesex. “We look forward to working closely with James and especially as we approach the Trust’s 25th anniversary. Already James has become a Friend of WCCT – our 100th in fact. It was also good to welcome James to this year’s Choir Reunion Dinner”. More in our next newsletter.

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!

If you would like to be a part of our mailing list please sign up here:

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