Our History
Inauguration
The idea of a Federation of Cathedral Old Choristers was discussed at a reunion of the Peterborough Association in September 1910. Present as guests at that reunion were Arthur Hardgrave (York) and William Calladine (Lincoln). It was agreed by members of the three associations that Charles Dack (Peterborough Hon. Secretary) should write letters to the Precentors of every Cathedral in England and Wales with full details of the proposed Federation which was....
'To bring together individual associations into closer touch with one another and to further in every way possible the interest of these associations. The members of any association shall be received as honorary members by the association wherein they may be resident.'
Letters supporting this project had already been received from the Worcester and Durham Associations. By November 1910 Charles Dack had received so many encouraging letters that he sent out a second letter intimating that a small provisional committee had been formed, made up of the Chairman Arthur Hardgrave (York), Vice Chairman Edward Laws (Durham), Hon. Secretary Charles Dack (Peterborough) and Hon. Treasurer, William Calladine (Lincoln).
The purpose of this provisional committee was to establish a National Federation of Cathedral Old Choristers. Twenty associations had already expressed their approval and so draft rules were prepared for the inaugural meeting, which was held on 29th June 1911, in the Deanery Garden, Peterborough.
The purpose of this provisional committee was to establish a National Federation of Cathedral Old Choristers. Twenty associations had already expressed their approval and so draft rules were prepared for the inaugural meeting, which was held on 29th June 1911, in the Deanery Garden, Peterborough.
So on this delightfully hot day in June, the National Federation was officially formed, with the officers enumerated above unanimously elected, and only nine months after the original idea was discussed in September 1910.
Inaugural Meeting Attendees
Canterbury - A Grundy,
Durham - E Laws,
Lincoln - W H Calladine,
Manchester - Rev’d R M Tuke,
Peterborough - C Dack,
Norwich - R S Minns,
York - A Hardgrave,
Various other local former choristers.
Founding Associations
Bristol - Miss Pigou
Peterborough - C Dack
Canterbury - A S Grundy
Rochester - B Luard Selby
Carlisle - C S Mason
Salisbury - Rev’d Canon F B Sowter
Durham - E Laws
Truro - Canon C E Cofe
Lichfield - E W Allport
Winchester - C Stuart King
Lincoln - W H Calladine
Worcester - Rev'd E H Tupper
Manchester - Rev'd R M Tuke
York - A Hardgrave
Norwich - R S Minns
Melbourne - F S Howes (Australia)
Altogether there were sixteen founder Associations affiliated to the new Federation. The details of these founding associations was obtained by a former Hon. Secretary of the Federation, Frank Hewitt (Chester) and confirmed by Arthur Grundy (Canterbury) who was, at that time, the only official representative alive who had attended the inaugural meeting at Peterborough.
The Early Years
The first Festival was held in York in 1912, to be followed by a second in Rochester in 1914. An AGM was held each year and things were moving well until war broke out in 1914.
After the First World War, Arthur Grundy was responsible for setting the Federation in motion again. Not only did he perform the duties of both Chairman and Secretary, but he organised the first Federation Festival to be held after the war - at Canterbury in 1920. In 1925 Harold Cattley (Chester) took up the office of Hon. Secretary and was involved in organising the Festivals from 1925-31. Festivals (incorporating the AGM) took place every year from 1920 until 1938 (with the exception of 1923 and 1924), but again things were interrupted by the outbreak of WW2.
After the Second World War it was Frank Hewitt (Chester) as Hon. Secretary 1931-75 who got the Federation moving again. He worked extremely hard and under his aegis membership grew to 38 associations. Frank, however, ran things very much his own way, since he was, in effect, his own Chairman - the position of chairman was mainly nominal, being filled each year by the Dean of the Cathedral who was hosting the Festival; the host Bishop was President.
In 1931 the Federation first published its magazine originally called The Old Chorister. First published in 1931 it was edited by Frank Hewitt (Chester) until 1973 when Ross Hickling (Durham) became editor. It continued in annual publication until 1974.
This was changed in 1953 when George Tarbutt (Westminster Abbey) became Chairman, and the Dean of the host Cathedral was made President for the year, a similar arrangement that is still in place today. However, it is now the Federation representative of the hosting association that is now made president.
George Tarbutt was instrumental in giving the Federation new direction and laid the foundation for Canon Gordon Berriman (Durham) to become Chairman in 1957, an office he held, with great distinction, until 1977. It was during his Chairmanship that the Federation protested strongly to the BBC, when they threatened to cut the broadcasts of Choral Evensong on Wednesday. We like to think that the Federation's efforts did something to bring about a happy outcome.
Between 1974 and 1977, for the first time since the introduction of the magazine in 1931 no magazines were printed, but typewritten notes were produced. In 1978 Graham Woodmansterne (Westminster Abbey) took over as editor and for ten years produced a professional magazine with good quality photographs and reports. He also introduced a binder in which to keep the magazines.
When Gordon retired, the position of Hon. Chaplain was created for him to continue an active role in the Federation, a position he continued to hold until his sudden death on Christmas Day 1981. It would appear that the position of Hon. Chaplain died with him, as it has never been filled since.
During the period 1978-80 events turned a complete circle; the Chairman elected was Sydney Skinner, again from York, and the Hon. Secretary was Cyril Laxton, again from Peterborough (as in 1910). These two worked extremely hard for the Federation which continued to flourish and now had 49 affiliated associations. Together Sydney and Cyril kept an eye on the national scene. For example; if the 1976 Education Act had been adopted in its entirety, it would have spelled the end of Cathedral Choir Schools. Led by Chairman, Sydney Skinner, the Federation fought this issue with all its strength. Protest letters were sent to Government Ministers and M.Ps, outlining the essential position which a choir holds in the life of a Cathedral and emphasising the great choral tradition in the British Isles that went back nearly 1000 years and was the envy of our American and Continental friends. Many letters were received from M.Ps who were serving on the Standing Committee dealing with this matter, thanking the Federation for their help and information.
In 1980 Cyril Laxton (Peterborough) was elected Chairman and John Bowdler (Gloucester) became Hon. Secretary. These two officers worked tirelessly and gathered a wealth of knowledge between them on Federation matters which has been invaluable to succeeding officers.
In 1982 John Phillips (Worcester) became Chairman. John was a talented musician and adjudicator, he was also a good chairman and worked hard to strengthen the Federation.
Frank Thomas (Edinburgh St Mary's) took over the Chairmanship in 1987 to 1990. Frank was a dedicated chairman and made many visits to Associations during his short term in office.
In 1987 the editorship of the magazine was taken over by David Horner (York). As one of his first tasks as new editor, David circulated a questionnaire to all members, inviting comments on the way forward for a more modern and restructured magazine. From this the magazine was renamed Once-A-Chorister, the cover was redesigned, in colour, and the layout of the magazine was restyled. The distribution was restructured and the magazine published annually in May for collection at the AGMs. The new format proved successful with an immediate circulation of 2500.
All change in the 1990s
The 1990s saw many changes, especially on the Executive Committee with John Holt (Wakefield) elected Chairman, Stan Packman (Wakefield/Exeter) Hon. Secretary and David Horwood (Eton College) taking over as Hon. Treasurer from David Frost (Derby). Under the leadership of John Holt the Federation was streamlined and took on a more modern approach. Rules were updated, yearly financial statements presented and minutes and administration were computerised, making the Federation well placed for the new Millennium.
Chairpersons
1910 - Arthur Hardgrave (York)
1914 - 1918 The First World War Years
1921 - Arthur Grundy (Canterbury)
1925 - Harold Cattley (Chester)
1937 - Arthur Grundy (Canterbury)
1939 - 1945 The Second Wolrd War Years
1946 - Frank Hewitt (Chester)
1953 - George Tarbutt (Westminster Abbey)
1957 - George Berriman (Durham)
1978 - Sydney Skinner (York)
1980 - Cyril Laxton (Peterborough)
1982 - John Phillips (Worcester)
1987 - Frank Thomas (Edinburgh St’ Mary’s)
1990 - John Holt (Wakefield)
1992 - Geoffrey Mitchell (Exeter)
1997 - Dennis Townhill (Lincoln)
2002 - Alan Oyston (Durham)
2007 - Gordon Hughes (Christchurch Oxford)
2010 - Ian Henderson (Rochester)
2015 - Alastair Pollard (Durham)
2020 - Nich Hodges (Warwick)
2025 - Samuel Barber (Peterborough)
In 1992 Geoffrey Mitchell (Exeter) became Chairman. Geoffrey continued the modern approach, visited many associations, added further association badges to the Chairman's Chain of Office and was instrumental in arranging and 'guiding' successful foreign tours for the Federation. In 1995 Basil Saville (St Albans) took over as Hon. Secretary, with Robert Woodcock (Norwich) as Asst. Hon. Secretary.
A Membership Card system was launched in 1993, and to date well over 2500 were issued.
A Federation Shop was opened in the same year selling sweatshirts and pens and now has a wide selection of stock available at Federation events and by mail order (see Merchandise page). In 1998 a new post was created on the Executive Committee of Marketing Officer. David Horner (York) took on this position after relinquishing the editorship of the Once-A-Chorister magazine, which he had published for ten years.
Secretaries
1910 - Chales Dack (Peterborough)
1914 - 1918 The First World War Years
1920 - Arthur Grundy (Canterbury)
1925 - Harold Cattley (Chester)
1931 - Frank Hewitt (Chester)
1939 - 1945 The Second World War Years
1946 - Frank Hewitt (Chester)
1976 - Cyril Laxton (Peterborough)
1980 - John Bowdler (Gloucester)
1990 - Stan Packman (Wakefield / Exeter)
1995 Basil Saville (St. Albans) & Robert Woodcock (Norwich)
2001 - Andrew Orland (Lincoln)
2009 - Richard Belton (Leicester)
2017 - Nick Hodges (Warwick)
2018 - Nicola Pollard (Durham)
2020 - Alastair Pollard (Durham)
2025 - Oliver Hamilton-Box (Peterborough)
With David moving roles Alan Wheeler (Lincoln) took over the editorship together with the able assistance of his son Toby Wheeler (Canterbury). It was time for a further change in the design of the front cover, and with record sales they produced a quality magazine. Alan and Toby continued until the Millennium year before handing the editorship over to Michael Barry (Guildford) in 2001.
With the office of Chairman now limited to five years, 1997 saw Dennis Townhill (Lincoln and Edinburgh) elected to take over from Geoffrey. During his tenure, Dennis has visited many associations and also wrote a book entitled 'The Imp and the Thistle' - the story of his life of music-making, from chorister in Lincoln to Organist Emeritus of St. Mary’s Cathedral Edinburgh. Dennis very generously donated the proceeds from the sale of this book to the Federation.
A New Century
In 2001 Andrew Orland (Lincoln) was elected Secretary, probably being the youngest person to hold this office in the Federations history. The following year, Alan Oyston (Durham) took over as Chairman. Alan had a gift for being able to say just the right thing at any occasion, be it a quick thank you to a Dean or host Association, or a full blown speech at a Festival Banquet. During this time the Federation moved into the new century with computers and a web site.
When Michael took over the editorship he introduced a series of articles entitled ‘It shouldn’t work but it does’, looking at different Cathedrals that despite not having Choir Schools, manage to recruit and run a very successful choir. One of these articles has appeared in each edition for the past few years. 2008 saw the greatest change to the magazine for many years, altering the size from A5 to A4. This now allows better use of space and more photographs to be included, combined with far more colour than in previous editions.
2007 saw Gordon Hughes (Christchurch Oxford) elected Chairman followed by Ian Henderson (Rochester) in 2010.
2015 saw Alastair Pollard (Durham) elected as Chairman with Nick Hodges (Warwick) becoming Secretary in 2017. In 2018 Nicola Pollard, wife of Alastair Pollard took over the role of Secretary and then in 2020 Nick became Chairman and Alastair took over as Chairman.
In 2025 a programme of intense transformation was proposed by members from Peterborough, Samuel Barber, Oliver Hamilton-Box & Bradley Odep. With an aim to revitalise the organisation and put it on a path to celebate 150 years since our founding in 2060!
All past and present officers of this organisation must be thanked for the devoted and loyal service which they have given. So, as was said over a century ago, may it continue
'To bring together individual associations into closer touch with one another and to further in every way possible the interest of these associations'
Treasurers
1910 - William Calladine (Lincoln)
1914 - 1918 The First World War Years
1920 - Arthur Hardrave (York)
1921 - Arthur Grundy (Canterbury)
1925 - Harold Cattley (Chester)
1931 - Frank Hewitt (Chester)
1939 - 1945 The Second World War Years
1946 - Frank Hewitt (Chester)
1973 - David Frost (Derby)
1990 - David Horwood (Eton College)
2002 - Michael lake (Chelmsford)
2025 - Bradley Odep (Peterborough
Publication Officers
1931 - Frank Hewitt (Chester)
1939 - 1945 The Second World War Years
1946 - Frank Hewitt (Chester)
1973 - Ross Hickling (Durham)
1978 - Graham Woodmansterne (Westminster Abbey)
1988 - David F Horner (York)
1998 - Alan Wheeler (Lincoln)
2001 - Michael Barry (Guildford)
Position Abolished
Marketing Officers
1998 - David F Horner (Lincoln)
Andrew Orland (Lincoln)
Position Abolished
Festivals
1910 - Peterborough Cathedral (Initiation)
1911 - Peterborough Cathedral (Founding)
1912 - York Minster
1914 - Rochester Cathedral
1914 - 1918 - Festivals suspended due to the First World War
1920 - Canterbury Cathedral
1921 - Bristol Cathedral
1922 - Ripon Cathedral
1925 - Canterbury Cathedral
1926 - Chester Cathedral
1927 - Worcester Cathedral
1928 - Liverpool Cathedral
1929 - Norwich Cathedral
1930 - Bristol Cathedral
1931 - Manchester Cathedral
1932 - Canterbury Cathedral
1933 - Lincoln Cathedral
1934 - Ripon Cathedral
1935 - Rochester Cathedral
1936 - Durham Cathedral
1937 - Westminster Abbey
1938 - York Minster
1939 - 1945 - Festivals suspended due to the Second World War
1950 - Westminster Abbey
1951 - Chester Cathedral
1952 - Chapel of Eton College, Windsor
1953 - Durham Cathedral
1954 - Norwich Cathedral
1955 - Southwark Cathedral
1956 - Lincoln Cathedral
1957 - Ripon Cathedral
1958 - Carlisle Cathedral
1959 - Chapel of St. John’s College, Cambridge
1960 - York Minster
1961 - Canterbury Cathedral
1962 - Lichfield Cathedral
1963 - Chester Cathedral
1964 - Peterborough Cathedral
1965 - Manchester Cathedral
1966 - Westminster Abbey
1967 - Gloucester Cathedral
1968 - Winchester Cathedral
1969 - Llandaff Cathedral
1970 - St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin
1971 - Lichfield Cathedral
1972 - Durham Cathedral
1973 - Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford
1974 - Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge
1975 - St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
1976 - Leicester Cathedral
1977 - York Minster
1978 - Lincoln Cathedral
1979 - St. Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh
1980 - Worcester Cathedral
1981 - Chester Cathedral
1982 - Sheffield Cathedral
1983 - Exeter Cathedral
1984 - Norwich Cathedral
1985 - Winchester Cathedral
1986 - Canterbury Cathedral
1987 - St. Albans Cathedral
1988 - Wakefield Cathedral
1989 - Manchester Cathedral
1990 - Ripon Cathedral
1991 - Chichester Cathedral
1992 - York Minster
1993 - Durham Cathedral
1994 - Ely Cathedral
1995 - Westminster Abbey
1996 - Guildford Cathedral
1997 - Blackburn Cathedral
1998 - Chester Cathedral
1999 - Exeter Cathedral
2000 - Canterbury Cathedral
2001 - Norwich Cathedral
2002 - St. Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh
2003 - Carlisle Cathedral
2004 - Leicester Cathedral
2005 - Durham Cathedral
2006 - Lincoln Cathedral
2007 - Chelmsford Cathedral
2008 - Ripon Cathedral
2009 - Winchester Cathedral
2010 - Westminster Abbey
2011 - Guildford Cathedral
2012 - York Minster
2013 - St. Albans Cathedral
2014 - Rochester Cathedral
2015 - Exeter Cathedral
2016 - Wells Cathedral
2017 - Norwich Cathedral
2018 - Peterborough Cathedral
2019 - Portsmouth Cathedral
2020 - 2021 - Festivals suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic
2022 - Ely Cathedral
2023 - Warwick Cathedral
2024 - Llandaff Cathedral
2025 - Lincoln Cathedral
AGMs
1910 - Peterborough Cathedral (Initiation)
1911 - Peterborough Cathedral (Founding)
1912 - York Minster
1913 - Peterborough Cathedral
1914 - Rochester Cathedral
1914 - 1918 - AGMs & all other organisation business suspended due to the First World War
1920 - Canterbury Cathedral
1921 - 1976 - AGMs held during Festivals
1921 - Bristol Cathedral
1922 - Ripon Cathedral
1925 - Canterbury Cathedral
1926 - Chester Cathedral
1927 - Worcester Cathedral
1928 - Liverpool Cathedral
1929 - Norwich Cathedral
1930 - Bristol Cathedral
1931 - Manchester Cathedral
1932 - Canterbury Cathedral
1933 - Lincoln Cathedral
1934 - Ripon Cathedral
1935 - Rochester Cathedral
1936 - Durham Cathedral
1937 - Westminster Abbey
1938 - York Minster
1939 - 1945 - AGMs & all other organisation business suspended due to the Second World War
1950 - Westminster Abbey
1951 - Chester Cathedral
1952 - Chapel of Eton College, Windsor
1953 - Durham Cathedral
1954 - Norwich Cathedral
1955 - Southwark Cathedral
1956 - Lincoln Cathedral
1957 - Ripon Cathedral
1958 - Carlisle Cathedral
1959 - St. John’s College Chapel, Cambridge
1960 - York Minster
1961 - Canterbury Cathedral
1962 - Lichfield Cathedral
1963 - Chester Cathedral
1964 - Peterborough Cathedral
1965 - Manchester Cathedral
1966 - Westminster Abbey
1967 - Gloucester Cathedral
1968 - Winchester Cathedral
1969 - Llandaff Cathedral
1970 - St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin
1971 - Lichfield Cathedral
1972 - Durham Cathedral
1973 - Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford
1974 - Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge
1975 - St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
1976 - Leicester Cathedral
1921 - 1976 - AGMs held during Festivals
1977 - York Minster
1978 - Gloucester Cathedral
1979 - Birmingham Cathedral
1980 - Leicester Cathedral
1981 - Hereford Cathedral
1982 - Norwich Cathedral
1983 - Westminster Abbey
1984 - Lichfield Cathedral
1985 - York Minster
1986 - Wells Cathedral
1987 - Ely Cathedral
1988 - Chichester Cathedral
1989 - Derby Cathedral
1990 - Guildford Cathedral
1991 - Bristol Cathedral
1992 - Chester Cathedral
1993 - Sheffield Cathedral
1994 - Gloucester Cathedral
1995 - Rochester Cathedral
1996 - Wakefield Cathedral
1997 - Chapel of Eton College, Windsor
1998 - Lincoln Cathedral
1999 - Chelmsford Cathedral
2000 - York Minster
2001 - Truro Cathedral
2002 - Blackburn Cathedral
2003 - Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford
2004 - St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
2005 - Wakefield Cathedral
2006 - Salisbury Cathedral
2007 - Gloucester Cathedral
2008 - Chapel of Eton College, Windsor
2009 - St. Edmundsbury Cathedral
2010 - Peterborough Cathedral
2011 - Warwick Cathedral
2012 - Portsmouth Cathedral
2013 - Canterbury Cathedral
2014 - Blackburn Cathedral
2015 - Chichester Cathedral
2016 - Wakefield Cathedral
2017 - Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford
2018 - Chelmsford Cathedral
2019 - Lichfield Cathedral
2020 - 2021 - In-person AGMs suspended due to Covid-19 pandemic
2020 - Virtual
2021 - Virtual
AGMs held during Festivals 2021 - 2024
2022 - Ely Cathedral
2023 - Warwick Cathedral
2024 - Llandaff Cathedral
AGMs held during Festivals 2021 - 2025