Girls are admitted to the chancel at Spalding Parish Church for the first time in history, dating back to 1284

The Reverend John Bennett is extending an invitation to join the Spalding Parish Church Choir – and for the first time in the church’s history, girls are also invited to sing alongside the established men’s choir and of boys.

Spalding Parish Church is not only a beautiful and ancient place of worship; it has been linked to historical events and the ordinary life of Spalding residents since 1284.

Music has played a big part in the church since the monks of Spalding Priory sang services.

Today worship is accompanied by a large pipe organ and choirs of volunteer singers.

Nicholas Pitts has been a musical director for over forty years and has trained generations of boys to sing in the Spalding Parish Church Choir.

In 2018 the choir performed at St George’s Chapel, Windsor; in 2019 they performed at St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.

During the pandemic, no public singing was allowed, but in the summer of 2021 the choir resumed practicing and is regularly replenishing its membership.

From September 2022, the choir will invite boys and girls to come and taste singing together.

In the future, there will be times when boys and girls sing together, with adults, and times when they sing in small groups.

The church wants to give all young people the opportunity to develop their musical abilities, increase their confidence and find their place within a loving and welcoming Christian community.

Girls and boys (aged 7+) are invited to Vista Hall, next to the Parish Church of St Mary and St Nicholas, on Wednesdays after school – to participate in games and activities and take part in a singing practice at church.

After a few weeks of stay, they will be invited to sing with the choir for Sunday services.

Nick Pitts will visit local primary schools and explain what parish church choir membership can offer.

l If you would like to know more about the choir, you can telephone 01775 766081.