Littlehampton choir’s Canadian trip renews links

MEMBERS of the Littlehampton-based Edwin James Festival Choir are on their second singing tour of Canada.

They set off on Friday for their fortnight-long visit, during which, led by musical director James Rushman, they will be giving three concert performances, and also singing at two Sunday church services, with a varied repertoire of everything from Puppet on a String to the Hallelujah Chorus.

The choir will be staying with the Addison Women’s Choir from Cambridge, Ontario, before travelling north for the second week, as guests of The Chantry Singers, in Saugeen Shores, near Port Elgin. On the choir’s first visit to Canada, five years ago, firm friendships were made with the choir there, which will be renewed this time, while new friends will be made in Saugeen Shores, where the choir has more than 70 members, a similar size to the British group. “The choir would like to thank everyone who has helped in fund-raising for the trip,” said chairman, Jo Rea.