New director for Chichester's Shopwyke Singers

Richard Allum has taken over the reins of the Shopwyke Singers after choir founder Alex Dichmont stood down after more than 30 years at the helm.

The choir is based at Westbourne House School where they both work.

As Richard explains: “The choir is based at the school and was originally a choir for school parents but it has since expanded to the local community. There are a few of the original choir still with the choir now but unfortunately we don't have any current parents with the choir. We have a core group of about 30 to 35 people which is a good number. We could certainly take maybe a dozen or so more.

“At one time we had probably 40 to 50 people but 35 is fine. We are covered in all voice parts and we have enough people to enable us to do the music that we want to do. We have a nice core group but we are ever on the lookout for more members. Reading music is an advantage but it is not necessary. I would say that half the choir members don't read music but just pick it up as they go along.”

Anyone interested in joining should email Richard at [email protected].

“Alex has now handed over. He started the choir in 1994 just after he joined Westbourne House. It has been going for a long time and he just decided that this was the time to pass the baton. It was put to the choir that I was willing to take over and they agreed for me to do so.

“I joined the school and I joined the choir in 2009 and I sang with them for about eight or nine years until my duties grew and became a bit more involved but since then I've still done all the marketing and the tickets and so on with them. I've also played with them a couple of times as an accompanist. I have continued my connection with them all the way through.”

Richard isn't planning big changes as he takes over: “The choir is very happy with what it does and it does what it does very well. They do the big oratorio stuff and also the chamber bits. And they enjoy it. They are very enthusiastic amateurs, and I don't think I will be rocking the boat! But I think the idea of doing Evensong at the cathedral might be a nice idea. It would involve different music and different skills. I don't think it's in any way beyond them, and I do think there would be interest in terms of the repertoire.

“It's a really relaxed choir. They are a lovely bunch. We sing right from the Renaissance to the present but mostly core classical music – though it's possible that might change in the future. But I know that they're very happy with what they are doing at the moment.”

The choir rehearses at Westbourne House School on a Tuesday evening, 7-9pm and offers two concerts per year: November and May.