Thanks for taking the time to visit the Durham Cathedral  - the Big Ride 2010 page.   The Cathedral Team completed the ride yesterday (September 12th).  All money raised is in support of Music Outreach at Durham Cathedral.   Each academic year the Cathedral Choristers visit up to 24 primary schools, where they sing and and perform with a complete year group.   After the visit the Cathedral's Director of Music Outreach, Mish Kelly, works with the primary school preparing its children for a concert at the Cathedral.   Mish also works with teachers at each school as they develop their own choral leadership skills. 

The Cathedral also runs Durham Cathedral Young Singers, a community choir for 8 - 13 year olds.    It meets every Saturday morning during term time.   Children have the opportunity to take part in performances and special events, as well as enjoy making new friends.  

Anyone can sing, and the benefits of singing can be life changing.   It is good aerobic exercise and helps develop cognitive learning skills.   Participating in music making can boost confidence and encourage positive social skills.

The music outreach programme started in 2006 and over the last few years has received funding from the Department of Children, Schools and Families as part of the National 'Sing Up' programme, a scheme designed to encourage all primary school age children to sing.   Grants have been distributed by the Choir Schools’ Association (CSA) as a national delivery partner.    This funding has now come to an end.  Durham Cathedral has received just enough funding to keep the programme going for a full year as the academic year starts again.   This has been made possible through the support of a number of kind individuals, as well as last year's Cathedral Team in the Durham Big Ride.   We want to ensure that this valuable work continues in future years.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe -  they never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they send your money directly to the Durham Cathedral and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s an efficient way to donate.