With over 40 members, including 23 children aged 8-16 representing 13 local schools, the choir of St John's, Devizes is establishing itself as one of the leading Parish Choirs in the country. In addition to their weekly performance of quality music every Sunday morning during term time, they have recently made two recordings, as well as undertaking regular trips to lead services in some of Britain's most glorious buildings. The cathedrals of Chichester, Coventry, Gloucester, Salisbury, St Paul's, Truro, Wells and Winchester have all been visited within the past four years.

Back in September 2017, thanks to a partnership that has been gaining momentum for the past few years, the choir was both shocked and excited to receive an invitation to tour Latvia this August, including Evensong at St John the Baptist Church, Cesis, and a concert in Riga Cathedral.

In order for the trip to become a reality, however, some serious fundraising will need to take place over the coming months, as the cost per person will be too large to expect our families to be prepared to pay outright. The total cost of the trip is estimated at £30,000, around £2,000 of which we hope to raise through this crowdfunding page.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS:

Sat 4 Nov: Our organist, Chris Totney, played all 620 hymn tunes in our hymn book in 8 hrs 4 mins

Sat 16 Dec: A Christmas Concert took place, followed by Carol Singing in town

Sat 27 Jan: The children in the choir presented a Variety Show, followed by a ‘Requests Programme’ Organ Recital by Chris Totney

Sat 24 Feb: An Informal Concert by local Music Teachers took place at St James' Church, Devizes

Fri 20 Apr: A Grand Choral Concert was given in memory of Stephen Brazier and Michael Oliver, featuring much of the music for the tour

Sat 21 Apr: Choir Swimathon

Sat 9 June: A Song Recital took place by Hilary Greenhill, accompanied by Clare Toomer

We are hugely grateful for all contributions received. This is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the choir, so every penny counts!

Keep up with the latest on Twitter: @SJBDevizesChoir