The Bohawk choir

The Bowhawk Choir is currently made up of fourteen singers (eight women and six younger members), drawn mainly from the churches in the benefice – although three members come from Dorchester. We practise for an hour every Wednesday evening and usually take part in three services each month: the first Sunday at Warmwell for Holy Communion, the fourth Sunday at West Knighton for the Family Service and the third Sunday alternately at Broadmayne and Owermoigne. (We have not sung at Holworth recently, but hope to do so sometime this year) In addition to these regular services, we have enjoyed participating in services for the whole benefice, such as the ordination of Revd Dick Douglas (1998) and the licensing of Dr Jean Coates (1999), as well as a once or twice-yearly choral evensong, a few weddings and at least one carol service each Christmas. We mostly sing in two parts, but are gradually becoming more ambitious in our choice of repertoire.

The choir with Fledglings

The younger members are all keen budding musicians, and each plays at least one instrument – some two! We can boast players of the flute, clarinet, violin, piano, flugelhorn and trumpet. They have all had a chance to perform at our annual choir concert at Warmwell Church in July – an event which this year raised £160 for the Holiday Venture Group at Ringstead. Another annual event is the choir party or outing. Last year saw us bowling in Weymouth – an activity at which younger and older members alike could excel (or not, in the Choir Director’s case!) – and afterwards reviving ourselves with a visit to the newly opened McDonald’s.

In September 1999 we established a new group, called ‘Fledglings’, for the younger children who enjoy singing and might eventually like to join the main choir. The group, run by myself with the able and popular help of Becky Carver, now numbers fourteen children aged 5-9 years and has sung at several Family Services as well as the Carol Service in December. We hope that both the choir and ‘Fledglings’ will continue to sing and enjoy themselves well into this new century. Sarah Page (Choir Director) – February 2000

Sarah Page (Choir Director) February 2000