The choir was the brainchild of Lady Edith Robertson of Oakridge and Brian King, who first discussed the idea on Christmas morning 1979. The first rehearsal followed on 5th February 1980 at Lady Robertson’s house, with a total of 12 singers.
The first performance was at a confirmation service at Bussage Church on 25th May 1980 which was officiated by the Bishop of Gloucester. The first concert was held at Rodmarton Village Hall on 19th July, raising £150 for the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths. The Choir’s charitable work continues to this day. THS helped to raise £2,000 for Rodborough Church last Christmas (2019) with a ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ concert featuring a new Thomas story written by choir member Katie Fforde and her sister, Jane Gordon-Cumming.
Today the choir has 33 members and rehearses weekly at Brimscombe School. Musical Director, Andrew Hopwood has been with the choir since 2012 when he took over from Richard Sharpe. “THS a friendly group of singers who have an eclectic taste in music. Thus, their programs are always wide ranging, challenging and hopefully interesting to perform and listen to,” comments Andrew.
The choir’s longest serving singer is Paul Baxter who joined the choir in 1988 and sang with many of the choir’s original members, he says “I’m sure the founders of the choir would be proud that it’s still flourishing 40 years on – raising money for good causes and giving much enjoyment to its members and audiences alike.”
The anniversary year was due to be marked by special programme of events including a spring concert at St Laurence Church, Stroud celebrating Gloucestershire composers and a performance at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen on 11th July. On 5th July a summer afternoon tea concert at St. Cyr’s Church, Stonehouse was set to include music chosen by members of the choir, past and present… And then came Covid!