SIR: I read with great interest the article in the BEN, November 25, (The good old days of classical music).

It takes me back to when, aged about 11, I joined the choir at St George's. It was about 1923. In the first instance the vicar Canon H J Edsee came round the school of the same name, asking for day boys to join the choir. Miss Elsie Howarth played the piano in the vestry for we probationers for Tuesday night practices. On Thursdays all the boys attended church for a short service before the main choir's rehearsal under Thomas Booth.

Some time later we had to sing individually for Mrs Booth, to ascertain if we were suitable to join the main choir.

One evening, the choir sang a selection from Mendlessohn's Elijah and I sat up in the gallery fascinated by Elsie Howarth's organ playing. Mrs Booth conducted the choir.

I eventually joined the bellringers when my voice broke.

Mrs Booth wrote the hymn tune 'Evening Hour' in 1895 to the words: Just as I am without one plea. If Mr M Rushton hasn't a copy perhaps he could contact me.

C Horrocks

Green Way, Bolton

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