The Charlton Kings Choral Society are busy preparing for their upcoming Concert of Remembrance, to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War.

The group was formed in 1956 by a local priest and has been performing in Cheltenham and the surrounding areas ever since.

Susan Crownshaw will be celebrating her 30th year with the society this year and describes why she thinks the group is so special.

She said: “I moved into the area from London and the Society was so lovely compared to groups I’d previously sang with. In London once you’d finished rehearsals everyone went home, here it’s much more social and friendlier.

“I’ll have been with the group for 30 years this year which is a scary thought! We’ve got a really loyal membership, about 80 strong, and although we began in Charlton Kings we’ve spread and now consider ourselves a major Cheltenham choir.”

The upcoming remembrance concert will feature works from Ralph Vaughan-Williams, John Ireland, and Hubert Parry, as well as a special piece by Gustav Holst, as Susan explains.

She said: “The first half of our performance will feature English composers, including an anthem by Gustav Holst which was found by our conductor. It was written by Holst in 1892 whilst he was a pupil at Cheltenham Grammar School, for a competition, which he obviously won!

“In the second half we’ll be performing Faure’s ‘Requiem’, which is usually done with a larger orchestra. However, we’ll be doing it with just four instruments accompanying, which will be interesting!”

The Choral Society began rehearsals in September, in preparation for the show which is on Saturday 24th November at St Andrew’s Church in Montpellier.

Susan added: “Rehearsals have been going well, we meet up once a week and we all enjoy them.

“Now we’re all just looking forward to the performance. People enjoy singing so much, it puts everyone in a happy mood.”