Contact us at: music@stmarysbeddington.org.uk

For many years St Mary’s has enjoyed a long musical tradition that has enhanced church services and given inspiration to all who have worshipped here. In a very literal sense, generations of singers and other musicians have not only received support and encouragement for their music making, but in many cases have gone on to use this experience as a springboard for a lifetime of musical fulfilment. 

It is our objective to maintain and develop this established heritage and preserve it for those who will follow.

Our repertoire ranges from plainsong to music by Tudor composers through to contemporary motets.

From September 2025 St Mary’s will invest more heavily in the choir, particularly our choristers (children aged 8-18). As well as the musical training in singing and musicianship we are giving each chorister a scholarship of £100 a term to be used to fund instrumental tuition. This is in addition to choir pay, which ranges from £1 to £12 a week depending on experience. 

The music at St Mary’s is run by Mrs Pam Akhurst BA Dip.Ed and Organist David Moore MA FRCO. 

What musical activities take place?

St Mary’s reflects the broad Anglican choral repertoire within a traditional liturgy and maintains a choir of choristers and adult voices. This choir sings at the two main services on Sundays: the 9.30 am Parish Eucharist and Choral Evensong at 6.30pm. At every service we sing an anthem or motet, Choral Evensong following cathedral like repertoire. 

For chorister rehearsals there is always a second adult who has been DBS checked alongside the Director of Music in attendance, to assist with safety and supervision.

What does membership of the choir involve?

Primarily it requires a passion for music, dedication and commitment, as well as the inherent qualities of enthusiasm and the ability to sing well. Life as a chorister usually begins at around the age of 8 when they are introduced to the choir routine and begin to learn new repertoire. After this has been successfully established they are expected to commence the normal attendance timetable of weekly evening practice and Sunday services. We operate the RSCM badge system and train the choristers with ABRSM music theory.

During the summer months and school holidays a ‘scratch’ choir operates, open to all.

Rehearsals:

• Trebles: 6 – 7.40 pm Wednesday
• Adults: 7.00 – 8.30 pm Wednesday

Sunday services
Parish Eucharist, including practice, 8.50 – 10.45am
Evensong, including practice, 5.30 – 7.30pm

To find out more about St Mary’s Choirs contact us at: music@stmarysbeddington.org.uk

The Organs at St Mary’s

Our fine Lewis Organ housed in a case by the workshop of William Morris was overhauled by Willis in the 1990s and is currently in the care of Harrisons of Durham. The PCC are budgeting for its next overhaul some time in the next decade.

The Chamber organ, and a smaller keyboard situated in the North Aisle were gifts to the Parish.