There has, of course, been music associated with the church as long as the building has been in existence.  The choir was founded in the early 1800's.

In 1862, Charles Longuet Higgins presented the church with its current organ.  He had been the Choirmaster and Organist for many years d went on to form the Ely, Oxford and Peterborough Church Music Society - known as the EOP.  In 1862 the choir had 60 members, both male and female.

From 1862 until 1877 a great Choral Festival was held each July in Turvey Church. Participants came from the parishes around Turvey.  It must have sounded magnificent as Rev Munby records that up to 700 choirsters and clergy attended each one!

The Choir Festivals were revived by the Rural Deanery of Felmersham in the early 1900's.

George Edward Hopkins was choirmaster until the mid 1920's. He was also the Headmaster of the National School and the Superintendent of the Church Sunday School.  There is more about him on the School page!  He was followed by Joe Wooding who retired in the 1950's.  Next came Mr Reid who was himself succeeded by Mrs Enid Wadsworth in 1957.  Traditionally the Choirmaster was also the Church organist.

Turvey Church Choir

Turvey choir poses outside the church door (early 1950's?)

My auntie is in the front row and she sang with the choir for many years. I am told that my father had the voice of an angel but as I sing very flat I guess I will never follow in this family tradition!