MEMBERS of Alcester Ladies Choir will be singing their hearts out next month when they celebrate their 30th anniversary.

The choir was originally part of the WI and was set up by Dorothy Balmforth, former headteacher of Alcester Infants School.

Miss Balmforth used to run the Alcester Music and Drama Guild and many of the founder members were also in that.

Of the 28 current members, six have been with the choir from the beginning - Evelyn Barratt, Joan Davis, Margaret Peachey, June Shelton, Joyce Spires and Mary Spires.

They have seen six musical directors and eight accompanists during that time.

Captain Peter Butler is the only man who has ever directed the choir and it was when he took over in 1992 that it gave up its association with the WI.

His sudden departure, to take up an overseas posting, left the choir stranded and an appeal went out on local radio.

Driving in her car in Coventry, Sylvia Preedy heard the appeal and not knowing much about Alcester, she decided to offer her services.

"When I heard them sing I thought I could do a lot with them," Mrs Preedy said.

"I wanted them to expand their knowledge of music and my aim was to have them singing without music.

"It was a bit difficult at first. We did one rehearsal and I didn't think anyone would come back the next week."

But they did, and are still coming back week after week.

The choir has a large repertoire of classical and modern songs to appeal to a wide range of tastes.

Their annual programme includes concerts in churches and halls throughout the district but the highlight they all agree is the Remembrance Concert at the Greig Centre, when they join with the community in song.

Over the years, they have taken part in a number of festivals and even had a recording played on the radio.

There will be another highlight this year when the ladies hold their celebration dinner at the town hall, which they and accompanist Chris Long plan to finish with a rendition of Thank You for the Music.

The choir is looking for new members and anyone who would like to join can call secretary Mary Spires on 01789 763494. They meet in the Greig Studio on Tuesdays at 7.30pm.