Girl Choristers perform at Wensleydale church

Alex Berry with the Girl Choristers at Aysgarth church. Photo: Pip Pointon.

More than 50 people enjoyed the special treat of Choral Evensong at St Andrew’s Church, Aysgarth, thanks to the Girl Choristers from Bradford Cathedral.

They were led by the cathedral’s Director of Music Alex Berry and accompanied by the Rev Canon Paul Maybury, the cathedral Precentor. The organist was Anthony Gray who had been an organ scholar at Bradford Cathedral and is now director of music at St Wilfrid’s, Harrogate.

“It was so good to have an evensong service and to have the Girl Choristers here as well,” commented one of the congregation.

The choristers led a traditional service of Choral Evensong from the Book of Common Prayer which showcased  psalms, canticles and anthems that they sing as part of the Opus Dei during the weekly round of services in the cathedral.

The service was led by the vicar of Aysgarth Benefice, the Rev Tom Ringland and refreshments were served afterwards in the Lady Chapel.

As people arrived for the service they were welcomed by the sound of a full band of six bells being rung. This was almost the first time all six had been rung since the clappers in the bells were renewed at the end of 2019.

Afterwards Mr Berry said: “We had a great time in Aysgarth last week, and the girls really enjoyed themselves.”

Aysgarth church is closed to visitors until the end of March as workmen are upgrading the lighting system.