A CHOIR is looking for former members and new to help them celebrate a milestone anniversary.

The Middleton Festival Choir will mark its 50th year with a celebration concert in June 2018.

Members are now appealing to those who have joined them in song over the years to return to the fold to take part in the concert.

Based in Saltburn, the all-female choir was founded by the late Betty Middleton MBE and has encouraged the vocal talents of hundreds over the years.

Janet Howells has been part of the group for more than 25 years and is now its musical director.

She said: “It has been an absolute joy to be part of the choir for so long.

“I joined when Betty was still alive – she was my singing teacher and the most wonderful woman.

“She formed this wonderful choir that is such a privilege to be part of and she will be remembered by many at our concert.

“The concert is really just a huge celebration of our choir being 50 years old – it’s a real achievement.

“It is wonderful that we have been around for so long, especially in this day and age when many choirs are struggling and there doesn’t seem to be as much interest in singing as there was.”

  • Any former members interested in joining the choir for next summer’s concert should email christinahubbard@btopenworld.com or call 07955951833.
  • New members are also encouraged to join the group, with rehearsals taking place weekly on Wednesdays, from 7.30pm at the Milton Street Methodist Church.