A LONG established ladies choir could be performing off-key if two accompanying posts are not filled in coming weeks.

Not only will the new singing season start on a bad note for Belmont Ladies’ Choir, in September, it could fall flat altogether, if a pianist and conductor are not recruited soon.

The 80-year-old choir, with approaching 30 singing members, lost its regular pianist, Evelyn Hamilton, at Easter, and conductor, Tony Harries, is to put down his baton by Christmas.

Choir member Dorothy Stewart said efforts to find replacements have, so far, drawn a blank, but she hopes a public appeal may prove the answer.

“Weekly rehearsals start at Carrville Methodist Church, on September 3, but our first public performance is not until October, so we have a bit of leeway.

“We perform about ten to 12 times a year, with a mixed repertoire, and often it’s charity or church concerts, and the like.”

She said the immediate priority is a new pianist, with the conundrum of a new conductor to follow, leaving the choir’s future in doubt.

Anyone who would like to be considered for either vacancy should attend the High Street church at Monday rehearsals (7.30pm-start), from September 3, or ring 0191-386 2915.