IT was hard to believe that the Wensleydale Chorus had practised over just ten weeks when they presented two memorable and thoroughly enjoyable concerts at East Witton and Aysgarth churches in July.

Much of this was thanks to the singers' happy and fruitful rapport with their conductor, Stan Roocroft. Fifty years ago, he was one of the choristers at the Queen's coronation.

His bubbling enthusiasm and professionalism, and the choir's hard work at all the practices, helped it through some of the more difficult sections of Rutter's Magnificat during these coronation anniversary concerts.

The clear, pure voice of the soloist, Jenny Nex, also carried them through this part of the programme. One of the finest pieces was Of a Rose, a lovely Rose, of a Rose is all my song, when a small group of the chorus joined with Miss Nex to produce a delicate, fragrant sound.

The concert began with a superb flourish as the organist, Greg Smith, captured everyone's attention in the introduction to I Was Glad by Parry. This was played as the Queen entered the Abbey Church of St Peter, Westminster, 50 years ago.

The chorus, beautifully supported by soloists Barbara Roocroft and Miss Nex, then built up to a magnificent climax with Vivaldi's Gloria, before tackling the Magnificat.

Finally, organist and chorus brought the evening to a resounding ending with that other coronation favourite, Handel's Zadok the Priest.

The chorus then presented Mr Roocroft with a picture to thank him for his 21 years of conducting them at these annual concerts. The cartoon was drawn by Geoff Ashbridge of Hawes and showed Mr Roocroft busy conducting the Hawes Silver Band. PL.