The New Century Singers of Bovey Tracey urgently need a new choir leader and new accompanist.

The group was founded in 1999, and has had up to about 50 enthusiastic singers who, under their musical director, Wyn Turner, put on an eclectic programme of music throughout the year.

These have included both sacred and secular music to concert standard, in churches and other venues, for the group’s own enjoyment and to help raise money for charity.

A spokesman said: ‘We haven’t just sung together – we play skittles, enjoy wine tasting sessions, walk on the Moor and do theatre trips. There was even a tri-annual magazine put together by our computer whiz, Ann Weatherall.

‘Another venture we branched out into was for groups of us to sing at local weddings or other celebrations.

‘We did this at the wedding of our musical director Wyn, and our very own Fay, and we thought that this could be something that we could offer other couples.

‘We needed to charge a small fee, and to have the date well in advance, so that we could muster a suitable ensemble.

‘The coronavirus lockdowns have had their impact on the Choir practices and activities, as they have on all of us – groups and individuals. For several months, our practices took place on-line, as a zoom meeting.

‘Since July this year, we have been meeting face to face again, on Tuesday evenings, outside and now inside, the Church Rooms at PPT.

‘A concert has been planned for the December, and we hope you will join us then, if you can.

‘However, our Musical Director of 20 years, has recently moved out of the area and Steve Mosley is kindly leading the choir on a temporary basis.

‘Our need has been exacerbated by our accompanist having to return to Poland to nurse her sick mother. Please get in touch if you can help with either of these.

‘We would also welcome enquiries from any who might like to sing with us.

‘There are no auditions for singers. Like most choirs we would particularly welcome male voices.

‘If you want to know more, then please ring our secretary Chris Towle on 01626 833594 or email on [email protected]

‘We have our own website too at www.newcenturysingers.org.uk or friends can follow us on Facebook.

‘We look forward to hearing from you.’