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Choir drops its boys only rule


FOR choristers hoping to get their voice heard at one ofMaidstone’s largest venues, a historic change in recruitment policy means anyone, of any age, cannowapply to sing at the county town’s parish church. The move will see the male voice


choir at the 1,200 seater All Saints’ Church comprisemen, women and children, as standard – for the first time in 700 years. The ground-breaking change has


been brought about by a dramatic fall in the number of choristers, not only at Maidstone’s parish church, which now has just six regular members, but across the country. The change in recruitment policy


to form a mixed choir is described by choirmasterAndrewWilliamson, who joined All Saints’ in March, as “a sign of the times”. The Anglican parish church is third in importance to the cathedrals at Canterbury and Rochester and is looking to bemore flexible in its approach. Mr Williamson (pictured), a for-


mer director of music at Boughton Monchelsea, said: “Not everyone is in agreementwith the change, but a constant replacement process is needed when limiting the choir to boys because their voices break; they discover girls andother temptations that take up their time.” MrWilliamson became a chorister


while at boarding school, but agrees that there are many more distrac- tions today. “We are looking to be as flexible as


possible to encourage older choris- ters to return; social singers to join us; and schools to consider adding choir classes as an after-school club in an effort to keep song a central part of praise in our church.” Themain commitment is aweekly


rehearsal, during which choristers are taught how to read music, and some Sunday services, for which a small payment ismade. Schools interested in running a


choral class after school,with coach- ing fromMrWilliamson, or those in- terested in joining the choir, should email choirmaster.allsaintsmaid- stone@gmail.com.


Changes in KCC cabinet


CATHERINE Rankin joins the Cabinet on the county council following a re- shuffle inwhich KCC leader Paul Carter (pictured)made newappointments in portfolios for Finance, Strategic Commissioning and Public Health. The changes followthe resignation of John Sim-


monds, Cabinet Member for Finance, due to ill health. KCC deputy leader Peter Oakford, becomes


member for Finance and Traded Services,whileMs Rankin joins as the portfolio holder for Strategic Commissioning. GrahamGibbens continues asmember forAdult


SocialCare and also takes on responsibility for Pub- lic Health. Cllr Paul Carter will retain responsibility


for Health Reform. The remainder of the Cabinet is unchanged, although Deputy Cabinet member appointments are expected to be announced early nextweek.


Draw kicks off Stones’ season


MAIDSTONE United’s new look squad has started the newseason in the VanaramaNational League . The Stones,who drew1-1 against


Hartlepool United on the opening day, hope to better the 14th place they achieved last season. The club had a successful pre-sea- son campaign, winning four of six


matches including a 5-0 victory over NottinghamForest’s under 23 side. This season’s admission prices


are: adults £15; concessions (65+/stu- dents) £12; youth (11-16) £7; junior (under 11) £2. Seats in the Manchett Facilities


Stand(home fans only) cost an extra £3.Gates open at 12:30.


01622 753073 | clarkesfurnishers.co.uk Visit us at Sandling Road, Maidstone, ME14 2RF


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Maidstone Septmeber 2018 5


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HAPPY DAYS THIS SUMMER


The Summer Sale ends Bank Holiday Monday


Visit our newly refurbished store!


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