Music has always been part of the lifeblood of The Forest of Dean, with its performance, both choral and instrumental, not only feeding the spirit, but adding to the sense of identity amongst the community.
Drybrook & District Ladies Choir has been an essential part of that musical tradition since 1953, when its founder Fred Kettle became Musical Director. Following Fred's death, the baton was later passed to his niece, Margaret Burford, whose untimely death in 1999 led to the setting up of The Margaret Rose Bursary in her memory.
As an institution, the Choir has always been both outward and forward looking in its celebration of music, learning new music, welcoming members from the extended locality and nurturing the musical talent of the upcoming generation through the annual Margaret Rose Bursary Award.
Now, under the baton of Barbara Wright and expertise of accompanist Linda Speed, the Choir organizes and takes part in numerous concerts and events, raising funds for local, national and international charities as well as taking its music into residential and nursing homes and singing at weddings. The Choir sings from a wide selection of music including secular, spiritual, songs from the shows, jazz, traditional, folk, pop and modern songs.
The Choir would be pleased to welcome new singers to their rehearsals at Drybrook Band Room (situated off the car park behind the Pharmacy on Drybrook Road) on Wednesday evenings 7-9pm.