SILVER JUBILANT: Special song for milestone

AWARD-winning choristers at an independent girls' school in North Yorkshire celebrated an important anniversary with a performance of a work composed for them at a special service at Ripon Cathedral.

By The Newsroom

Published 18th Oct 2010, 00:32 BST

Updated 18th Oct 2010, 00:32 BST

Queen Mary's School was established in 1925, but a quarter of a century ago staff and pupils moved from its original base at Duncombe Park at Helmsley to the Palladian Grade 1 listed building at Baldersby Park in Topcliffe, near Thirsk.

Former pupils, teachers and governors joined students and staff for the 25th anniversary service which was taken by the school's chaplain, Father John Payne, with the Dean of Ripon, Keith Jukes, as the preacher.

Headteacher Robert McKenzie Johnston said: "This is an important day for us all and from talking to former pupils and staff, it's clear that the Queen Mary's ethos remains the same but with a modern attitude and outlook."

The school's chapel choir sang a piece written by choral conductor and organist Dr Simon Lindley. He is currently organist at Leeds Parish Church and of Leeds Town Hall.

The choir was conducted by the school's director of music, Nicholas Carter.

North Yorkshire