Worcester Cathedral is searching for its former choir members to mark 150 years of its voluntary choir.

Affectionately known as ‘Vollers’, both children and adult volunteer choristers have worn the Cathedral’s dark blue cassocks for services since 1874.

In October the Cathedral will be marking 150 years of the choir and wants to include choristers of decades past in the celebrations.

Worcester Cathedral has commissioned Paul Trepte, former Director of the Voluntary Choir, to write a new anthem to mark the anniversary, which will be premiered at the service by the Voluntary Choir and Cathedral Choir. Former Vollers will sing in the baritone choir.

In recent years, the Vollers have become a junior choir of children and young people.

Assistant Director of Music at the Cathedral, Nicholas Freestone, told Premier: “The choir’s evolved over the past 150 years, but at the core it’s stayed the same.

“It’s a chance for the church to grow a distinctive group, who really worship through choral music.

“It’s a great honour to have led this fantastic choir into a new era, but I’m well aware of the tremendous legacy and heritage it has.”

That legacy includes anyone who has been part of it – including during what Nicholas describes as its “golden years” from the 1970s-90s.

“Lots of children and adults during the 80s and 90s based their community on relationships formed in the choir, and that’s something we still aspire to today,” Nicholas told Premier. 

News of the celebration has already gained the attention of former members: “We’ll be joined by Dr Harry Brammer, who was Choir Director when it celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1974,” said Nicholas. “It will be quite the celebration.”

Former Vollers wishing to get involved can do so via the Worcester Cathedral website.