From Monday 3 to Sunday 9 August 2026, the Parish Church of Chingford choir spent a memorable week as the visiting choir at Exeter Cathedral.
Singing at Exeter Cathedral
Each day centred upon rehearsing and singing Choral Evensong in the cathedral. Singing the daily offices in such a magnificent setting is both demanding and rewarding, and the choir greatly appreciated the warm welcome it received throughout the week.
Evensong at All Saint’s, Exmouth
After their fun day on the beach at Exmouth including pizza kindly funded by our ongoing support from the Jack Petchey Foundation, the boy and girl choristers sang Evensong together at All Saint’s Exmouth.
On behalf of All Saints’ Church and the wider community of Exmouth, thank you for bringing the Chingford Parish Church Youth Group to sing the Choral Evensong at our church. Please can you convey our thanks to all the wonderful young people who sang so beautifully. We have had a lot of people commenting on what a beautiful and moving service it was. It was a delight to have so many young people in church and to hear the young organist who I am sure will go far.
Your work with young people is an inspiration, and a joy to see how young people can grow in confidence and discipline and how music can do this and be so rewarding – Lynne – priest at All Saint’s
Compline at Ottery St Mary
On Thursday evening, members of the adult choir travelled to the beautiful parish church of St Mary at Ottery St Mary, to sing Compline.
The church dates from the 14th century and is sometimes described as a miniature Exeter Cathedral. It also has a notable literary connection: the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge was born in Ottery St Mary and baptised there.
Time together
There was time to relax and enjoy one another’s company throughout the week.
The choir also enjoyed a day by the sea at Exmouth on Thursday, with games and time together away from the rehearsal room. Later that day, the boy and girl choristers sang Evensong at All Saints’ Church, Exmouth.
On Friday evening, members of the adult choir shared a meal at Dotties in Exeter.
The visit brought together the musical, worshipping and social life of the choir. We are grateful to everyone who helped organise and support the week, to the churches which welcomed us, and to all those who came to hear the choir sing.
All photos courtesy of Yvette Woodhouse