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The Friends of Cathedral Music
The Friends of Cathedral Music was founded in the 1950s
by the Revd. Ronald Sibthorp while Succentor of Truro Cathedral,
because of his concern at the reduction in the number of choral
services in the nation's cathedrals, then mainly due to wartime
pressures. In the forty-plus years since its foundation, the society
has made a significant contribution to the maintenance of the
Anglican tradition of choral services. More recently the Friends
have extended their support to Roman Catholic cathedrals.
Since 1956 FCM has raised and distributed more than £500,000
in the form of grants to the many choral foundations in the United
Kingdom and overseas. These have been used mainly to assist the
young choristers, many of whom go on to become the altos, tenors
and basses of tomorrow. The money has been raised from members'
subscriptions, donations and legacies.
Gatherings are held throughout the year, mainly at weekends,
at a changing selection from more than seventy cathedrals, abbeys,
chapels and churches where there are regular sung services. Members
have the opportunity to listen to the choir rehearsing and attend
the service itself, hear talks by the Directors of Music and clergy;
make tours of the building, listen to an organ recital and demonstration.
Afterwards, everyone is able to meet together informally at a
reception in one of the fine halls or rooms attached to the foundation.
Membership is growing steadily but FCM still needs more
support. If you are sympathetic, further details and an enrolment
form can be obtained from:
The Membership Secretary
The Friends of Cathedral Music
61 Leigh Gardens
Kensal Rise
London NW10 5HN
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