Those of you who generously contributed to the fund to provide musical opportunities for David’s children might like to read this message from one of the Fund’s organisers: ‘Thank you for help in raising funds for Lydia and Thomas. With your help and generosity, we have managed to raise a significant sum. This has been enhanced by the generosity of Salisbury Community Choir who held a Memorial Fundraiser concert in honour of David, and have added the proceeds to the fund, which now totals over £6,000.
‘This generosity shows clearly how much David meant to so many people and how much he touched our lives: and this fund will be used to allow his children the musical opportunities and endeavours that David would be proud of. Thank you once again.’
Category: news
David Ward
As we said a final goodbye to David Coram we also learnt of the death of a long-time Laudemus! singer, David Ward, at the beginning of May. Everyone on our mailing list has been contacted about this, with details of the funeral for anyone who would like to attend. David’s genial presence among us, year after year, in Dorset was always something to look forward to: he was the perfect gentleman, kind, reliable, amusing, knowledgeable, generous; and an excellent second bass until lung failure caused him so much difficulty with breathing that he was obliged to stop. He died peacefully at home, and his funeral will be at 1.00pm on Monday 20 May, at Blofield Church (St Andrew & St Peter, Church Road, Blofield, Norfolk NR13 4NA). There is a choir rehearsal at 10.45 on Monday morning; anyone wanting to sing is asked to contact Claire Virden (clairevirden1@gmail.com ).
Remembering David Coram
The memorial service at St Peter’s Hammersmith for David Coram (Saturday 4 May) was everything these things should be. A chance to remember the good things; a chance to acknowledge and examine our feelings; the opportunity to comfort one another; to admire the plethora of flowery shirts donned for the occasion; and to grieve for the too-early loss of such talent. RIP David; we will miss you greatly.
2019 tour details confirmed
We are glad to report that all the details of churches and music for this year’s tour have finally fallen into place. As in previous years we will range widely across the county, from Weymouth on the south coast up to Fontmell Magna on the way to Shaftesbury. Click on the 2019 Tour tab above for details.
Choral Evensong survey
According to statistics from the Church of England, attendance at cathedral services is rising, with choral evensong in particular enjoying a renaissance. Oxford University’s Faculty of Music is researching this surprising trend: to read more, and to take part a survey, cut and paste this link www.englishcathedrals.co.uk and click on the Choral Evensong tab.
David Coram’s memorial service
The service is to be held at St Peter’s, Hammersmith, W6 9BE on Saturday 4 May at 2.00pm. Please pass on the details to other Laudemians who might not see this notice. Church is at the bottom end of Black Lion Lane, which runs between the Great West Road (no access at this end) and Chiswick High Road. Nearest tube is Stamford Brook (District Line).
A fund for David’s children
David’s friends are raising money to give David’s children, Lydia and Thomas, the opportunities they now won’t get from their Dad. Visit www.GoFundMe.com, and search for David Coram.
David Coram
It is with the greatest sadness that we announce the death of David Coram on 28 January 2019. See more on the page ‘Our Music Team’. When funeral details are known, they will be posted here, and it seems likely there will also be a memorial service at St Peter’s Hammersmith, West London, where David was a much-loved Director of Music.
Minster wedding
Travelled to Wimborne Minster on Friday 31 August for the wedding of Margaret James (92) and Robert Cave (91). They are Britain’s oldest newly-weds, and a full Minster church wished them well. Google their names for more details and lovely pictures! (The Michael James Music Trust supports two Laudemus! scholars each year.)
This year’s organists
David Coram is not able to be with us this year, but we’re delighted to be working with Sam Hanson for most of the week, and with Alison Davies on Friday. Alison is Director of Music at Pimperne; Sam plays regularly at Wimborne Minster, and is no stranger to Laudemus!