12-ChSoc

STEVENTON CHORAL SOCIETY – Founded 1959


In 1959, Steventon was a relatively busy village with several pubs, a lively interest in village sport, many clubs and social organisations but no community choir. Four male residents, Jack Jarvis, Frank Bunce, Roly Cox and George Stevens, were members of a male voice choir that met in Abingdon. Jack had the idea of starting a choir in Steventon and involved his father, Tom in the early plans. Tom became the Society’s first Chairman and Jim Hobson was the secretary. Geoffrey Harding was the first conductor; Violet Hobson was accompanist. In the early days, the choir met in Steventon Methodist Church, now a private house.


 L – R: Geoffrey Harding,                                               Tom Jarvis,                                             Steventon Methodist Church

1960 saw the start of many forays into the world of music festivals and competitions. 

The minute books show that this was a contentious strategy as not all members appreciated the time it took to rehearse the set pieces required.




The first concert in the new village hall took place in 1961 an ambitious performance of ‘Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast’. 

Kenneth Fleetwood was the tenor soloist, 

Trixie Lay accompanied, 

Anne Flowers played harpsichord and there was a three person percussion section.





The society’s Diamond Anniversary in 2019 was a triumph of concerts and parties. This photo shows a rare departure from convention; Terry Pearce (Musical Director since 1981) sang the solo in ‘When Britain Really Rules the Waves’ whilst Helen Pearce (the Society’s regular soloist and secretary) conducted. 

60th anniversary celebrations


The celebrations lasted throughout 2019, highlights being a special choir dinner in May 2019 at The Bear in Wantage,  a gala Diamond Anniversary concert in Steventon Village Hall in June, the biennial Voices for Hospices Concert supporting Sobell House Hospice in Oxford in September, and a thanksgiving service in Steventon Parish Church followed by a splendid tea party in October.


November saw the publication of ‘Sixty Years of Song: A History of Steventon Choral Society 1959 – 2019’, compiled and written by choir member Sharron Jenkinson on behalf of the choir. Please use the contact form  if you’d like to order a copy (price £6 plus P&P).

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