TIM Stratton is the new head chorister of Ely Cathedral choir and his deputy is Ben Love. They were installed in their new posts of responsibility by the Dean, the Very Rev Dr Michael Chandler and presented with their medals by the director of music, Paul

TIM Stratton is the new head chorister of Ely Cathedral choir and his deputy is Ben Love. They were installed in their new posts of responsibility by the Dean, the Very Rev Dr Michael Chandler and presented with their medals by the director of music, Paul Trepte.

Like all Ely choristers, the 12-year-olds won choral scholarships to King's Junior School and take an active part in the musical life of the school. They each play saxophone and Tim also plays bassoon.

Also beginning their final year in the choir are William Haworth, who was presented with the Friends of Cathedral Music Award, and Calum Stanton-Bennett, who was presented with the Rawlinson Award.

Together with William Oliver, last year's head chorister, who has just moved up to King's Senior School, they will lead the boys through a potentially thrilling year which includes a trip to the USA in October with appearances in St Petersburg Florida, Orlando, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Nashville, Sewanee and Indianapolis.

The choir's new probationers, Felix and James Asare, William Black, Charlie Cox, Alexander Froggatt and Edward Merrick have started the new school year as boarders in the King's School's Choir House in the cathedral precincts.

Neil Porter-Thaw, their housemaster and director of music in King's Junior School, is organising a 'Be a Chorister Day' on Saturday, November 15 when potential choristers and their parents can find out more about the opportunities available to Ely choristers who receive an unrivalled musical education as well as a choral bursary worth 33 per cent of King's Junior School fees. He can be contacted on neilp-t@kings-ely.cambs.sch.uk

Pic cap: Felix Asare, William Black, Edward Merrick, Charlie Cox, Alexander Froggatt and James Asare.

Photo: SUPPLIED.