Happy birthday to Rita, still singing for us at 95

From left: former assistant organist John Foster, Rita Chambers, and bell ringer Robert Harwood

Many congratulations to Rita Chambers, a cherished member of the All Hallows' choir, who is celebrating her 95th birthday.

She first came to All Hallows' 66 years ago, shortly after her marriage to Eric, and became a member of the flourishing Young Wives group, which met in the former parish rooms adjoining the vicarage.

Sadly, the group was not to last. One evening the then vicar's wife, annoyed at what she said was the loud noise they were making, barged in and threw them out. Soon after, it folded. Church visits were intermittent for four years, until Rita returned to the fold. 

A musician and teacher by training, she assisted for many years in the the music department at Huddersfield High School, also finding time to sing in the Huddersfield Choral Society and the Glee and Madrigal Society.

Rita joined the All Hallows' choir 12 years ago after asking the then organist and choirmaster, Malcolm Cruise, who readily agreed. There was no audition, or need for one; Rita still has a fine voice.

There were other activities, as she contributed to church life over six decades. Fund raising was one – and All Hallows' has much to thank her for, not least her work in aiding repairs to the roof and clock tower. In return, she values greatly the many friends she has made and who have sustained her as she lost friends from other parts of her life.

May she sing with us for many years to come – and continue to enjoy the odd tot of whisky!

Rita Chambers, second from right, back row, with Malcolm at the organ and the All Hallows' Choir in 2015.

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