YOU may think I’m mad, it’s the hottest week of the year, but my mind is occupied with Christmas Carols; that’s the life of a Director of Music – planning!

It’s been an incredible year for the choir at St Laurence’s, so many high points: ever increasing numbers attending the Remembrance and Christmas Carol services, the High Sheriff’s Legal Service, the very successful Summer Arts Festival and singing Choral Evensong last week at Bristol Cathedral.

We were very proud to have been nominated for a civic award this year at the Mayor-making ceremony, recognising our commitment and contribution towards community life in Ludlow; so much for which to give thanks.

Week by week, for nearly 10 years, it’s been my privilege to coach our committed group of singers. More recently my colleague, Gemma King, has established a young children’s singing group to foster musical talent at an early age.

Each week more than 30 children and adults from 5 to 85 years old pass through our doors, discovering what music can do for them. It’s much more than just singing, it’s about a lifestyle, a mind-set, being exposed to hundreds of years of musical heritage, committing your talents for the greater good of the community.

In this time of austerity, can there be anything better than putting other people first?

With ever increasing cut-backs in education, arts and community services, churches can be and should be hubs for the arts. We take this commitment very seriously at St Laurence’s, whether it’s musical, visual, or buildings; we’ve been fostering the arts for centuries.

There are opportunities for everyone, from flower arranging and bell ringing, to singing in the choirs and welcoming visitors to our historic church.

Maybe you would like to get involved; we’re always looking for new recruits.