06/07/2025
Today is the last day of the choir term and, as is tradition, we held our annual Choir Awards, acknowledging the success of our choir team.
Today we also said a goodbye to our Director of Music, Graham Thorpe, who leaves this summer. Introduced by the Very Revd Andy Bowerman, Dean of Bradford, they both talked about the excellent work of the choir, lay clerks and other staff members, including Anne Hilton the Choir Matron and Assistant Director of Music William Campbell.
Graham talked about how he was 'sad to leave' and Dean Andy thanked him for his six years of service in the music department, particularly for hard work this year with work on a CD, radio work and television appearances for the choir as part of the UK City of Culture year.
There were words, too from the choir, saying Graham is 'a positive force full of encouragement and support."
As the awards event neared its end, members of the girl choristers got up to perform a rap-based piece entitled 'Mr Thorpe' before there was food served.
The day wrapped up with a further thank you to Graham Thorpe, the giving of gifts - including a pizza oven! - before Dean Andy prayed for Graham and Beatrice, his partner, a blessing for their future endeavours, with the final Choral Evensong service following shortly after.
