There are few more impressive sights than Privett church, standing atop a rise with its spire visible for miles around, writes Froxfield Choir member David Dobson.

It is a huge church that even in its Victorian heyday must have seemed a bit over-grand, for grand it is, especially inside.

As it has very good acoustics it is no surprise that since Holy Trinity Church passed into the care of the Churches Conservation Trust, it has been a popular venue for concerts.

It is home to the Froxfield Choir, which with its Jubilate! Concert this Saturday (June 18) celebrates its 50th anniversary.

I think members are rather proud that what is basically a village choir has endured and prospered for those 50 years.

For this we have to thank Froxfield resident Elizabeth Gotto, who started it, and in those early days chose the music, trained us and did just about everything else until she retired a few years ago.

She remains a staunch supporter, and I hope she will be singing with us on Saturday.

My first Privett summer concert was about 25 years ago, and I remember the awful chairs and benches audiences had to put up with.

The electrics were also unreliable, and the churchyard in June needed a jungle clearance squad to beat a path to the door.

Today the church has bright, comfortable seating, the electrics work, and the churchyard is a revelation.

Trees, bushes, nettles and brambles are gone; thanks to a doughty group of Privett stalwarts it has been sensitively cleared.

One of my great memories was a magical family and friends picnic and concert there last summer, at a time when we still couldn’t hold public concerts.

The joyful and celebratory theme of the Jubilate! Concert is reflected in the music, which personally I find uplifting, and think our audience will too.

The main work is Beethoven’s Mass in C, which is not long, but magnificent.

The choir will also be singing some familiar works, such as Handel’s Zadok the Priest, Mozart’s Laudate Dominum, Parry’s towering anthem I Was Glad, and one short new work, composed by choir member Mike Orchard.

He has composed one or two tuneful pieces for us in the past, and his setting of Hardy’s poem The Darkling Thrush is quite enchanting.

Choir members will enjoy the Jubilate! Concert, and the audience will too – they will also, I’m sure, enjoy the sparkling wine reception.

So come and join us for what we believe will be a memorable evening.

Tickets cost £20 from One Tree Books or via Ticketsource at https://froxfieldchoir.co.uk