Choir’s swansong after 34 years

It started with a group of friends singing in a kitchen. For 34 years, members of the Wulfrun Consort of Voices have rehearsed at the home of its founding members Sheila and Philip Bradfield.

They have put on countless charity and public concerts around the region. They’ve now decided that the curtain must go down on the group, but not before one final concert. The group started when the Bradfields moved from Leicester to Newbridge, Wolverhampton, in 1974.

Mr Bradfield, now aged 66, had started choirs in previous areas which he had lived and the pair decided to continue the tradition in the Black Country.

Mr Bradfield, a physics lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton, and Mrs Bradfield, who taught German at the former King’s School in Tettenhall, recruited fellow singers through work.

The group, which has around 12 members at any one time, stuck together, performing at weddings and other events.

Members have entertained countless music lovers with madrigals, folk songs and sacred music, performing in Tudor costume at Moseley Old Hall in Fordhouses and at May Day events at Bantock Park.

But now the Bradfields are planning to move to Scotland, their former home, later this year when Mrs Bradfield retires from her role teaching with the Adult Education Service in Old Hall Street, city centre.

Mrs Bradfield, aged 60, said today: “It’s quite a big kitchen and we’ve always rehearsed in the house.

“When we started we had three young children so it was practical. We’ve had a great time. It’s been a marvellous way of making really close friends.

“We’re moving up to Edinburgh and one or two of our other members have left and it just seemed to be the right time to call it a day.

“We’re going to miss all our friends but it’s time to move on and we’re hoping to at least join another choir.”

Members gathered for a final rehearsal in the couple’s home last night.

They included Pat Tottman, of Tettenhall, who has been a member for more than 28 years.

She said: “A friend introduced me to the group and it’s been great fun. I’ve got friendship and a lot of musical pleasure from the choir. I’m going to be sorry to see it go.”

On Saturday, around 40 former members are expected to descend on the city from far and wide to rehearse for a final concert in the evening.

They will gather during the day to reminisce about old times in the choir before a performance at St Columba’s in Finchfield at 7pm.

Admission is free and there will be a collection in aid of the Castlecroft Road church’s day centre.