The Cringleford Singers are looking for a new keyboard player - can you help?

Keyboard Crisis!

That was the headline almost 20 years ago.

Today the headline is the same.

Keyboard Crisis!

My first story in May of 1991 told how the fun-loving Cringleford Singers, who had been formed for nearly 20 years and had 26 members, were searching for a pianist as their accompanist was leaving.

It brought a result.

Former Norwich teacher and popular city musician Tony Ireland answered their call and joined them.

A few years later Arthur Maton arrived to play for them and now they have Mark Jones on violin/guitar and Gill Doy on percussion.

The much loved singers are now nearing their 40th anniversary and have 45 women singers.

But now they need a keyboard player to join them as Arthur, who has served them so well for more than 15 years, is retiring to take life a little more leisurely.

As the numbers have grown, so have the 25 or more musical events each year in and around Norwich.

They raise more than �3,000 reach year for local charities and they bring so much enjoyment and pleasure to audiences large and small.

Now the conductor and founder of the Cringleford Singers, Margaret Smith, would love to meet someone who is willing to play all styles for the singers – from folk to musicals, old and modern, to add some jazzy tones and work with other instrumentalists.

'Above all,' said Margaret, 'we must have someone who is willing to have a laugh with us.'

It could suit someone who has taken early retirement, or a much younger person who would like to try their hand at accompanying and performing with the singers who certainly know how to get the best out of life and give people so much enjoyment.

Thursday night is choir night for rehearsals and for most of their concerts and the New Year would be an excellent time for Arthur's successor to come on board.

The singers can offer no financial reward but do pay out-of-pocket expenses such as petrol costs.

Do you fit the bill? If you do, or perhaps you know someone who might be interested, contact Margaret on 01603 453010 or email margaretjsmith@btinternet.com