A CHOIR celebrating its 75th anniversary has announced a former minister for culture, media and sport as its new patron.
The Wareham Choral Society (WCS), which has been the town’s choir since 1947, has revealed former Conservative MP David Mellor will take on the role.
A minister for 11 years, at the end of his political career Mr Mellor became a renowned broadcaster and after-dinner speaker.

Born in Wareham, he was educated at Swanage Grammar School and Christ’s College, Cambridge.
WCS is directed by professional musician Hazel Ricketts, rehearsing each Monday evening in Lady St Mary’s Church in Wareham, where it conducts most of its performances.
The group’s new chair, Teresa Rekowska, approached Mr Mellor in the summer to become their patron, particularly for his experience and knowledge as former Secretary of State for Culture and Media and for his love of music.
He has a weekly programme on Classic FM and is the opera critic for the Mail on Sunday.
He has a home in Corfe with his partner, Penelope Viscountess Cobham.
“I am delighted that David Mellor has agreed to become the patron of Wareham Choral Society,” Teresa said. “He has a deep understanding of the joy that music can bring into our lives.
“The choir and I are excited to celebrate our 75th anniversary by beginning this new partnership and look forward to collaborating in the future.”
The society has exciting plans for the future, she added, including a ‘Magnificat’ Christmas concert, on December 10 at Lady St Mary Church from 7pm.
Tickets can be purchased via www.warehamchoral.co.uk, or from Joys Menswear, in Wareham.
The choir will also be singing Christmas Carols on December 19 at the Wareham Day Centre for the elderly with dementia.

Meanwhile, WCS is looking forward to a busy programme in 2023, performing Mozart’s Coronation Mass on April 22 in preparation for King Charles’ Coronation and a remembrance concert on November 4; the beautiful Faure’s ‘Requiem’ and ‘The Armed Man; A Mass for Peace’ by Karl Jenkins.
WCS recently gained sponsorship from The Kings Arms Stoborough and would welcome further sponsors from local firms.
And after seeing a drop in membership numbers after the Covid pandemic, a recent recruitment campaign has encouraged several new singers to join – but the choir is still keen to hear from anyone interested in joining.
You can find out more at www.warehamchoral.co.uk or by email to warehamchoral@gmail.com.