WHAT IS THE FEDERATION?

When the National Federation of Cathedral Old Choristers’ Associations, as it was originally named, was established in 1910, a letter was sent to the Precentor of each Cathedral stating that the aim of this newly formed body was:

'To bring together individual associations into closer touch with one another and to further in every way possible the interest of these associations. The members of any association shall be received as honorary members by the association wherein they may be resident.'

This aim of promoting contact and friendship has stayed with the members of the Federation ever since, but has also evolved to assist in maintaining and improving the high standard of Choral Music, which plays such an important part in the daily worship of our Cathedrals and Collegiate Churches. It now boasts amongst its members Old Chorister Associations from most Cathedrals in England, as well as others in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Eire and New Zealand, as well as some of England’s most renowned Royal and Collegiate Churches. The Federation has, at times, been very vocal in its support for the preservation of our Choral Tradition and was instrumental in the campaign to retain Choral Evensong on Radio 3 when the BBC threatened to axe the programme and also assisted to bring about a favourable outcome when the closure of Choir Schools was threatened.

WHO ARE ITS MEMBERS?

Affiliated Membership of the Federation is now open to any constituted Association of ex-choristers, be it from a Cathedral, Chapels Royal, Collegiate Church, College Chapel of Oxford and Cambridge or other church. The proviso is that they are an active association for young ex choristers i.e. the top line of the choir must be sung by children, not adults. These Associations run their own affairs with a constitution and committee and they usually hold a reunion once a year when members have the opportunity to come back and rekindle old friendships and acquaintances. Affiliated members are asked to send a representative to the Federations AGM each year, where they have voting rites.

Associate membership is available to individuals who have a desire to be associated with the Federation. This could be through a desire to be more involved with the world of Cathedral Music, or simply being the spouse of a member of an Affiliated Association. Associate members are welcome and encouraged to join in any activities held, but can not vote at the AGM.

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

This is held each year in May and is hosted by a different affiliated member Association each year in their home Cathedral, Chapel or Church. All member Associations are invited to send at least one representative and the day includes lunch, the meeting and evensong, with usually a guided tour or activity provided for those not attending the meeting. See the Tours and Events page for full details of the next AGM.

THE FESTIVAL

This is the highlight of the Federation’s year, and like the AGM, hosted by a different affiliated Association each year. It is a weekend package that usually starts Friday afternoon and includes accommodation, good food, good music and excellent company. The highlights of the weekend are the Festival Evensong and Banquet on Saturday. The weekend programmes usually build in plenty of spare time to spend catching up with old friends and making new ones and there is often the chance for Old Choristers to join the host Cathedral Choir singing part of the service. Tours and visits out are organised and spouses and friends are warmly welcomed. See the Tours and Events page for full details of the next Festival.

FEDERATION TOURS

Approximately once every two years the Federation organises a tour to places of interest around the world. These have largely been limited to Northern Europe and included France, Belgium, Germany, Spain and Portugal. However, in 2007 a tour to New Zealand pushed the boundaries world wide and 2008 sees us come closer to home with a week discovering Yorkshire. Plans for future tours include Scandinavia, Wales and the Baltic Countries. Details of past and future tours can be found on the Tours and Events page.

ONCE A CHORISTER MAGAZINE

The Federations official publication is ‘Once a Chorister’, published annually in the spring. It contains details of the forth coming Festival, news from member Associations, articles of general interest and a list of all the member Association Secretaries and Representatives. See the Magazine page for more details and sample articles.

ARE YOU AN OLD CHORISTER?

If you once sang in a Cathedral or College Choir, but are not in contact with your Old Choristers Association, look up your choir on the Associations Pages section and use the links to open up their page to find who to contact. Do not be deterred from making contact if you live away from where you once sang. These days, Associations members live not only all over the country but all over the world and still keep in contact. Alternatively, most Cathedrals have an Old Choristers’ Association and you will almost certainly be made most welcome to join your local one as an Associate Member.

WHY NOT JOIN US?

By being a member of an Affiliated Association you are, by default, a member of the Federation. You can apply for an FCOCA membership card either through your Association Secretary or direct to the Federations Marketing Officer (see Merchandising Page). These cards are issued free of charge to Choristers leaving their choir and are charged at £2.00 to other members. This card not only acts as an identification badge at Federation events but can also entitle you to free admission to some Cathedrals that now charge entry fees and discount in some Cathedral Shops.

Alternatively, you may just wish to receive a copy of the magazine ‘Once a Chorister’ each year and be placed on the mailing list.

Whatever you decide to do, the Old Chorister network can open up a world of friendships and contact with many people who share similar interests.