The idea of a Federation of Cathedral Old Choristers was discussed at a reunion of the Peterborough Association in September 1910. Present as guests at that reunion were Arthur Hardgrave (York) and William Calladine (Lincoln). It was agreed by members of the three associations that Charles Dack (Peterborough Hon. Secretary) should write letters to the Precentors of every Cathedral in England and Wales with full details of the proposed FEDERATION which was....

Letters supporting this project had already been received from the Worcester and Durham Associations. By November 1910 Charles Dack had received so many encouraging letters that he sent out a second letter intimating that a small provisional committee had been formed, as follows:- Chairman, Arthur Hardgrave (York); Vice Chairman, Edward Laws (Durham); Hon. Secretary, Charles Dack (Peterborough); and Hon. Treasurer, William Calladine (Lincoln).

The purpose was to establish a National Federation of Cathedral Old Choristers. Twenty associations had already expressed their approval. The provisional committee prepared rules for the inaugural meeting, which was held on 29th June 1911, in the Deanery Garden, Peterborough. At this inaugural meeting representatives present were:-

So on this delightfully hot day in June the full movement of the National Federation was formed with the officials enumerated above unanimously elected only nine months after the original idea was discussed in September 1910.

Below are the sixteen founder associations which were affiliated to the Federation with their Hon. Secretaries.

The first FEDERATION FESTIVAL was held in YORK in 1912.

Federation A.G.Ms and Festivals are still held, hosted by a different cathedral, every year - (see the A.G.M. and Festival record).

This information was obtained by a former Hon. Secretary of the Federation, Frank Hewitt (Chester) and confirmed by Arthur Grundy (Canterbury) who was, at that time, the only official representative alive who had attended the inaugural meeting at Peterborough.

After the First World War, Arthur Grundy was responsible for setting the Federation in motion again. Not only did he perform the duties of both Chairman and Secretary, but he organised the first Federation Festival to be held after the war - at Canterbury in 1920. In 1925 Harold Cattley (Chester) took up the office of Hon. Secretary and was involved in organising the Festivals from 1925-31.

After the Second World War it was Frank Hewitt (Chester) as Hon. Secretary 1931-75 who got the Federation moving again. He worked extremely hard and under his aegis membership grew to 38 associations. Frank, however, ran things very much his own way, since he was, in effect, his own Chairman - the position of chairman was mainly nominal, being filled each year by the Dean of the Cathedral who was hosting the Festival; the host Bishop was President.

This was changed in 1953 when George Tarbutt (Westminster Abbey) became Chairman, and the Dean of the host Cathedral made President. George Tarbutt was instrumental in giving the Federation new direction and laid the foundation for Canon Gordon Berriman (Durham) to become Chairman in 1957, an office he held, with great distinction, until 1977. The position of Hon. Chaplain was then created ; this position he filled until his sudden death on Christmas Day 1981. It would appear that the Hon. Chaplain position died with him.

During the period 1978-80 events turned a complete circle; the Chairman elected was Sydney Skinner, again from York, and the Hon. Secretary was Cyril Laxton, again from Peterborough (as in 1910). These two worked extremely hard for the Federation which continued to flourish and now had 49 affiliated associations.

Together Sydney and Cyril kept an eye on the national scene. For example; if the 1976 Education Act had been adopted in its entirety, it would have spelled the end of the Cathedral Choir Schools. Led by Chairman, Sydney Skinner, the Federation fought this issue with all its strength. Protest letters were sent to Government Ministers and M.Ps, driving home the essential position which a choir holds in the life of a Cathedral and emphasising the great choral tradition in the British Isles which must not be silenced; it is an inheritance that goes back nearly 1000 years and is the envy of our American and Continental friends. Many letters were received from M.Ps who were serving on the Standing Committee dealing with this matter, thanking the Federation for their help and information.

We must not forget that about five years earlier, during the Chairmanship of Canon Berriman, the Federation protested strongly to the BBC, when they threatened to cut the broadcasts of Wednesday Evensong. We like to think that the Federation's efforts did something to bring about a happy outcome on both issues.

In 1980 Cyril Laxton (Peterborough) was elected Chairman and John Bowdler (Gloucester) became Hon. Secretary. These two officers worked tirelessly and gathered a wealth of knowledge between them on Federation matters which has been invaluable to succeeding officers.

In 1982 John Phillips (Worcester) became Chairman. John was a talented musician and adjudicator, he was also a good chairman and worked hard to strengthen the Federation.

Frank Thomas (Edinburgh St Mary's) took over the Chairmanship in 1987 to 1990. Frank was a dedicated chairman and made many visits to associations during his short term in office.

1990s

The 1990s saw many changes on the Executive Committee with John Holt (Wakefield) elected Chairman, Stan Packman (Wakefield/Exeter) Hon. Secretary and David Horwood (Eton College) taking over as Hon. Treasurer from David Frost (Derby). Under the leadership of John Holt the Federation was streamlined and took on a more modern approach. Rules were updated, yearly financial statements presented and minutes and administration were computerised, making the Federation well placed for the new Millennium.

In 1992 Geoffrey Mitchell (Exeter) became Chairman. Geoffrey continued the modern approach, visited many associations, added further association badges to the Chairman's Chain of Office and was instrumental in arranging and 'guiding' successful foreign tours for the Federation. In 1995 Basil Saville (St Albans) took over as Hon. Secretary, with Robert Woodcock (Norwich) as Asst. Hon. Secretary.

A Membership Card system was launched in 1993, and by the end of 2000 had some 1500 Federation members.

A Federation Shop was opened in the same year selling sweatshirts and pens and by the year 2000 had a range of some 15 items (see FEDERATION SHOP). In 1998 a new post was created on the Executive Committee of Marketing Officer. David Horner (York) took on this position after relinquishing the editorship of the Once-A-Chorister magazine, which he had published for ten years.

In 1997 Dennis Townhill (Edinburgh St Mary's) was elected Chairman. Dennis has visited many associations and has also written a book entitled 'The Imp and the Thistle' - the story of his life of music-making, from chorister to organist emeritus. The proceeds from the book Dennis has generously donated to the Federation.

All past and present Officers of the Federation must be thanked for the devoted and loyal service which they have given. So, as was said nearly a century ago, may it continue 'To bring together individual associations into closer touch with one another and to further in every way possible the interest of these associations."