York Minster

History

The History of York Minster Choir Old Boys' Association dates back to its inauguration on 8th May 1907 and its first reunion AGM and  Dinner  held on the 3rd October 1907.

Some 66 Old Choristers attended this First Renunion and it was reported in the "Yorkshire Herald" - The many 'old boys' gathered together found that it was indeed plesant to renew old friendships and association, and to once again sing together within the granc old Cathedral"

Another landmark in history was made on 19th January 1997 when girls were admitted to the York Minster Choral Foundation and a girls' choir was formed.  The name of the Association was then changed from York Minster Choir Old Boys' Association to York Minster Old Choristers' Association.

Today the Association is still surviving and has held reunions almost every year for nearly a century.

Reunion

The next reunion will be held on Saturday 18th September 2010.  There will be a talk on the evening of Friday 17th September (subject to be confirmed).  Every member is welcome to attend.  The programme of events will be available here soon. 

Associated Organisations

YMOCA links with the Federation of Cathedral Old Choristers' Associations (FCOCA).  The York Old Boys' Association was a founder member of the FCOCA and Arther Hardgrave (York) became its first Chairman in 1910.  York also had the honour of being the first association to host a Federation Festival which took place on Saturday, 6th July 1912. 

Further festivals have been held by our Association in 1938, 1960, 1977 and 1992.  The Federation has held a yearly festival at other cathedrals throughout the country with the exception of the first and second world war years.

For further information see www.fcoca.org.

Current Committee

President 
The Very Revd. Keith Jones   Dean of York

Vice Presidents

Dr Francis Jackson CBE
Ian Gladders
Derek Sutton
Michael Backhouse
David Horner

Committee

Michael Backhouse   Chairman
David Horner            Federation Representative of the Old Choristers
Tony Neal                 Hon Treasurer
Edward White          Hon Secretary
Stewart Pearson       Fed Festival Secretary
Anne Norton
John Cooper
Matthew Hallett
Brian Hassell
Derek Sutton
Robert Tribe
John Roden

Ties and Badges

The Association has its own tie @ £8 each and a new small Duncombe Lapel Badge @ £4 each.  Details from the Hon. Secretary.