Pair thanked for long service to Northampton choral group

Accompanist, Wendy Baker and bass, John Bushby retired from the Cantare Singers - a four-part, male and female choir based in Northampton.

Wendy, who spent more than 19 years as the group’s pianist and keyboard player was presented with a garden seat by the choir members.

She said: “I’m going to miss all of you after such a long time but I will not be idle as the organ at Long Buckby URC will still see me playing for the services, Sunday after Sunday, for a good while yet.”

Wendy has served under the watchful eye of two musical directors, Norman Heel and more recently, Andrew Howes.

In the true tradition of the show must go on Wendy never missed a rehearsal apart from a short spell following surgery.

John Bushby, a long-serving member of the choir’s bass section, received a farewell presentation from choir chairperson Mary Sheldon and musical director Andrew Howes who thanked him for lending his talent to the choir.

Canatare Singers formed more than 40 years ago and raise money for charities.