A TAVISTOCK church choir, which has been in existence for more than 200 years, has decided to call it a day in the face of dwindling numbers — but the church's worship group is growing month by month.

The Rev Jeff Moles, minister of Tavistock Methodist Church, said the remaining choir members had spoken to him last week and said they felt the time had come to wind up the choir.

'Music is still an important facet of worship, but musical tastes change and church music has changed a lot in the last 20 years.

'Far more is being written today than in the past, but it is different and not suitable for choirs,' Rev Moles said.

'But one chapter closes and another opens,' he added — the worship music group was continuing to grow.

As far as the minister was aware, there had always been a choir at the church — which is one of the oldest in Methodism, having started in the late 1700s in a different building to the current one in Chapel Street.

Fred Palmer, the church organist, has been directing the choir for 25years.

'It's a sad day, but a sign of the times. I have seen the numbers dwindle and dwindle,' he said.

Wesley Dingle joined the choir 55 years ago when the choir master, Bill Verran, invited him to learn to sing bass.

'Soon afterwards we did a broadcast service for BBC radio; the choir had over 30 members then and we used to sit up where the organ pipes now are. We sang an anthem every Sunday evening and Easter and Christmas works. But over the years it's been difficult to replace members who have left.'

Mr Dingle said it had been a very happy fellowship.

'I only wish my skill of singing bass could be passed on to the younger generation, but with overhead projectors and no music to read, part singing doesn't happen in the same way,' he said.

'But we all have very happy memories and enjoyed every Friday evening choir practice.'

Choir member Doreen Draper has been in the choir for even longer.

She was in the Sunday School and was asked by Mr Verran to join the choir when she was 13 or 14, after being entered in music festivals by him for several years.

Her main memory is also of the 1947 broadcast.

'We have been a faithful few in recent years, but it's been a happy time, even if it is sad to have to call it a day,' she said.