How It All Began

People often ask how the Acclamations came to be formed. In August 1989 a group of singers and instrumentalists from different Christian backgrounds met in Holburn West Church to prepare and record a cassette tape of modern liturgical music. This was to be sold in memory of Father John Beveridge, a popular young Catholic priest in the diocese of Aberdeen, who had died very suddenly earlier that year. He had been very enthusiastic about the development of music in the Catholic church since the second Vatican conference, and he was also very active in fund-raising for children's charities.

After the group had recorded the tape, they decided to stay together and do more singing, helping to raise funds wherever needed, although with the emphasis on aid to the various charities concerned with children, especially in the local area.

Since the early days we have recorded three tapes and sung a great number of concerts in the north east of Scotland. We have our regular concerts - one for Unicef at Christmas and another in June for the Bible Society. Many singers and a few conductors have come and gone, and in fact there are only three members left from the very first gathering. We hope to go on singing together for many years yet, though, and raising money where it is most needed.
This is a picture from the very early days, 1990. In fact it is our first concert for Unicef, a concert that's since become an annual event and these days is known as "Carols and Candlelight". There are only five people in this photo who are still in the choir, although one of our founders, Shelagh Noden, does a guest spot as conductor from time to time. Shelagh's at the front, on the extreme right of the picture.

 

 
 
 
 
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