HASLEMERE musician and composer Alan Drake, who has directed Rogate Choral Society for 32 years, has been honoured with the publication of a songbook of his musical arrangements.

The works in The Rogate Songbook were composed and arranged by Alan for the choir’s year, which includes an annual Christmas carol concert and country house midsummer celebration, as well participating in the Petersfield Musical Festival since 1908.

Copies of the songbook, which features ‘The Changes of the Year’, ‘Sea Songs’, ‘Northumbrian Folk Songs’, ‘Spirituals’, arrangements of Schubert’s songs, and ‘On Gardens’, have also been sent to other local choirs.

Rogate choir president Graham Ferguson said: “As we can see from what we have published here, Alan covers a very wide spectrum in the world of music. For the society, he has been the centre of our musical world.

“Although our society is over 100 years old and Alan ‘only’ took us under his wing in 1985, it is hard to remember a time when he was not looking after us. In all those years he has regularly handed us sheets of music to rehearse and it is only to easy to miss the tiny initials ADD which often appear unobtrusively in the corner.

“Such is his modesty that it only occurred to us very recently that a treasury of his compositions and arrangements must surely exist and be given the publicity they undoubtedly deserve. In all the choir is aware of over 100 compositions and arrangements.”

A teacher for many years, Alan was based at St Edmund’s School, in Hindhead, along with many others. Following his decision to take early retirement in 1994, he has continued to work on a part-time basis at Winchester College.

He has also been associated with many other choral societies including, Fernhurst Choral Society, and is involved with the Leith Hill Festival.

Alan has conducted the Haslemere Christmas Cracker concert since its inception in 2000.

He is an official accompanist at the Godalming Festival, and was also associated with The Independent Association for Preparatory Schools holiday orchestral course.

He served as chief auditioner for the orchestra and arranged a memorable version of the national anthem for the orchestra.

• Copies of the songbook are available from society chairman, Gerard McCloskey by calling 01730 890472