FARNHAM & Bourne Choral Society will mark the beginning of a new era this weekend, with its first performance under new musical director Calum Fraser.

The performance of Haydn’s Creation will take place at the Farnham Maltings at 7.30pm on Saturday, May 28. Tickets cost £15 and will be available at the door.

It comes after more than a hundred current and former members of Farnham & Bourne Choral Society attended a drinks reception on May 21 in the Octagon at St Thomas-on-The Bourne to honour Robin Wells on his retirement after 47 years as musical director - more than half the choir’s 91 year existence.

Born in Suffolk, by his early 20s Robin became a graduate of the Royal Schools of Music and a fellow of the Royal College of Organists.

He then joined the staff at Charterhouse in 1965 and succeeded William Llewellyn as its director of music in 1985 before retiring in 2003.

Robin has been a composer, co-author of books on Vaughan Williams and conductor of the Petersfield Music Festival among several other musical roles, including musical director of Godalming Operatic Society since 1970.

Before cutting a suitably decorated cake at his retirement reception, Robin was presented with a book of memories in which choir members had written touching personal tributes as well as pasted in some relevant old programmes, concert reviews and photos.