Choir remain in full voice 100 years on

Now the Gorgie Salvation Army Songsters are celebrating 100 years with a 130-strong choir performance before former members and residents.

The Songsters will hold a celebratory weekend and have invited fellow Salvationists from across Scotland to participate in a massed choir.

The members will also look back on their successes, which include playing in some of the UK’s finest concert halls and featuring on television shows.

Songster leader Paul Drury, 44, who joined the choir 25 years ago, said the celebration will be a milestone for the group.

He said: “This is a very important celebration for us as it demonstrates the longevity of the service members have given to this choir for many years.

“The choir brings together a great number of people from different backgrounds, from teenagers and students to our eldest member, who is 90 years old.

“There is huge anticipation surrounding tomorrow night. We are being joined by choirs from across the country and it will be a proud moment for us when we perform on stage together.”

Among the former members attending is Gilbert Clark, 74, who led the choir for 35 years and will detail the history of the Gorgie Songsters.

The retired architect said: “In my time alone we have performed at the Usher Hall, St Giles, along with venues up and down the country.

“At my age, my voice wouldn’t contribute much to the choir but I will be proud to take the audience tomorrow through the history of our group.”

Mr Clark added: “The choir is tremendously important to the community of Gorgie and it is a great honour to celebrate this length of service.” The concert, tickets costing £3, will take place at the Salvation Army Hall, Gorgie Road, at 7pm.