Who We Are

Hazel Ricketts studied music at the University of Surrey, with piano as her first instrument, and gained her MA in Musicology from the University of Southampton. She has sung in choirs since the age of 6, started accompanying them and leading occasional rehearsals at the age of 14. During her MA she was appointed Director of Music at Holy Trinity Church in Fareham, and has been regularly conducting choirs ever since.

 She also plays the clarinet, and in recent years has rediscovered the organ – now studying with John Challenger (Salisbury Cathedral) and achieved her CRCO diploma in the midst of Covid lockdowns! Since moving to Salisbury she has led several singing groups including Castle Singers in Winchester, and smaller church groups, as well as being the Musical Director of Wareham Choral Society since 2018. She has recently been appointed co-Director of Music at St Mary’s Church Fordingbridge where she has the chance to both play and conduct the choir as well as making musical links beyond the church.

Hazel is a well established piano and clarinet teacher working mainly in schools, previously through Hampshire Music Service, and now as a Teaching Member of Salisbury Area Music Co-operative, as well as teaching piano at Burgate School in Fordingbridge. In addition to her regular commitments at St Mary’s, Fordingbridge, she is also in much demand to play at services at many local churches and knows her way to many beautiful villages through this!

Hazel enjoys supporting church music-making  at all levels from parish to singing in Salisbury Cathedral chamber choir.

In her ‘spare’ time Hazel enjoys walking, arguing with her children about music practice schedules and others devouring her home baking!

ACCOMPANIST PAUL ELLIS

Born in Nottinghamshire, Paul Ellis studied at Manchester University and the Royal Northern College of Music, where his main instrument was the organ.

He developed a love of choral music whilst at university and choral conducting has been a major part of his career ever since. He has worked with many choirs throughout the South West, earning a reputation for high standards of performance and innovative programming of an extensive range of music, from Renaissance to contemporary.

He was Director of Music at Sherborne Abbey from 2006 until his retirement.

PATRON RT HON DAVID MELLOR KC

David Mellor is a broadcaster, barrister, after-dinner speaker and former MP for Putney and government minister. David was born in Wareham and educated at Swanage Grammar School and Christ's College Cambridge. He has a home in Corfe Castle with his partner Penelope Viscountess Cobham.

David has a weekly programme on Classic FM radio and is the opera critic for the Mail on Sunday.

WCS COMMITTEE

Chairman                         Teresa Rekowska
Treasurer                          Eve Baker
Secretary/Librarian        Bob Newnham
Members                          Sarah Welton  (Safeguarding Officer) 
                                            Maureen Bayliss
                                            Rachel Cude (Social Media Manager)