A GROUP of Oxford singers have put pen to paper to celebrate 50 years of golden melodies and memories.

The Cumnor Choral Society, who are now mainly based in Botley, have produced a memoir to chart the high and low notes of their history for their golden anniversary year.

The society, which had a song dedicated to it by classical composer John Byrt, a former conductor at the society, is also on the lookout for new members - allowing it to put on a bumper performance for its anniversary this autumn.

The male and female choir, which currently has about 30 members aged between 35 and 80, is looking for more singers and musicians, so that it can put on a wider variety of works in its performances at SS Peter and Paul Church, in West Way, Botley.

Member Rosie Smith compiled the book, by writing to dozens of former members and asking for their reminiscences.

She said: "We're very proud the society has made it to 50 and is still going strong.

"We hope we can make it to another 50 years."

The 59-year-old, who was just nine when she became a founder member of the society in 1958, said: "We would love some new members, so we can expand the music we can perform. The more the merrier."

Society chairman Michael Day, 68, said: "The book is a very interesting bit of history for those with an interest in Cumnor or in music.

"A lot of choirs don't last this long and we thought it was a landmark worth recognising.

"We wrote to every past member we could find. It's been very encouraging.

"Virtually very old member has kept singing."

Mr Day, who has been in the choir with his wife Ann, 67, for more than 30 years, added: "It's been an eventful history.

"We have seen a lot of people come and go, but we are proud that the choir is still going strong. We get a lot of fun out of it, as do members."

John Byrt will be on hand to conduct his anthem All and some dedicated to the society, in a celebration at SS Peter and Paul Church in November - more than 45 years after he wrote the piece.

To order a copy of the book, which costs £5, email Rosie Smith at rosie@ krs13.plus.com or write to 24 Oaksmere, Appleton, Abingdon, OX13 5JS.

To join the choir, call Michael Day on 01865 248156.