DIRECTOR OF MUSIC FEBRUARY 2019

ROMSEY ABBEY DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Opportunity Profile February 2019

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OUR NEXT DIRECTOR OF MUSIC The of Romsey seeks a Director of Music who will work closely with the Vicar and Abbey team, to lead and develop our choirs and produce high quality choral music as part of our worship and mission development.

We see the gift of choral music as an integral part of our worship and shared mission and we seek someone with the gifts to develop thriving Abbey choirs while being supportive of the wider needs of a Greater .

This is an exciting time to join the Abbey community and as Director of Music you will have a key role to play with responsibility and oversight while working as part of a team and contributing to our emerging vision for the future.

THE ABBEY Romsey Abbey offers exciting musical opportunities and hosts a wide variety of concerts, artistic and cultural events as well as receiving 40,000 visitors and tourists who come each year. The town of Romsey has one of the most active communities where music plays a significant role and there is considerable overlap between the Abbey and the numerous choirs, orchestras, schools and musical activities.

Romsey Abbey, from the North Churchyard

The Abbey is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. It is the largest parish church in Hampshire, a member of the Greater Churches Network, and is set in the centre of the growing market town. Apart from our small daughter church of St Swithun, on the edge of the town, the Abbey is the only Church of church in Romsey which is seen as an important centre for the community.

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ROMSEY ABBEY CHOIRS

BOYS AND GIRLS CHOIRS We have distinct Boys and Girls choirs who join our “ATB” section for choral services on rotation. The girls choir previously evolved into separate Junior and Senior girls choirs although more recently have reverted to a combined choir during the transition period. For major services such as the Advent Sequence and Easter Day all choirs normally combine. At the beginning of 2018 there were over 50 children in the choirs but there is now urgent need for a new recruitment drive due to a transition in the life of the choirs and some choristers moving on.

For children too young to join the main choir there has in the past been ‘Quavers’ meeting weekly in the Church Rooms. This could be something well worth re-establishing.

Looking to provide equal opportunity for both girl and boy choristers is something that has been highly valued and this is something we wish to develop further in future.

A system of rewards and recognitions with medals and promotions exists to encourage choristers as they progress. This system may benefit from a review and to include more opportunities for girl promotions.

Choral scholarships have been set up in partnership between the Abbey and external organisations giving incentives, sponsorship and opportunities for choristers as well as helping with recruitment. There is potential to develop this further.

The music director also has the opportunity to offer private vocal tuition to choristers.

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ALTOS, TENORS AND BASSES We have a strong pool of regular and committed ATB singers supplemented by a number of other capable singers who join the choir when able to do so or when invited. A system of choral scholars was established we currently have an Alto and a Bass scholar who have been a welcome addition to the back row. More work needs to be done with the set up and administration of the choral scholar system if it is to continue.

CHOIR TOURS AND FORAM (FRIENDS OF ROMSEY ABBEY MUSIC) A much-valued experience for members of Abbey choirs has been the opportunity to go on tour and sing in cathedrals and other places of worship. Recent choir tours have included trips to Durham and Truro cathedrals and a senior girl choir tour to Rouen, France. The Abbey has also developed a relationship with St Peter’s Church in Mülheim-an-der Ruhr, Germany, who visited in summer 2018 and the opportunity for an exchange visit is awaited.

FORAM was established to support the work of the Abbey choirs through fundraising and social activities for choir members and parents. Previous activities have included trips to the pantomime, an epiphany supper and a very successful screening of the Snowman with live orchestra and different choristers singing the solo. Our previous Director of Music facilitated a number of CD recordings, which provided a rewarding experience for choristers as well as some potential fundraising.

CONSORT The Abbey Consort, currently led by a visiting conductor, was set up as a congregational choir open to all and has often sung at Abbey services during school holidays. The nature of Consort has evolved as they have developed as a choir and increased their repertoire. The Consort has been rehearsing on a fortnightly basis and we anticipate it would come under the leadership of the new Director of Music.

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP GROUP While choral liturgical worship remains central and core to the life of Romsey Abbey and comes under the responsibility of the Director of Music, we also have a group of musicians who lead contemporary worship songs at ‘Way In’ and other occasional services. We envisage this could develop further alongside choral music in future and would want our Director of Music to be supportive of this and open to a breadth of musical styles.

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WHAT ROMSEY ABBEY CAN OFFER YOU

OUR ORGAN We are very fortunate to be accompanied in our worship by a remarkable organ built by J.W. Walker and Sons in 1858 and Grade II* listed by the British Institute of Organ Studies. Major restoration work was carried out in 1995-96, restoring the old mechanical actions and overhauling much of the pipe work to its former glory. 1998 saw the construction by Walkers of a completely new organ in addition to the 1858 original. Its pipe work is located on the South Triforium and can be played either from a mobile console in the Nave or in conjunction with the main organ from the console in the Choir.

ASSISTANT ORGANIST AND ORGAN SCHOLARS You will have the good support of our Assistant Organist who plays organ for most choral services. You will also have the opportunity to work with a junior organ scholar and potentially a senior organ scholar whose term could be extended. There is the potential for the role of the Assistant Organist to develop under your guidance in consultation with the Abbey team.

GRAND PIANOS AND KEYBOARD The Abbey has use of a decent Blüthner Grand Piano, ideal for concerts, rehearsals and certain services. We also have another baby Grand Piano in the choir vestry which can be used for rehearsals. An electronic keyboard is located in the rehearsal room for regular midweek rehearsals.

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URC REHEARSAL ROOMS When the number of choristers grew and it became increasingly difficult to rehearse in the Abbey, particularly during busy months such as December, it was decided to hire the neighbouring United Reformed Church (URC) rooms. Midweek choir rehearsals currently take place in the URC rooms and there are two rooms on the first and second floor up a spiral staircase. This has proved a welcome addition although these arrangements may need to be revisited.

A MUSIC LIBRARY There is a large music library mostly located in the URC rooms and you will have the offer of a volunteer librarian to provide assistance.

OFFICE SPACE AND ADMINISTRATION You will have the use of office space with a computer, online access and the use of a printer. This could be located in the choir vestry or one of the URC rooms depending on your preference. There will be additional administration support if needed from volunteers and in a more limited capacity from the parish office.

MUSIC IN ROMSEY Music in Romsey is a separate charity organising regular concerts in the Abbey. There is a very close relationship between Music in Romsey and the Abbey and we are fortunate to host an impressive range of visiting artists, choirs and orchestras throughout the year. The Abbey is a major venue for concerts in the area and has an excellent acoustic.

ROMSEY SINFONIETTA For certain concerts and special services there is the opportunity to benefit from a good standard orchestra or smaller ensemble. There are in house musicians (including our vicar, a former professional cellist) plus a regular pool of musicians who have been hired on a professional basis.

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TUESDAY LUNCHTIME RECITALS Introduced as a FORAM fundraising initiative these often attract music students from Southampton University. Lunchtime recitals generate reasonable audiences and there are plans to continue with the help of volunteer administrative support.

CHOIR CHAPERONES A group of volunteer choir chaperones support the Director of Music in managing the groups of children safely and in compliance with Abbey safeguarding policies.

COMMUNICATION The parish office holds a centralised, GDPR compliant database, which will support you in your regular communication with the Abbey choirs.

SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT You will be offered opportunities for mentoring support and professional development. As an Abbey we strive to develop and model healthy work patterns and healthy work relationships, and although we need to improve further, our aim is to live up to our Mindful Employer status and we are fortunate to have the professional assistance of local mental health charity, Triangulate.

A FRESH START AND EXCITING OPPORTUNITY

You will come into the Abbey at an exciting time of new beginnings and new opportunities. With new members recently joining the Abbey, including our Vicar who was Collated on 3rd September 2018, a new Verger and an Associate Priest due to start in 2019, this is an opportune time for developing a fresh vision for our music as part of our wider mission and you will have a key role to play within our Abbey team.

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CHORAL SERVICES

10:00AM SUNG EUCHARIST

• Our main Sunday service follows Common Worship Order I. The choirs sing a variety of mass settings, an anthem or motet during the distribution of Communion and five hymns, usually accompanied by the Assistant Organist. Occasionally there may be a congregational Gloria or congregational setting. Average congregation around 250. • The 1st Sunday is an All Age Eucharist using more accessible liturgy with participation by children, a mix of child friendly, contemporary worship songs and more traditional hymns. • Sunday School takes place in the Church Rooms during the Sung Eucharist and some younger choristers leave to attend after the Gloria and return during Communion. • Currently on 3rd Sundays running alongside the Sung Eucharist is ‘Way-In’, a contemporary and interactive service held in the Church Rooms. A separate in house music group leads the music for this service. • The Abbey Sung Eucharist is streamed to the internet using YouTube on 2nd and 4th Sundays o Major festivals are also streamed. o Recordings of services are kept for one month and can be accessed via the Abbey’s website (or search for ‘Romsey Abbey’ on YouTube)

6:30PM CHORAL EVENSONG

• Weekly Sunday Choral Evensong is sung by the Abbey Choirs, currently with boys and girls choirs joining the ATB’s as they alternate each week. The service follows the order from the Book of Common Prayer and choirs sing a variety of settings, an anthem and three hymns, usually accompanied by the Assistant Organist. The service includes a sermon and prayers of intercession. Average congregation 45. During school holidays the service may be led by the Abbey Consort, be a congregational or said evensong or occasionally be led by a visiting choir.

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MID-WEEK CHORAL EVENSONG • Thursday Choral Evensong currently begins at 5:45pm during school term time with girls and boys choirs joining ATB’s on a weekly rotating basis. Mid-week Choral Evensong includes a sung setting, an anthem, one hymn and no sermon. Average congregation 30.

OTHER NON-CHORAL SERVICES 8:00am HOLY COMMUNION A said service, without music, that follows Common Worship Order I.

11:30am BCP EUCHARIST (THIRD SUNDAY) Said in St. George’s Chapel, according to the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

12:15pm A Baptism service is held on 2nd & 4th Sundays, usually for three families. Hymns are sung but currently this does not involve the Director of Music or Assistant Organist

12:00pm LEGO CHURCH (THIRD SATURDAY ONLY) Held in the Church Rooms

MID-WEEK SERVICES AT THE ABBEY MORNING PRAYER AND HOLY COMMUNION Said daily at the following times: Monday 8:00am (9:15am on Bank Holidays) Tuesday 9:15am (Healing focus on 1st Tuesday) Wednesday 8:00am Thursday 10:00am (Morning Prayer) and 10.30 (Holy Communion) Friday 8:00am Saturday 9:15am

EVENING PRAYER Every Day 5:30pm Evening Prayer On Thursdays 5.45pm during school term, Choral Evensong

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PERSON SPECIFICATION

WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE • Who has or is in sympathy with the Christian faith and lives with Christian ethos and values. • Who will develop choral music and the choirs: o as part of the mission and ministry of the Abbey, o in accord with the parish as it develops its parish mission action plan (pMAP). • Who can work collaboratively and harmoniously with choristers, parents, adult singers, musicians, clergy, the staff team, volunteers, parishioners and external organisations. • Who will work to integrate the life of the Abbey choirs with the life of the wider Abbey • Who will continue and develop the high standards of choral music across the choirs. • Who will continue to support diversity and parity of opportunity across the choirs. • Who will encourage and motivate young choristers and adults • Who will be open and flexible, supportive of our Parish Mission Action Plan process and any potential new developments that might arise • Who will work within the principles, policies and practices of Romsey Abbey.

EDUCATION: • Holder of a BA/BMus or higher degree in music.

SKILLS • You will be a gifted Church musician with the ability to lead and train choirs in producing high quality choral music • You will be a proficient church organist able to support choral music for services. • You will be a capable keyboard player, able to lead choir rehearsals from the piano. • You will be a good communicator with excellent written, electronic and oral communication skills, especially in relation to choristers, chorister families, adult singers, young and adult musicians, clergy, staff, volunteers and members of the congregation. • You will be an effective administrator, able to plan musical and other arrangements in advance, in consultation with the Vicar and others as appropriate. • You will have a proven track record of successful interpersonal skills. • You will have a proven track record of being both a leader and an effective member of a team or teams. • You will need to be flexible and adaptable to change with a practical “can do” attitude.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE: • You will be familiar with a wide breadth of church choral repertoire suitable for use in Romsey Abbey. • You will be a proven choral director and church musician of high professional standard, with a breadth of experience. • You will have proven experience of working with choristers (boys and girls) in a choral context. • You will understand the choral traditions and Anglican patterns of worship followed at Romsey Abbey.

DESIRABLE • A practicing Anglican.

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JOB DESCRIPTION

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC - JOB DESCRIPTION (non-contractual)

1. The principal duties of this post are: a. Producing the best possible music to enhance worship to the greater glory of God; b. Recruiting, retaining, training and directing the Romsey Abbey Choirs, Adults and Choristers; c. Through choral music contributing to the mission and ministry of Romsey Abbey;

2. Your duties will include but not be limited to: a. Maintaining and developing high standards of musical excellence to enhance worship in Romsey Abbey; b. Directing the choirs at services; c. Training and directing Choristers and Adults who form the Abbey Choirs; d. Organising and maintaining a regular pattern of rehearsals for the Abbey Choirs during term time. e. Having first refusal to playing the organ for funerals, weddings and other services / events which incur a fee; f. Contributing to and working in accordance with the Parish’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in liaison with the PCC’s Safeguarding Officer; g. Taking responsibility for the conduct and welfare of choristers whilst undertaking duties as part of the Abbey Choirs; h. Providing appropriate induction processes and training for probationers; i. Working with the Assistant Organist and being involved in the recruitment of an Assistant Organist if required; j. Arranging deputy organists as needed; k. Supporting the development of any Abbey organ scholars: l. Responsible for the leading and future involvement of the Abbey Consort within the life and worship of the Abbey m. Ensuring arrangements for cover are made for Sundays during choir holidays n. Liaising with the directors of visiting choirs as required; o. Arranging in conjunction with Friends of Romsey Abbey Music (FoRAM) an Annual Choir Tour; p. Ensuring that the Abbey Organ is regularly tuned and serviced q. Liaising with the Fabric Committee of the PCC regarding expenditure on maintenance of the Abbey organ; r. Managing the annual music budget in collaboration with the Vicar and PCC Treasurer.

3. Recruitment and Retention a. Maintain and develop an effective programme of chorister recruitment by developing links with local schools and other community groups; b. Holding voice trials as necessary; c. Developing a pathway for choristers to join the adults of the Choir after their voices have changed.

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4. Routine Meetings and Communication a. Liaising with FoRAM by attending meetings including the AGM and encouraging the work of the committee; b. Attending meetings with the Vicar at least once each term to discuss music; c. As and when appropriate, attending staff meetings with the Vicar, Churchwardens and Abbey team; d. Developing and maintaining good working relationships and communications with the congregation, choristers, parents, FoRAM and other musicians in the Abbey.

5. Administration a. Selecting music to be sung by the choir at services with reference to the Vicar (Canon Law B20 2) b. Preparing music lists to be printed by the parish office team c. Maintaining chorister attendance registers d. Using the centralised ‘GDPR compliant’ data base for your regular communication with the Abbey choirs e. Liaising with the Parish Office Team to publicise choir events and concerts; f. Ensuring that an appropriate number of singers are available to sing the music offered at each service so that the music enhances worship g. Ensuring an accurate record of chorister attendance and payment is maintained in accordance with the methodology agreed between the DoM and the PCC Treasurer h. Overseeing the music library in consultation with the Librarian Team or other person(s) who volunteer to take on this role i. Liaising with Music in Romsey to promote the Abbey Choirs.

6. Accountability and Management a. The Director of Music is accountable to the vicar and churchwardens b. Taking part in the PCC’s appraisal process c. Complying with and actively promoting the Abbey’s Safeguarding policies d. Responsibility for the health and safety of the choirs, choir vestry and practice rooms in co-operation with the H&S committee e. Adhering to all policies of the PCC f. Attending any stipulated training courses if required to do so; g. Undertaking to work in support of the vision, mission and ministry of the Parish; h. Undertaking any other reasonable tasks, relevant to the post as directed by the Vicar or Churchwardens.

7. Weekly rehearsal and singing schedule (to be reviewed) a. The Director of Music shall be responsible for all Choral music (including hymns and psalms in consultation with the vicar – CANON LAW B20 2) at 10am and 6:30pm services on all Sundays and all major church festivals during the year. b. In consultation with choir members, parents and the vicar, the DoM will establish a regular weekly pattern of rehearsals and singing schedule, starting initially with:

▪ 1 boys rehearsal (1 hour 30mins including short break) ▪ 1 girls rehearsal (1 hour 30mins including short break)

Rotating on a weekly basis between boys and girls ▪ 1 boys with ATB including midweek Choral Evensong (1hr 30) Page 14 ROMSEY ABBEY DIRECTOR OF MUSIC FEBRUARY 2019

▪ 1 girls with ATB including midweek Choral Evensong (1hr 30)

▪ 1 weekly ATB rehearsal (1 hour) ▪ Rehearsals with boys/girls/ATB before each choral service ▪ 1 fortnightly rehearsal with the Abbey Consort (1 hour)

c. There is scope within the current working arrangement and in consultation with the Vicar and Churchwardens to introduce additional weekly rehearsals if desired.

d. The current transitional rehearsal and singing schedule is as follows:

i. Mondays 5:45-7.15pm Boys; (1hr 30mins URC rooms) 7:30-8:30pm Consort; (1hr Abbey) ii. Alternate Tues/Weds 5:30-7:00pm Girls; (1hr 30mins URC rooms) iii. Thursdays: 5:00-5:35pm Rehearsal alternate weeks Boys / Girls with ATB; Abbey 5:45-6:15pm Midweek Choral Evensong Boys / Girls with ATB; Abbey 6:30-7:15pm ATB & Choral Scholars rehearsal; Abbey

iv. 1st & 3rd Sundays 10am & 6:30pm Girls and ATB Rehearsals 9:00am and 5:15pm v. 2nd & 4th Sundays 10am & 6:30pm Boys and ATB Rehearsals 9:00am and 5:15pm vi. 5th Sundays 10am & 6:30pm Boys/Girls and ATB

8. Weddings, funerals and other services a. To have first call for all Weddings, Funerals and Special Services Weddings: £125 Funerals: £100 In 2018 there were 35 Weddings and 42 Funerals in the Abbey b. If a choir is requested for a Wedding, Funeral or Other Service, you will endeavour or arrange for a choir to sing. If you are unable to do so personally or you are unable to be present any deputy/substitute you engage must be compliant with all the Abbey’s Health and Safety and Safeguarding requirements.

9. Salary a. You will receive a salary of £15,000 per year, payable in equal monthly instalments by BACS no later than the 24th of each month. The salary will be reviewed annually. A pay review does not necessarily imply an increase in salary; b. The payment will be made subject to any deductions for tax, national insurance or other amounts required to be deducted by law, or which you authorise us to deduct; c. You hereby authorise the PCC to deduct any sum owing to the PCC in respect of having taken more than your pro-rata holiday entitlement in your final year; d. You are not entitled to any payment for expenses unless this has been agreed in advance with your line manager. Page 15 ROMSEY ABBEY DIRECTOR OF MUSIC FEBRUARY 2019

10. Maternity/Paternity and Adoption a. If you become a parent through childbirth or adoption you may be entitled to leave of absence and payment of statutory maternity/paternity pay or statutory adoption pay. This will be paid in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

11. Trade Union b. You are free to join any appropriate trades union. No trade union is recognised for the purposes of collective bargaining in this employment.

12. Co-operation c. You are required to co-operate with the Vicar, Churchwardens and all other officers of the PCC. This includes being available for discussions as required. Conversely the Vicar, Churchwardens other officers of the PCC will co-operate with you and be available to discuss any issues you wish to raise. d. You will comply with and actively promote all relevant provisions and procedures in force relating to Safeguarding. e. You are entitled to keep all royalty income from any music you compose or arrange while working under this contract. If you receive any other payments or gifts arising from your work under this contract, you must declare them to the Vicar or Churchwardens, who will decide whether it is appropriate for you to keep them. f. If the music within a service is to be professionally recorded or broadcast, you may be entitled to (DOUBLING FEE) an additional fee to be paid by the organisation making the recording or broadcast. No additional fees will be payable in respect of any music available on the Websites of Romsey Abbey, Romsey Abbey Choir or the Friends of Romsey Abbey. You are not entitled to an additional fee for recordings made of music solely to distribute as part of a service to those who are unable to attend in person. g. As Director of Music you may hear confidential or privileged information. You shall not reveal to any person or company and dealings or information concerning the organisation, business, transactions or affairs of Romsey Abbey or any associated body which may come to your knowledge during the course of your employment. h. You will comply with the “Use of Social Media Policy of Romsey Abbey”.

13. Law i. This contract is subject to English law, and the jurisdiction of the English courts and tribunals.

14. Accommodation a. There is no accommodation provided with this post

15. Holidays j. The PCC’s holiday year runs form 1 January to 31 December. k. The Employee is entitled to six weeks’ holiday each year. l. Unused holiday entitlement may not be carried forward from one holiday year to the next, unless agreed by the Minister (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld). m. Timing of holidays is subject to the approval of the Minister. The Employee may not take holidays in the week including Easter Sunday nor the week including Christmas Day. n. During state school holidays there will be reduced duties while the choirs take leave.

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APPENDIX

LIVING IN ROMSEY Situated in the heart of the beautiful Test Valley is the market town and parish of Romsey. We are a single parish with two church buildings: the 12th Century Romsey Abbey and the 19th Century St. Swithun’s Crampmoor, on the north-east edge of the town. Both the town and the parish are ancient foundations with vibrant hearts and a strong mutual sense of belonging. We sit at the centre of a predominantly rural deanery. The church serves a growing population spanning the demographic range with areas of both affluence and significant deprivation.

We are a people-focussed, outward looking church that is at the heart of the community. Our theology is liberal-leaning; inclusive, welcoming and open to all. Our worship is centred in the liturgical and choral tradition, where the Eucharist is celebrated daily. In addition, we are developing a range of other services. We welcome people from all traditions and none. Our desire is to journey together in faith, asking questions and seeking resolutions collectively.

We are an ecumenical church. We seek to work together with all communities in the parish, developing understanding and working collaboratively in sharing our commonalities and discussing our differences. To this end we are an active member of Churches Together in Romsey. We were instrumental in establishing the mental health charity Triangulate and remain closely involved in it, and take an active part in civic life, most recently hosting hustings for the general election.

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LOCATION In the heart of Hampshire, Romsey nestles on the river Test which passes through and under much of the town.

Settled from 700AD the name may originate from Rum, a local Saxon leader, leading to Rum's Island or Rumsey, the 'ey' being an Old English word for island. Further information about the history of Romsey is available from the Romsey Local History Society.

Romsey is a small market town that evolved around the great Abbey founded in 907 by . At the dissolution the Abbey was purchased for the town to preserve a parish church for the people. To this day the Abbey is a centre of activity as we continue to make everyone welcome.

The town has continued to grow and many residents have found Romsey by chance, visiting as tourists, holidaying in the area and visiting for the day, through business connections or by temporarily renting a flat or house. Having discovered this special place, they have then made Romsey their home, a place to live, grow and bring up families.

TRANSPORT Romsey has close access to the main motorways, the M27 and M3 and, with a bus and train station, it is in easy reach of Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester and Salisbury. With a good mix of shops in the town it also has major high street names and out of town shopping centres only minutes away.

EDUCATION Romsey has four primary schools including the church school adjacent to the Abbey. Two secondary schools serve the town and the surrounding areas: Romsey School and Mountbatten School. Stroud and Hampshire Collegiate College also provide private education on the outskirts of the town.

HEALTH The town has its own Community Hospital, two General Practices on three sites and six dental practices. Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust is 7 miles away and is a regional centre for many specialist services.

HOUSING A diverse population with regard to age is served by a broad mix of housing ranging from large detached houses with large grounds, to flats, starter homes and social housing managed by housing associations. In recent years there have been at least five new developments for elderly living and/or care. Several new estates and others in the planning stage, catering for younger people and families, have been built. Romsey continue to grow reflecting the popularity of the town for both young and old, families and singles.

ATTRACTIONS Within the town Romsey Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (RAODS) owns and operates The Plaza which offers a wide range of plays and entertainment. The Rapids offers classes in swimming, sports, gym as well as access to a wide range of physical and fun activities. The town centre offers a mix of independent shops and well known brands.

There are a large number of pubs and restaurants offering food from around the world. See Romsey Chamber of Commerce. Page 18 ROMSEY ABBEY DIRECTOR OF MUSIC FEBRUARY 2019

Within Romsey we have Romsey Memorial Park and on the outskirts of the town and set in extensive parklands is the eighteenth-century mansion of , the former home of Lord Palmerston and also Lord Louis Mountbatten. On the outskirts of the town is the Sir Harold Hillier Arboretum and the National Trust’s Mottisfont Abbey, five miles north-west of Romsey, is well known for its walled kitchen garden and a national collection of old fashioned and species of roses. To the west of Romsey is Paultons Park the home of Peppa Pig World.

The River Test offers one of the finest trout and salmon rivers in Europe. Romsey sits on the edge of the New Forest boasting idyllic glades, ancient woodland, open moors, heath land and cliff top walks.

EVENTS IN ROMSEY Romsey is a place where community involvement thrives. Here is a selection of events that take place annually: Beggars Fair, Romsey Festival (every three years), Romsey Show, Romsey Carnival, Lantern Parade, Food Festival

ROMSEY SOCIETIES Choirs for all ages flourish in Romsey, here are some links to the choirs we know of Mountbatten Community Choir, Romsey Choral Society, Romsey Ladies Choir, Romsey Male Voice Choir, Romsey Youth Choir, Romsey Singers, Romsey Voices. In addition, the schools in Romsey have choirs and orchestras of outstanding quality and we are privileged to host these talented youngsters for concerts and school Christmas Carol Services. The Abbey hosts many concerts and Music in Romsey organises these events.

There are many other societies in Romsey including the History Society, the Arts Society, and the Romsey and District Society.

SPORT IN ROMSEY Sport also features in the opportunities available within Romsey. There are clubs for football, rugby, hockey, cricket, tennis, running, swimming, cycling, bowls, table tennis and rambling as well as several gyms for fitness training.

ROMSEY ABBEY PRIMARY SCHOOL We are privileged to have a close relationship with Romsey Abbey Primary School and it is a relationship that benefits both the school and Abbey community. As well as supporting the school through providing foundation governors and regularly leading collective worship both in the Abbey and the school, there is great potential to develop closer links both through our choirs and through our regular services of worship.

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