Your questions answered:
What is The Tower Stories Choir?
The Tower Stories is a programme that has been running in Mere for the past two years to restore St Michael’s Church Tower and to enrich the lives of all in the community. The programme ends on June 22nd 2025 and one of the tasks was to appoint a Composer in Residence to write an Anthem for Mere. The Choir will perform this anthem at the Medieval Festival on June 21st. That is the Choir’s sole job – there are no hidden responsibilities just the desire to participate and have fun!
I have never sung in public before. Is this for me?
This is for everyone. There is no need to have had any previous singing experience.
How many rehearsals do I have to come to?
All or just one of the open rehearsals and the performance on June 21st. Other than the performance on the 21st it is up to you.
What is an open rehearsal?
The open rehearsals are on 2nd, 4th,17th and 18th June. You may come to all or just one. If you come along and decide it is not for you then that is fine. We hope for a great Mere turnout!
When is the performance?
At the moment it is on stage at 12.30pm on June 21st in the Rectory Field (the field opposite the vicarage). It will take up no more than half an hour of your time. The exact time will be confirmed nearer the event.
Can I hear the music now?
Yes. It is the backing track to our film of the tower restoration, click to watch
What are the words?
’The Anthem is called Windelstan which is old English for ‘a tower with a winding staircase’. The words, specially written by Richard Nye for Tower Stories are displayed here.
Who is Richard Nye?
For the duration of the Tower Stories Richard has been our Composer in Residence. He will lead our rehearsals supported by Megan Jennings and accompanist.
Do I have to learn anything?
Absolutely not!
Is there an ongoing commitment?
No. We realise you have extremely busy lives and The Tower Stories Choir is for this performance only.
Who do I contact for more information?
Windelstán
(Old English for a tower with a winding staircase)
An anthem for Mere
Stone on stone and higher still, Built through fire, born from hill. Name by name on wall and door, As time is counted evermore, Time is counted evermore, Counted evermore.
For I dream through the sunlight, Sleep in the breeze,
As mist falls in street light’s glow.
I call from my tower, Angel in flight,
Four points to the heavens show, This is Mere.
Face by face as pictures hold, Life in moments,
stories told. Rivers flow and mark their way,
As children laugh and play,
As children laugh and play.
For I cheer through the thunder, I smile at the rain,
I point to the stars in the sky and I sing,
…and I sing, This is Mere.
Stone on stone and higher still,
Built through fire, born from hill.
Name by name on wall and door,
Time is counted evermore.
For I dream through the sunlight, Smile at the rain,
I sleep through the breezes, No day’s the same.
For I dream through the sunlight, Gaze at the sky,
I sing through the thunder, as life goes on by!
Bells ring true, A call to you, Bells ring clear, For this is Mere! Let the bells let the bells ring true, Let the bells call you!
Words by Richard Nye
