I CONGRATULATE James Rayne, the chairman of York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir (Yesterday Once More, May 23).

It certainly does take some commitment to keep singing for 80 years.

Unfortunately, James cannot claim to be chairman of the longest running choir in York.

York Old Priory Choir was founded on December 10, 1897. Jack Forster founded the choir as the first conductor, and my grandfather William Henry Birch was the first president.

Although we started as a mixed choir it is now "ladies only" and we sing together on Tuesday evenings at Southlands chapel and also perform for local charities. Maybe there is an older choir than ours?

Kathy Pickard,

President,

York Old Priory Choir,

School Lane,

Copmanthorpe, York.

Updated: 10:40 Thursday, June 02, 2005