Ripon Cathedral Old Choristers' Association

The Ripon Cathedral Choir Old Boys' Association was formed in 1911 during the era of the redoubtable Dr. Charles Moody who was Organist & Master of the Choristers at Ripon Cathedral for 52 years. At that time the choir was made up of local boys but Dr. Moody strongly advocated the foundation of a Choir School and it was he who first suggested the sale of the valuable Caxton Books in the Cathedral Library to finance such a venture.

In 1960 under the energetic leadership and drive of the Venerable Harry Graham (Archdeacon of Richmond) and the Reverend Duncan Thomson (Precentor & First Headmaster), with Dr Philip Marshall (Organist & Master of the Choristers) the Dean & Chapter founded the Ripon Cathedral Choir School which the boy choristers (on Choral Scholarships) attend.

In 1996 as a result of the initiative of Richard Moore, the Headmaster of the Choir School (which by then was a co-educational establishment), a girls choir was founded at Ripon Cathedral by the Dean & Chapter and the then Director of Music, Kerry Beaumont. Following this the name of the association was changed to Ripon Cathedral Old Choristers' Association.

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