I'm one of the longest- standing members of the orchestra, from 2001.  A fellow clergy wife who was also a cellist took me along, and I started at fifth desk, and gradually moved forward via the upper grades to front desk.

I started working life as a teacher of P.E. and music, having played piano and trombone through school and college. I then bought a flute, and soon joined Kettering Symphony Orchestra, as the conductor (who I knew through the local Operatic Society) believed that the best way to learn an instrument was to join an orchestra. In fact this is the ethos of WCO - a training orchestra. Thursday night is the high point of my week, top of all my priorities! It is such a friendly place to be, with wonderful music. I took up the cello when I was forty because two of my daughters played, and I thought it would be fun to play trios. In fact, we played Pachelbel's Canon for a niece to walk down the Aisle, and made the organist play the boring ground bass!

The orchestra has opened so many doors, given opportunities to play in other places, and in very varied instrumental and choral groups. And it builds one's confidence. I love it!

(From the concert programme for the June concert, 2022)