Formerly known as 'Grenstede', the historic market town of East Grinstead lies on the Greenwich Meridian, marking the boundary between the eastern and western hemispheres. It is situated on a hill over 130 metres above sea level, half way between London and the south coast of England. The town has a population of over 24,000 and its high street, with many medieval and tudor buildings is a dedicated conservation area. The spire of St. Swithuns church dominates the skyline and can be seen for miles around. Although surrounded by farms, woodland and the great open space of the Ashdown Forest, the town has direct links to London by rail and motorway systems and is therefore ideally suited for commuters. The nearby airport of Gatwick is just 20 minutes drive from the centre of the town. East Grinstead and Mindelheim have had a friendship agreement since 1976 and celebrated ten years of town twinning this year.

The Society was formed in October 1952 and within three months it gave its first public performance. The following year it performed 'A Coronation Concert' to celebrate the crowning of Queen Elizabeth II. The Society has grown and prospered since that time and performed a varied and enterprising repertoire during its fifty-two years. To celebrate its Golden Jubilee in 2002, the Society performed Gloria by Poulenc and Ein Deutsches Requiem by Brahms. Success as a choral society has depended largely on the inspiration and leadership of its Musical Directors and the current Director, Richard Jenkinson, has held the post for eighteen years. The Society has an active social programme and, from 1989, has toured in Europe, giving concerts in Austria, Belgium and France. A concert tour to Verbania, Italy in February 2001 encouraged the Society to tour East Grinstead's twin towns and a visit to Sant Feliu de Guixols, Spain followed in October 2002. In early May 2003 the Society were delighted to welcome Coral Cypsella and Orquestra de cambra from Sant Feliu de Guixols and performed a joint concert with them at St. Swithuns church during their visit to East Grinstead. In November 2004 the choir enjoyed their twin town tour to Mindelheim, Bavaria where they sang with the church choirs of St. Stephan and the Evangelical church St. Johannes and the Kammer Orchestra, Mindelheim. The Society is affiliated to the East Grinstead Adult Education centre and with Making Music. Financial support has been received from East Grinstead Town Council, SouthEast Arts and the Gatwick Airport Community Trust. The Society relies on fund raising efforts and events by its members, and also has an active social programme including concert tours to Europe.

Richard Jenkinson

Jeremy Barham

Chair:Gill Olliver

Vice-Chair:Helen Phillips

Hon. Treasurer:David Stevens

Hon. Secretary:Mary Osborn

Cashier:Alistair Matson

Social Trustee:Kim Barnett

Trustee:Andrew Clifford

Publicity Officer:(vacant)

Social Secretary:(Vacant)

Concert Secretary:Mary Osborn

Librarians:Christina Robinson/Anne Sydney/Ros Dewar

Secretary:Lin Parker

Stage Manager:Geoff Lamb

Soprano Line Rep:Margaret Barnett

Alto Line Rep:Anne White

Tenor/Bass Line Rep:Kim Barnett

Making Music Rep:Diane Rees

Committee Secretary:Ros Dewar

Press Officer:Tom Bryant

Box Office(Public):Margaret Barnett

Box Office(Choir):Linda Edwards