Over the years, I have written many pieces for choirs I have directed or sung in. The earliest works here were written for the choir of St. Martin's, Knebworth, the next for St. Francis, Welwyn Garden City. When I started Pennine Spring Music in 1986, we usually opened with a Festival Evensong, and several of the services were written for those occasions. The most productive time for this part of my catalogue was between 1998 and 2003 when I was a Lay Clerk in the the choir of Gloucester Cathedral.

At the heart of this output is the series of settings of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis from the Book of Common Prayer Evening Service, still sung daily in Cathedrals and similar Collegiate foundations. Some might think I was trying to emulate the great Herbert Howells with so many settings. Ah, if only! His are some of the greatest examples of the genre; all I claim for mine is that they are, I believe, enjoyable to sing.

The Mass (Eucharist) settings date mostly from my time at St. Francis, where it was customary for the Gloria to be done congregationally. I am slowly getting round to adding a choral version to each (non-penitential) one; so far, 'Gaudeamus Maxime' has made it.

The two pieces from the Morning Service (Matins), the Jubilate and Te Deum, were written for different occasions, but share some material.

The sets of Responses (for Evensong) were produced over a long period.

For some reason, I have not produced so many anthems. This section is enhanced by those of Sir Arthur Sullivan; his work with W.S. Gilbert is well-known and legendary, but he always hoped he would be remembered for his more serious work, including his church music. There is also a very fine anthem by William Hayes, really a solo cantata for alto, which I have sung in recital, though it has a fine final chorus.

In a similar way, the carols have been written for various groups. The early ones for Hatfield School and Hertford Choral Society date from the 1970s and 80s. The later ones have featured on my Christmas cards from 1997 or so

The singing of a final verse descant seems rather frowned on in the posher establishments I have sung with. It can be overdone, but it can also be a thrilling end to a fine hymn. These have been produced for various services and concerts over the years; I have grouped them together by season or type.