An exciting project has begun across four churches in the Diocese of Chelmsford. Through a national church grant to the diocese we have five years’ funding to develop music and children’s ministries across Redbridge. St Gabriel’s, alongside churches in Wanstead, Goodmayes, and Hainault, has been selected to participate in the initiative to further integrate children, families and music into parish life.  We are so pleased to welcome Jonathan Pease and Alice Belshaw to lead on this project across the area and work with us.
Building on the great work done in the past by Heather Wilcox (our Carol service a particular highlight), we are now able to launch a regular children’s choir which will gather weekly for rehearsals after school on Fridays, with regular opportunities to participate in worship services beginning in September 2026, and future plans to sing at Christmas, Easter and other special occasions.
We are delighted to announce several events to launch the project, beginning with taster rehearsals and Evensong this June. We invite children and young people aged 7 and over to join us on the 12, 19 and 26 June to learn some music and sing in a traditional choral service. In addition, we hope to hold a two-day choir camp during the final week of the summer holidays. Alongside plenty of singing, there will also be activities, games and lots of summer fun. Participation is completely free thanks to the generous funding.
While the project is sure to enrich parish life at St Gabriel’s, we also know that music education and ensemble singing bring countless benefits to children and families. Through this project, children will receive high-quality musical training in a fun and faith-led environment. We hope our choristers will form lasting friendships, deepen their faith and involvement in the church, and develop valuable musical skills. 
If you are interested in our upcoming choral programme, please contact alice.belshaw@gmail.com. We welcome all children and teens aged 7 and over, and no previous singing experience is required. We hope your family will join us in this exciting new project!

Alice Belshaw