Ipswich Co-Op Ladies Choir choirmaster still leading at 92

Margaret Morphew, 92, is one of the forces behind the Ipswich Co-Op Ladies Choir and could possibly be one of the oldest choirmasters, if not the oldest in the UK.

The group sings at West Suffolk College and Community Business Centre, in Ipswich.

The choirmaster from Shotley first got involved in the Co-Op Junior Choir during the war in 1944. 

Ipswich Co-Op Ladies Choir with Margaret in the centre, Eastern Colleges Group (Image: Eastern Colleges Group)

She said: “I’ve done nothing else since the forties. Singing in a choir lifts me and others. It gives companionship and it’s good for you. It keeps me going. 

“Over the years I’ve had lots of leading roles with the Ipswich Operatic Society. 

“My favourite song is Alleluia by Mozart. I once sang that at Westminster Hall as a solo. 

“I suppose I might be one of the oldest choirmasters in the country. I’m certainly going to keep going. I’d love to do this to 100 and beyond.” 

Margaret Morphew, one of the oldest choirmasters in the UK, Eastern Colleges Group (Image: Eastern Colleges Group)

Margaret cannot stop for a minute as her choir has a series of upcoming concerts – the next one is an invitational-only affair at Crowfield village hall for the Women’s Institute.  

Joe Cleary, an accompanist for the choir, said: “In September 2003, Margaret asked me to get involved. I enjoy it as I don’t do much playing anymore - so it keeps my hand in and by playing - it also helps the ladies keep going. 

Joe Cleary, Eastern Colleges Group (Image: Eastern Colleges Group)

“Margaret is a remarkable lady who relentlessly keeps going – the show really must go on.”  

Lynn Scannell, a member of the choir, added: “Margaret is absolutely wonderful, and she still wants to be part of it, and we want her to be part of it.  

Lynn Scannell, Eastern Colleges Group (Image: Eastern Colleges Group)

“She makes us all want to keep going. We still have ambitions. It would be lovely to sing at the Royal Albert Hall.”