Members of the Amesbury School Chapel Choir are back home with find memories of their latest tour of Italy. This is the first time the choir has traveled abroad for its annual tour. 26 children aged between 10 and 13 and accompanied by staff and 10 parents travelled to Pisa and then transferred to their base in Florence.

Highlights of the tour included singing in St Mark's Church in Florence and St Peter's church in Siena for Pentecost Sunday. They also sang in the Duomo in the centre of Florence. On the final night the children sang on the steps of the Duomo to a big crowd and then were taken around the streets of Florence in horse-drawn carriages. The tour ended with a party and prize-giving followed by a visit to Pisa the next day.

As part of their preparations for the tour, the children had been involved in fundraising since January. They were taught basic Italian and collected sponsorship. In doing so they raised £2,000 between them.

Traditionally Amesbury Chapel Choir undertakes a tour each year. In the past the choir has travelled to Durham, Chester and York to sing in the cathedrals. But this year it was decided to take the choir to Italy, and in particular to Florence, because of the many opportunities to take part in cultural activities.

The Herald 11th July 2003