Dear Mr Forbester,

 Many thanks for your kind reply.  That is very helpful.  I haven't heard anything from my American friend, so I may have frightened him off!  My fiancée is starting to take quite an interest in the music and the current favourite is Gounod's St Cecelia Mass!  Is this part of the Choir's repertoire?

 I am of the opinion that choirs are best singing things they know well.  Which pieces are the Rudgate Singers' particular favourites?

 Do you have any suggestions appropriate to a Wedding?  The preference is for a "jolly" Gloria and a short, but solemn "Sanctus."  We don't like the priest waiting for the choir and we don't like any music during the Canon (although, of course, it is permitted to do the Benedictus after the Consecration, but neither of us like this).  If you have any Masses fitting this bill, it would be useful.  

 We would also like Mozart's "Ave Verum" and we might like the Veni Creatur Spiritus at the beginning or the Te Deum at the end (apparently, I'm not allowed both!). 

 In terms of singing the propers, which I think are just as important as the Ordinary, does the choir need help in singing these, or have you a good group used to singing the Chant?

 I would be more than happy to make a donation towards your music costs.

 We plan to come up North on the weekend of 28/29 Feb (plus 1 & 2 March) to sort out some of the Wedding details and visit Fr Elkin (probably on the Sunday).  If you are available, I would be happy to meet (I'm not sure where you are based, so this may not be practical!). 

 As you can see, we are making some progress, though we are not there yet!

 God Bless,       

     Francis Carey