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Early in 2024 John Bence, St Mary de Castro’s Organist and Choir Master for over 50 years sadly passed away.

John was a remarkable man in so many ways and his contribution to the music at St Mary’s and further afield will never be forgotten. He established a fine choral tradition over many years which was enhanced each Christmas when he invited other singers to join the choir for the carol service – always on the first Sunday after Christmas and with John’s own individual style always evident.

John also ran an annual come and sing choral workshop on the late May Bank Holiday morning at St Mary’s. This involved an intensive morning’s rehearsal followed by singing what had been learnt at the lunchtime mass. The amount of work involved in arranging the choir each year was phenomenal and is testament to John’s unfailing dedication and work ethic.

However, in recent times, the choir membership at St Mary de Castro has dwindled and we are unable to hold regular choral services.

In John’s honour we would like to announce the formation of the John Bence Memorial Fund.

The aims of the fund are to recruit a Musical Director who will be tasked with rebuilding the choir.

The parish and collegiate church of Saint Mary de Castro stands within the precinct of the Royal Castle of Leicester and was founded by Robert de Beaumont, first earl of Leicester in 1107, and is the second oldest church in the city.

The Church welcomes all who wish to attend services, view the architecture, study the history, or simply spend some quiet time. The church is open on Sundays and weekdays and is included in the Leicester City Heritage and Richard 111 walking trails

www.stmarydecastro.org