A SWEET-voiced female ensemble whose singing first delighted audiences more than a generation ago are set to stage a nostalgic reunion.

Formed in 1954 by Enid Ashton, a teacher at Robins Lane School, the 40-strong St Helens Girls Choir comprised many of her pupils, plus several from other schools.

Miss Ashton also conducted the choir, which went from strength to strength, being in constant demand at charity performances, including Christmas and summer concerts at the town hall.

They also appeared at the Empire Youth Sunday which was traditionally held in May, and regularly spread their wings with visits to such venues as Germany and the Llangollen Eisteddfod.

For a variety of reasons - not least marriage - St Helens Girls' Choir disbanded in the early 1960s, but the urge to stay in unison remained strong for10 of the lyrical ladies, who founded the Lyndale Singers in 1971.

They have inevitably followed a similar musical path to that of their predecessors, including visiting Germany on four occasions as guests of the Stuttgart Vaihingen Choir.

In addition, the Lyndale Singers have been invited to take part in the 50th anniversary celebrations to mark the twinning of the German city with St Helens, which will be held in July.

But, before yet another red-letter day in a busy engagement diary, a still dulcet-toned duet from the original St Helens Girls' Choir have asked the Star to play detective in the search for past members.

For Claire Haslam (formerly Chisnall) and Beryl Culshaw (nee Wiltshire) have organised a get-together of the 'old girls' (including any from Robins Lane School) which will be held at Sutton Cricket Club on Tuesday, June 2, at 8pm.

So wistful warblers of an earlier era who would like more details on this super bash should ring Claire on Marshalls Cross 814649 or Beryl on Marshalls Cross 811389.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.