A BIT of homely cajoling persuaded John Austin came out of retirement as a choral conductor to help a ladies' choir.

Mr Austin, a former conductor of Colne Orpheus male voice choir, has been content in recent years to be among the massed ranks of Nelson Arion, but when his wife's choir, Colne Ladies, faced a crisis he stepped into the breach.

Conductor Alice Smith's illness had meant a planned concert in aid of Foulridge Parish Church would have to be cancelled, but now it is going ahead.

It takes place in the church at 6.30pm on Sunday, September 28, with bass singer Peter Wilson and Haworth Brass Band.

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