SINGERS from all around Cornwall will come to Truro tomorrow to lift their voices in tribute to their very much-loved choirmaster.

Neil Shepherd died last month at the age of 55.

A passionate musician who devoted his whole life to music, and to encouraging others to find their voices and sing, Neil led the Cornwall Community Choir and eight local choirs around the county.

In July, Neil was married to Katherine: they were the first couple to marry at Truro Cathedral after the lockdown lifted.

In September he delightedly told choir members that they would once again be able to come together, under social distancing guidelines, after six months without rehearsals.

Tomorrow many of those members will be outside Truro Cathedral to sing “You Raise Me Up” and “On Eagles Wings” as a celebration of Neil’s life takes place inside the cathedral. While only 30 people can attend the service, it will be live streamed on a webcast: details of this can be found on the Cornwall Community Choir Facebook page.

Singers who perform outside will be complying with Covid-19 guidelines including social distancing.

Posting on the page just after Neil’s death, member Anne Thorn said: “We are all in complete shock and overwhelmed with sadness and of course our thoughts and prayers are with Katherine, Neil’s girls, his Mum and all his family and close friends.

“Neil had such an indomitable spirit and passion for music and singing, and devoted his whole life to his music and his choirs.

“Life can be so cruel but I hope his family are comforted to know his legacy is enormous and he touched so many lives by bringing together choirs in communities which makes such a huge difference to people’s lives.

“Rest in Peace Neil and I promise we’ll all keep singing in your memory and will remember you for the rest of our lives.”

A page with donations to Truro Cathedral has been set up in Neil’s memory. One Liskeard singer wrote: “Neil was an inspirational choirmaster. He reignited my childhood love of singing and Thursday afternoons at Liskeard choir were the highlight of my week. There are several hundred singers in Cornwall who will miss his leadership, humour and wonderful enthusiasm. I will miss him enormously.”

Another choir member said: “It is truly so hard to describe the loss of someone like Neil. His love for music and singing, his knowledge and humour are irreplaceable. Belonging to one of his choirs was a joy and a privilege I will never forget. Thankyou Neil for everything.”

The celebration of Neil Shepherd’s life will take place tomorrow (Monday December 14) at 11am and the link to watch the webcast is: https://fb.me/e/38XHDZ4Ek