Tim Popple is so much more than the creator of niche memes and even nicher apparel: he is an acute observer of the choral world in which he is steeped, which he here documents in a way that will dispel many prejudices and whet multiple appetites (for liturgical music, that is). If you don't know your Preces from your Responses, and even if you do, you will find much to chuckle over. From Important Stuff like the origins of Evensong to less central but equally interesting details like the Vibrato Hand Signal (q.v.), it's all here. Q & P: Quirky and Pleasing!

I initially bought 3 pride stave enamel pin badges; for me and two friends. When mine was seen, other friends asked about them, so I got two more. They’re beautiful and stylish and well-made. A perfect symbol of support.

Wonderful!

My daughter was really happy with her new pin badge.

My daughter is a chorister at Guildford Cathedral. This was the perfect gift for her. She absolutely loved it!

What a delightful book! I couldn't put it down! For every regular (or irregular - I'm a cathedral cover choir singer) Evensong singer, there is so much to relate to and so many simple truths. A giggle at least once a chapter (they are mostly short chapters). Thank you!

This badge is beautiful demonstration of love in all its forms.

Most enjoyable, having been a chorister and organist for many many years

It's cosy, soft and generally pleasing.
If in doubt, go up a size. The length is good and it's perfect for what I need.
My sister altos are eyeing it covetously. We are wondering how nervous our conductor would be if we all wore these at rehearsal.

I'm in the awkward position of being unable to review the book as it was a gift sent directly to the recipient. However I can say that the service I received was excellent, above and beyond what I expected. This was the second time I had ordered from Quires and Places but I'm sure it won't be the last. A highly recommended company.

The tshirt is so soft and the design is fun and suitably nerdy.

I loved the book. We only have daughters, both sang in the church choir (as did I for over 40 years) the younger one - now 57 - was born a 2nd alto like me, and as a primary school child couldn't understand what that meant, 'and why can't I go to a choir school???' With me it was why can't I join the choir? (She now has an MMus despite Mrs. T and the Music Department axe). I found the whole chorister/choral scholar/Lay clerk stuff interesting, and it would have been useful if she'd been a boy. However, we were lucky enough to live in a suburban parish with two lovely churches with enthusiastic Organists/Music Directors who taught, and who took us to sing in various Cathedrals during your summer breaks. I have marked primary maths for my Tenor neighbour, watched the curate's wife help with German homework and various other nefarious goings-on, and would bet that you cannot find a more cynical lot than the back row in any choir. I was given the HTHA mug for Christmas the first year it appeared, and said younger daughter gave me 'It's beginning to look a lot like Advent' this year. Need I say more? with much appreciation and thanks

Evensong - Notes from the Choir (paperback)

A wry look at Cathedral choral singing. I'm not one, but I enjoyed it, learned a huge amount and laughed out loud.

Habemus librum bonum.