An Isle of Wight based choir has produced a new recording of the national anthem which will be used at citizenship ceremonies on the Island.
The council has been using a recording which does not contain the words of the national anthem. The new recording does contains the lyrics, allowing people to sing the words in time with the anthem at a pace they are comfortable with.
Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight John Matthews arranged for the St John’s Church Choir in Newport to record the national anthem, which will now be played at all future citizenship ceremonies.
St John’s Church Choir have 30 members and are led by conductor Jo Dover and organist Martin Duver. John Matthews is part of the choir.
Jonathan Bacon is the Isle of Wight Council Executive member responsible for regulatory services and said:
“Citizenship ceremonies are very important and the new recording of the national anthem accommodates a greater vocal range.
“I want to thank John Matthews and the St John’s Church Choir for stepping in and producing a top quality version of the national anthem, which will now be used at all future ceremonies. It is nice to know that when the ceremonies are held at County Hall, the national anthem was recorded only a few minutes walk away.”
Citizenship ceremonies are held on a monthly basis for people who have had their application for British citizenship accepted. Every applicant is required to swear or affirm an oath of allegiance to the Crown and make a promise to uphold the values and laws of the UK. Each citizen is welcomed by the chairman or deputy chairman of the council.
