Walton Voices – A Brief History
Walton Voices evolved from the Walton and Oatlands Choral Society, founded in 1934 by Mr Welton Hickin, organist and choirmaster at St Mary’s Church, Oatlands. Originally known as the Oatlands and District Choir, the Society flourished even through the Second World War, performing works such as Handel’s Acis and Galatea in 1946 under its founder’s baton.
From 1948 to 1963, Herbert G. Crellin served as Musical Director. During this period, the choir performed sacred music in churches across the local area, with more secular summer concerts often held at the Oatlands Park Hotel.
In 1963, Peter Marshall took over and established a strong link with Wallington Choral Society, where he also conducted. Together, the two choirs formed a combined ensemble of more than 100 voices, enabling them to tackle major choral works. Concerts were frequently accompanied by an orchestra led by Marshall’s wife, Davina.
William Hayward became Musical Director in 1971. Although the link with Wallington ended, the Society continued to perform substantial works, including pieces by modern composers.
From 1975 to 1993, James Attfield led the choir, supported by John Riley as Associate Director. Their programming blended traditional repertoire with contemporary works, balancing shorter pieces with large‑scale choral compositions. After Attfield stepped down, the role of Musical Director was held successively by John Riley, William Hayward, and Andrew Daldorf.
In 1996, Susan Higgins became Musical Director, guiding the choir until 2011, when she passed the baton to Sarah Burston.
By 2013, membership had declined significantly, prompting a bold relaunch. With an inspirational new Musical Director, Jonathan Kilhams, and a new name — Walton Voices — the choir embraced a fresh identity. Since then, membership has tripled, and the choir has grown into a vibrant, inclusive, community‑centred ensemble with more than 60 regular members.
Under Jonathan’s leadership, Walton Voices has expanded its musical reach and strengthened its community connections. We have:
Today, Walton Voices continues to evolve — proud of its long history, energised by its modern identity, and committed to sharing the joy of choral singing with the community. We sing music we love, we welcome newcomers warmly, and we celebrate the power of voices coming together.
Walton Voices evolved from the Walton and Oatlands Choral Society, founded in 1934 by Mr Welton Hickin, organist and choirmaster at St Mary’s Church, Oatlands. Originally known as the Oatlands and District Choir, the Society flourished even through the Second World War, performing works such as Handel’s Acis and Galatea in 1946 under its founder’s baton.
From 1948 to 1963, Herbert G. Crellin served as Musical Director. During this period, the choir performed sacred music in churches across the local area, with more secular summer concerts often held at the Oatlands Park Hotel.
In 1963, Peter Marshall took over and established a strong link with Wallington Choral Society, where he also conducted. Together, the two choirs formed a combined ensemble of more than 100 voices, enabling them to tackle major choral works. Concerts were frequently accompanied by an orchestra led by Marshall’s wife, Davina.
William Hayward became Musical Director in 1971. Although the link with Wallington ended, the Society continued to perform substantial works, including pieces by modern composers.
From 1975 to 1993, James Attfield led the choir, supported by John Riley as Associate Director. Their programming blended traditional repertoire with contemporary works, balancing shorter pieces with large‑scale choral compositions. After Attfield stepped down, the role of Musical Director was held successively by John Riley, William Hayward, and Andrew Daldorf.
In 1996, Susan Higgins became Musical Director, guiding the choir until 2011, when she passed the baton to Sarah Burston.
By 2013, membership had declined significantly, prompting a bold relaunch. With an inspirational new Musical Director, Jonathan Kilhams, and a new name — Walton Voices — the choir embraced a fresh identity. Since then, membership has tripled, and the choir has grown into a vibrant, inclusive, community‑centred ensemble with more than 60 regular members.
Under Jonathan’s leadership, Walton Voices has expanded its musical reach and strengthened its community connections. We have:
- Collaborated with local school choirs, running workshops that support music education and inspire young singers.
- Partnered with Royal Holloway, University of London, giving student conductors opportunities to develop their directing skills.
- Performed alongside orchestras, concert bands, and other local choirs, enriching our musical variety and enabling larger‑scale works.
- Taken part in regional festivals, including performances with Southdowns Concert Band at Chichester Cathedral.
- Delivered a diverse programme of concerts, ranging from choral classics to modern works, seasonal celebrations, themed programmes, and contemporary arrangements.
- Run workshops, open rehearsals, and community singing events, encouraging confidence, skill development, and wider participation.
- Supported charities and good causes, raising funds and awareness through our performances.
Today, Walton Voices continues to evolve — proud of its long history, energised by its modern identity, and committed to sharing the joy of choral singing with the community. We sing music we love, we welcome newcomers warmly, and we celebrate the power of voices coming together.