W ith financial support from the South Suburban Cooperative society the original orchestra was first formed in 1927.

But in 1953 a number of the group considered that the orchestra was too closely associated with political movements and a breakaway group formed a separate unit, under the name Croydon Light Orchestra.

This was later changed to Croydon Amateur Orchestra which for many years carried on a fairly low key basis, rehearsing each week and performing for friends and family and at various care homes in the area.

Since 2002, under musical director David Porter, a steady improvement in the standard of performance has been achieved and the orchestra has developed into a serious amateur unit bearing more clout than previously enjoyed.

At the same time a change of name to the Croydon Orchestral Ensemble plus a recent Awards for All grant from the lottery fund has put the finances on a sound financial footing.

The group has a long association with Saint Mildred's Church in Bingham Road and the church hall has been the centre for rehearsals and concerts since 1965. The move to the new St Mildred's Centre in 2006 was welcomed gave the orchestra a big boost with its improved facilities and improved acoustics.

Three Saturday concerts are held each year, the most recent being in December when the ensemble's diverse programme included Die Felsenmuhle by Reissiger, a selection from South Pacific, the calm and serene Chorale, a contemporary piece by Brian Wilshere and a beautiful interpretation of Haydn's Trumpet overture by soloist Ali Kidd.

La Corrida (Payne) and Christmas Memories (Finck) completed the enjoyable evening

The next concert is planned for March 24 at 7.30pm at St Mildred's church. The theme will be a Viennese evening which will include music by Strauss, Sigmund Romberg and Franz Lehar among others. Tickets are £6 at the door.

Rehearsals are on a Tuesday evening from 8pm to 10pm at the St Mildred's Centre.

New musicians of Grade 5 plus standard or equivalent with competent sight reading skills are welcomed. Their is no audition and players will find their skills respected and nurtured in a supportive way.

Anyone interested is welcome to go along to a few rehearsals on a trial basis. Just call Martin Jenner on 020 8642 7200 or email MTJenner@aol.com