A SWINDON choir did themselves royally proud with a performance at one of the Queen’s favourite palaces.

Singers from Christ Church in Old Town performed four services at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, last weekend.

Although the queen was not in the stalls to hum the hymns, the choir put on a performance fit for royalty.

They performed a choral evensong service on Saturday and sang the eucharist, matins and evensong services on Sunday, before heading home with their supporters.

Tim Eyles, 55, who has been choirmaster at Christ Church for almost two decades, said: “The choir sang really well. It was very good – although it was hard work, it must be said.”

Among the challenges facing the singers was an acoustic that didn’t lend itself to choral singing.

“There were two bits to the chapel: the Choir, where all the flags are, and the nave. There is a stone screen with then organ on it that separates the two."

The nave had a good acoustic, Tim said. "The choir was a bit more dead.”

The singers rehearsed in a room called the “Dungeon”. “It was not quite as damp and dark as it might sound, but was nonetheless down some very steep steps.”

And choirmaster Tim found himself conducting from an unusual place. “I had to stand on top of Henry VIII’s tomb. I don’t think I’ve ever conducted from on top of a tomb before.”

The Christ Church singers, who have a string of cathedral performances under their belts, will perform at Hereford Cathedral in September.