04/03/2026
🎶Meet the Choir — Introducing Ray Stenning🎶
Next up in our Meet the Choir series, we’re delighted to introduce one of our longest-serving members: Ray S!
Voice Part: Baritone
Time in Choir: 18 years, since 2008 — just two years after the choir began!
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Q: When did you join the choir?
A: Ray joined in 2008, only two years after the choir was formed — so he has witnessed a significant part of its history.
Q: What’s your favourite song to sing?
A: An almost impossible choice! Currently, his favourite is Away From The Roll Of The Sea. The choir first learned it when they sang with the Men Of Cornwall at the Royal Albert Hall in 2012, and it has recently been revived. It brings back many special memories.
Q: How did you get involved with the choir?
A: Ray’s wife, Margaret, spotted an advert in the local paper for a “Come and Try It” session in Tavistock. He had sung in his school choir many years earlier and had also been part of a singing group at his London Rugby Club. That group progressed from traditional rugby songs to entering a competition — winning on their second attempt — and even performed their original song on BBC Radio London.
Initially, Ray assumed the choir would be full of highly accomplished, sight-reading musicians, but with a little encouragement from Margaret, he decided to give it a go — and the rest, as they say, is history. What Ray found was a diverse range of musical abilities where everyone learns together and supports each other in their section.
Q: What did you do for a living?
A: Over the years, Ray worked as a Cartographic Draughtsman, a Teacher of PE and English, and a University Lecturer in Sports Science. He later ran his own small training company for health and fitness trainers.
Balancing work and choir life was easier in younger years, but singing with such a sociable group has always provided a wonderful contrast to a busy working life — a chance to relax, lift the spirits, and enjoy the power of music. Being part of the choir continues to bring him real pleasure and enjoyment.
Q: Are you involved in any other musical activities?
A: Ray enjoys playing piano, guitar and harmonica (all by ear). He sings and plays harmonica with the Tavi Edge Singers, sings with the Tavistock Sultans of Sing, and serves on the committee for the Tavistock Fringe Festival.
Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
A: Ray loves walking and cycling on Dartmoor. He performs with the Tavistock Edge Players and has even been known to haunt the Tavistock Abbey Still Tower as Brother Egbert the apothecary!
