UNDER DEVELOPMENT

In Victorian and Edwardian times, James Covington was a leading light in many of Westbourne’s activities.

As a child, he came to notice as a fine singer in the Church choir.
At the time, the Rector was keen to enhance the Church’s music and invited a Frederick Helmore to come to Westbourne for choir training.

Young James clearly impressed the visitor, for Frederick invited him to join a tour to train local Parish choirs in England’s north east and into Scotland.

The tour ended at Perth where James became enrolled as a chorister in the new Cathedral that was approaching consecration and spent ten years there.

Returning to Westbourne in 1860, he became Schoolmaster in the boys’ school and, with his cathedral training,

organist and choirmaster to St John the Baptist Parish Church. He remained Westbourne’s schoolmaster for 33 years to then take over as
licensee of the Cricketers Arms public house in Commonside. In his church position, he developed the choir and its repertoire, and composed

hymn tunes and chants for use in services. A much larger work, his Te Deum Laudamus, was published by Novello and Ewer in 1884.

He served 50 years in this position, retiring at the end of 1911.

James was also involved in other aspects of village life. He was a great supporter of the cricket club and, after he retired from playing,

three of his sons are known to have played.

The village social scene was enhanced by concert evenings and he always contributed by singing solo or with others.

In many musical activities, both spiritual and secular, James was aided and abetted by his great friend and fellow Westbourne resident Reverend Dr J H Mee.

With the threat of invasion from France, the Government encouraged the formation of local volunteer corps to train in marksmanship and

general army activities. James was not only a good shot but also formed a fife and drum band for the men’s marching.

On the 22nd February 2025, James’ early life and his Church musical activities were described in an illustrated talk by his great-grandson Roger Norfolk.

This was held in the Parish Church so that some of James’ music could be played and sung there for the first time in 100 years.

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