Martin Lane

"1963-1966 was a blissful time at Cambridge, with all its happy memories and good friends. With a law degree, peace reigned at home, my parents happy with 'something to fall back on' if the somewhat precarious career of the feelance professional singer failed.

In May 1968 the newly formed King's Singers gave their London debut. In addition, I had established myself as a freelance soloist and was becoming more successful until the sudden discovery of a brain tumour: the subsequent operation and prolonged process of recovery prevented me from pursuing my career further.

After a long period in hospital I returned home to my parents, and discovered that, despite all, I still had a voice. From time to time I sang in Winchester Cathedral Choir - it was like life beginning all over again - and I moved from Winchester to Portsmouth and joined the Cathedral Choir there. I was still using a walking frame, but the frame was soon discarded with my colleagues helping me along - to speed up the service time and lengthen the drinking time at a nearby pub.

It was during my time singing at Portsmouth that I converted to a living God. For years I had been singing in church and choirs for musical enjoyment only, but now I knew I was singing to Him with true and grateful thanks, and this thought is now with me always."

....Martin Lane

Memories from the 25th Anniversary Program