A local choir has bade a fond farewell to one of its longest-serving members.

Dylis Watson has retired from the ranks of the Isle of Man Choral Society after spending the last 40 years singing and leading the choir.

Dylis has been with the choir since its inception in 1979, when the choir formed from the Isle of Man Teachers’ Choir.

As a founding member and also a committee member, Dylis took the choir forward after the retirement of the renowned musical director, Alan Pickard.

She was awarded with flowers and mementos by Charles Fargher, the chairman of the Isle of Man Choral Society (pictured above) after her last rehearsal at the end of September.

The Isle of Man Choral Society are currently in rehearsals in preparation for its delayed concert, a performance of Carmina Burana, by Karl Orff and Beethoven’s Choral Fantasia, which takes place at the Villa Marina on Sunday, March 28 accompanied by the Mannin Youth Choir and the Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra.