The choir was formed in March 1978 when a group of some twenty five police officers and one civilian police employee met at Kent Police Headquarters for an inaugural meeting with the late Gerry Hughes, then a serving officer. Gerry had earlier been involved with a glee club of male and female singers, but by this time it had disbanded. He was present with the then Chief Constable, Barry Pain QPM, at a concert given by the Kent Police Band just before Christmas 1977 which also featured as guests, the West Midlands Police Choir. Gerry remarked We could do as well as that and was given tacit permission to form a police choir. Following its formation, the choir appeared successfully for around four years and the baton was then passed to the present Musical Director, David Vening, one of our early members who has an impressive musical education and background. The original accompanists to the choir, Jack Godden and Jack Goodsall, were replaced by Heather Baker, a considerably talented music teacher and the choir went from strength to strength, becoming known for its quality performances throughout the County. In its history, the choir has appeared in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium as well as in the UK, appeared on national television in the UK and Canada and has helped numerous local charities to raise significant amounts of money. The choir is open to serving and retired police officers, civilian staff, those with links to the service and also members of the community. It is an ambassador for Kent Police and is supported by them, although it is selffinancing.

Website: http://www.kpmvc.org.uk/