The programme's guest editor, Robert Wyatt, musician and former rock drummer with Soft Machine, used the occasion to champion the country's amateur music making. As well as The Arbroath Choral Society, he also featured performances by other choirs and musical groups around the land.

Unfortunately, many of us were still fast asleep following the excesses of Hogmanay and did not hearArbroath being put on the proverbial 'music map'. However for those who did miss out, the whole recording is still available on the BBC's website.

There has been a strong tradition of choral singing in Arbroath since the middle of the 19th century and reference is made in J. M. McBain's book of 1887 entitled 'Arbroath Past and Present' where he states: "It is now fully thirty years since the Choral Society came into existence ... and has proved itself worthy of support which has now for a good few years been accorded to it."

McBain may in fact have been referring to the Choral Union which disbanded in 1934.

The present Arbroath Choral Society has just started its rehearsals for the spring concert on April 18, and will be singing works by the composer Karl Jenkins, namely his 'Te Deum', 'The Armed Man' and 'Adiemus' from 'The Songs of Sanctuary' which is remembered as the tune of the British Airways' advertisement of the 1990s.

Given that rehearsals have only just started, this is an ideal time for anyone who enjoys singing to come and join The Choral. All that is required of new members is that they can sing in tune and blend with the other voices. There are no auditions and the choir always welcomes new members.

Singing brings many health benefits and is recognised as a health-giving pursuit so if you would like to try it out, then go along to any of the rehearsals which are held in St Andrew's Church, Arbroath, at 7.30 p.m. every Sunday evening.