Victoria Wood recalls a historic day for Manchester music

Victoria Wood's new play takes its inspiration from a childrens' choir she loved. David Ward recalls the poignant reunion of the original singersOn 19 June 1929, 250 singing children ? 190 girls and 60 boys ? from 52 local schools travelled by tram to the Free Trade Hall in Manchester to record a happy chorus by Henry Purcell with the Hall� Orchestra, under the direction of Sir Hamilton Harty.