A FORMER music teacher who went on a fact-finding mission to learn about the value of school and community choirs in America has met the Queen at a celebration marking the 50th anniversary of The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust.

Pat Smith, of Ilkley, attended a reception at Buckingham Palace on March 18.

Mrs Smith, 79, a member of Ilkley Soroptimists, is one of more than 5,000 British citizens to have been awarded Churchill Fellowships since 1965, to travel overseas to study areas of topical and personal interest.

The knowledge and innovative ideas they bring back are shared, for the benefit of their profession, their community, and, in lots of cases, the nation. For many people, a Churchill Fellowship proves transformational, and they go on to achieve great things – effecting positive change within society.

Mrs Smith went on her Fellowship in 1981 to the USA to investigate the value of self esteem in musical performance and its transfer to general learning. She visited many schools and community choirs in the USA.

She went on to reinvigorate school choirs in the Bradford area, directing a 50-strong children’s orchestra and, with talented colleagues, encourage all pupils to become involved in the performing arts at Nab Wood Middle School.

After 37 years as a Bradford music teacher, Mrs Smith became a visiting music teacher at Sacred Heart and Ashlands Primary Schools in Ilkley.

She continued her love of music by directing the Ilkley Soroptimist Choir for ten years, and currently sings with Cantores Olicanae.

She said she felt proud to be a representative of the Churchill Fellowships on this 50th anniversary and found meeting the Queen a very humbling experience. She particularly enjoyed meeting the diversity of fellows present on this occasion.

Fellows from every decade since 1965 represented the Trust at the reception.

To mark its landmark date, The Trust has just awarded a record number of 150 Travelling Fellowships – investing at least £1.3 million in British citizens.

Many events are being held throughout the year to celebrate Sir Winston’s life and legacy.