A CHARITY set up to thank one of Britain’s greatest composers for the music has reached a natural cadence.

The Elgar in Hereford Group, formed following a Hereford Times appeal in 1999, will cease to exist at the end of this year.

Chairman Philip Baldwin said the development was not a failure, however, but simply a sign that its aims had been achieved.

“For more than 10 years, this enterprising group of friends has been busy celebrating and publicising the life and work of arguably England’s greatest composer during his life at Plas Gwyn in Hereford,” Mr Baldwin said.

“Thus it seems appropriate that we close the life of the group here exactly a century later.”

Elgar later moved to London but wrote many of his best works locally, a fact commemorated by a permanent memorial in Cathedral Close which was unveiled in 2005.

The group’s main objective had been achieved and an annual programme of events to “educate, encourage and inspire” the public followed, with active steps currently being taken to ensure this continues under various different organisations.

Back then previous chairman Tom Pellow told members at the unveiling that each had championed the three cardinal virtues of faith, hope and charity to realise the organisation’s plans.

With a range of events on offer in 2011, there is still plenty more to come before the group takes its final bow.

“This year will include a very full programme, commencing with the launch of this year’s annual senior music award and also a fascinating lecture recital on Elgar the violinist,” Mr Baldwin said. “We haven’t finished just yet.”

Nominations for the Elgar in Hereford Annual Music Award 2011 close on April 23, with further details available from Philippa May at the Hereford Times on 01432 274413 or by emailing philippa.may@ herefordtimes.com.

For information on events, visit elgarinhereford.org.uk.