ROGER SHELMERDINE from Crossfield Road, Hale, enjoys working with young people as much as he enjoys music.

He organised the Young Composer and Poet of the Year competition for 18 years and has conducted children’s choirs at Altrincham C. of E. Primary, Wellgreen Primary, Timperley Park Road School and St. Michael’s School, Flixton.

So he’s glad pupils from Bowdon Prep School will be joining in The Poppies Blow, an evening of his compositions to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

Most of the 18 works will be performed by Altrincham Choral Society accompanied by teenagers from Stockport Youth Orchestra.

“They were delighted because I don’t think they had decided what to do for the centenary.

“I remember learning about the war poets and modern history at Sale Grammar School and, since my grandfather died in the First World War, it seemed a good thing to do.

“Originally I planned to base everything on poets killed in that war but after writing ten songs, I realised how gloomy they were so decided to compose lighter ones for the children’s choir.

"The children’s favourite is Poor Old Ted. “It’s about an old teddy who couldn’t fight although his friends who did, died.

“The children have learnt four songs by heart as well as The Soldier which they sing with the adults.

“The adult singers like Rooks although it’s not a bundle of laughs."

The performance will also feature Roger’s 35 minute long composition, Requiem for George Butterworth (1885-1916),

“I have changed it to accommodate a full symphony orchestra, “ he said.

“ If I can move one person, it will be a success,” he said, adding that, of course, old Ted would be there."

* The Poppies Blow will be at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, November 15. Tickets are available from 0161 980 4342. Audience coach tickets from altrincham-publicity@hotmail.co.uk.