Morland Choristers’ Camp was founded by the Revd Canon Gervase Markham in 1971, when he was Vicar of Morland and living in Morland House, and has grown from small beginnings into a thriving 100-strong course. Canon Markham believed that through a love of church music people would come to experience the wonder and majesty of God for themselves.
In 2000, the excellent reputation of the Morland Camps was publicly recognised by the award of MBE to Canon Markham. Her Majesty’s comment on the Camps: “What a wonderful idea!” (May 3rd 2000 at Buckingham Palace).
In December 2006, Canon Markham stood down as ‘Camp Chief’ after 37 years. To ensure the continuation of the Camp, he established a Board of Trustees as long ago as 1990, which is continually supported by the Senior Staff at Camp.
Canon Markham died peacefully on December 29th 2007 at the age of 97. The funeral and thanksgiving service at Morland was attended by hundreds of people including a choir (mainly comprising former Morland Camp Choristers) of over 100. Details of the service may be found here.
Canon Markham’s fascinating memoirs, titled ‘Something Good to Say‘, were published in 2009. Written in the last few months of his life, they are based on the many volumes of his diaries which he had kept for most of his 97 years. Details of the book are available here.
The Camp is based in Morland, a picturesque village on the edge of the Lake District, close to the Pennines in the heart of the rural Eden Valley (map).
All choristers are accommodated at the campsite, meals are taken in the village school and many of our afternoon activities are based around the grounds of Morland House (where the Markham family has lived since 1828). Rehearsals take place in the ancient Parish Church with its Saxon tower – the oldest structure in Cumbria still in daily use – and occasionally in the village hall.
Information on attractions and activities in the Eden Valley, and Bed & Breakfast accommodation in the area, may be found on the Contacts/Links page.
