When Barry Dunsmore announced that after nine years as rector of St Columba's, Knighstbridge in London he would be emigrating to Bermuda to take up a post at Christ Church, Warwick, I little suspected the implications for the choir.

Even at his packed leaving do, where Barry waxed lyrical about getting our group of eight singers out to the island, I thought he was being polite, in the same way that people write "wish you were here" on postcards to people they see every now and then.

So I was surprised and excited to hear that the choir was expected out on the islands this October. Sitting at my desk in grey old London, the pink sand beaches, turquoise shallows and verdant gardens seemed a world away – and absolute bliss.

Knightsbridge is a far cry from Bermuda. One of London's wealthiest districts, the area plays host to thousands of tourists, many of whom come to spend their travellers' cheques in Harrods or wander in Hyde Park. The streets crawl with black taxis and double-decker buses and elaborate townhouses grace every street.

At the heart of it all stands the big white tower of St Columba's. Built in 1955 after the Victorian church on the site was destroyed during the Blitz, this imposing creation has to be one of London's most striking churches.

After it was featured on the British sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, the building became much sought after as a wedding venue and it's easy to see why. With the main body of the church sitting on the floor above an impressive network of halls and offices, St Columba's is a lesson in imaginative design and the impressive use of space.

But it's not just the architecture that makes the church unusual. At the centre of London's Scottish community, it hosts a range of events and activities throughout the week, from fund-raisers for homelessness charity Borderline to Scottish country dancing sessions.

And, unlike many Presbyterian churches, St Columba's has a strong musical tradition and professional choir.

Directed by David Terry, by day a music teacher at the London Oratory School, the choir leads Sunday morning services as well as taking part in weddings and concerts throughout the year.

Some members of the octet are full-time singers and singing teachers. Others, like me, combine a love of performing choral music with different day jobs.

The choir's repertoire is broad, ranging from meditative sixteenth century pieces by Tallis and Byrd through stirring Victorian anthems and on to some of the 20th and 21st Century's more experimental work.

Whatever we tackle, however, good sight-reading is key – the group rarely rehearses for more than 15 minutes before a service and, as many of our anthems need one singer to a part, there's little margin for error.

Our preparations for the Bermudian tour should be a little more thorough. With services planned for Sunday October 25, a concert at Christ Church on Tuesday October 27, one at the Manse on Wednesday, October 28 and a possible lunchtime recital at the Anglican Cathedral, we've all been trawling through our favourites to suggest items for the programmes. I'm hoping that one of my favourites, William Byrd's Sing Joyfully, will make the shortlist – it's got some really jazzy rhythms in the alto line.

It will also be a treat to sing secular music alongside our programme showcasing over 400 years of sacred anthems.

Elgar's Songs from the Bavarian Highlands are really moving, and the close harmony arrangements and madrigals will have even the most reluctant of dancers tapping their feet.

And of course there's the excitement of seeing Bermuda itself. With London getting darker and drizzlier by the day, it's great to think of a week of late summer sun out on your beautiful islands. I intend to visit the Botanical Gardens and Horseshoe Bay and the Crystal Caves … unless of course the Rev. Barry Dunsmore has other plans.

Ann Morgan is a freelance journalist and a member of the St. Columba's choir.