Participating Choirs - continued

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Cradley Heath Male Voice Choir

The choir, originally known as The Cradley Heath, Old Hill and District Male Voice Choir, is now in its 93rd year. It was founded in Whitley Memorial School on the 12th February 1912. There are now only a few male voice choirs in England that have survived for a longer period of time. Participation in competitive singing was for many years, a regular feature of the choir's activities and numerous prizes were won at local and national music festivals. Last year the choir resumed its participation in festivals and won a first prize at the Dudley Music Festival.

The choir's main focus however, is on concert work and many worthy causes have benefited financially from the efforts of the choir. The choir has about 33 members and aims to Foster the love of good music, entertain the public and assist charitable organisations. In February 1998 Philippa Brettell became the first ever female Musical Director of the choir and was joined by Cynthia Partridge, her former piano teacher, as accompanist. Together they make a fine partnership.

 Forest of Dean Male Voice Choir

The Forest of Dean Male Voice Choir was formed in 1984 with 18 choristers. Membership has now risen to 36 and under the leadership of Musical Director Tracey Gwynne and Pianist Hayley Marangon the Choir has gone from strength to strength and is appreciated by a wide variety of audiences.

This year the Choir will celebrate its 25th anniversary when they will be hosting a concert with Lydbrook Band and Llantrisant Male Voice Choir at the Forest Theatre. They will also enjoy a tour of Cornwall in October.

Over the years the Choir has made many friends singing with Choirs at charitable events throughout the South West of England, South Wales and Yorkshire. The Choir has already enjoyed tours of Cornwall and Germany.

The Choir performs at approximately 25 charitable events a year drawing from a wide repertoire, giving a balanced programme suitable to all venues. If necessary, an electric piano, staging and advice on concert arrangements are available.

There is an increasing demand for the Choir to attend wedding ceremonies, entertaining the congregation prior to the bride arriving and during the signing of the register.

The Choir has a range of CDs and a DVD entitled 'Our Forest Home' showing scenes of the Forest of Dean.

The latest CD, 'Magical Sounds' is a collection of modern songs.

All CDs and DVD are available from choir members.

Worcester Male Voice Choir

The Choir was formed in 1987 and has gone from strength to strength in terms of its repertoire, its quality of singing and its membership. There are currently 61 choristers and plans are now in the early stages to celebrate the Choirs 25th Anniversary in

2012.

The majority of the Choirs performances are in aid of charity and we have now raised over £100,000 during the past years.

Recently for example a sum of £3253 was presented to the Worcester Cathedral Music and Light Appeal following a

sell out concert in that place.

The Choir regularly tours throughout the UK and abroad. During 2008 visits included one to Worcester[s twin town of

Kleve in Germany. In May 2009 the Choir participated in the Cornwall International Male Voice Choir Festival competing

with choirs from the UK, Russia, Algeria, Belarus and the Congo.

As well as competing in the Festival we took part with other choirs in five Regional Concerts singing in various venues

including the prestigious Lost Gardens of Heligan.

In July this year the Choir will be performing at the impressive Malmesbury Abbey in aid of the charity Cancer UK. Whilst nearer

at home we will take part in an anniversary celebration by St Richards Hospice which is being held in Worcester Cathedral .

The end of the year will see the Choir holding its Annual Christmas Concert in Pershore Abbey.

The Choir is very ably led by our Musical Director Nicholas Wright whose wit, experience and dedication are a real asset.

The main accompanist is Sheila Leatherland a former music teacher who has been playing for choirs, mixed, male voice

and school, for over 30 years whose enthusiasm continues to inspire.

New choristers are always welcome and we are seeking to increase our membership to 70 choristers as well as additions to

our non-singing supporters the Friends of WMVC who are an important and much appreciated part of the team.

Further details of the Choir including its membership, repertoire and concerts can be found on our website, www.worcestermalevoicechoir.org.uk

Cotswold Male Voice Choir

Although the Cotswold Male Voice Choir do not currently take part in Association concerts, they have maintained their membership because The Cotswold Male Voice Choir was an inaugural member of the Association in 1982, which then also included the

Bream, Churchdown, Drybrook, Dursley, Filton, Hereford Police and Malvern male voice choirs. Cotswold and Churchdown are

the only inaugural choirs remaining in the Association but they have been joined by other choirs from the region.

www.cotswoldmvc.org