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PELYNT MALE VOICE CHOIR
Pelynt Male Voice Choir meet to practice every Tuesday from 7.30 pm at Pelynt Methodist Chapel. If you are interested in joining the choir come along and meet us or contact the Secretary, Richard Tolputt on (01503) 220315. You will be given a warm welcome. A Brief History of Pelynt Male Voice Choir Pelynt Male Voice Choir was formed in 1966 under the capable hands of Mr Clifford Eatwell who had previously conducted a choir in Swindon. Three other conductors followed, Mr Owen Davies, Mr Renzle Rowe and Mrs June Clarke. The present Musical Director is Mr John Trethewey and the Accompanist is Mr Barry Jay. Mr Harry Kinver is the Deputy Musical Director. The Choir was formed when an enthusiastic group of young men began singing more seriously following participation in the Village Variety Concerts. Two of the founder members are still with the Choir - one of them has been attending continuously since is formation. A few other singers have been members almost from the start, and all these original and early members are young at heart! The members of the Choir practise weekly and each year about 25 concerts or more have been given in local churches, chapels and village halls, raising considerable amounts of money for local needs and charities. We also enjoy regular visits to residential homes. The many varied venues extend from mid Devon and Plymouth to West Cornwall. Many invitations from Cornwall to Scotland have been accepted which include singing in the Chapter House of Canterbury Cathedral when making one of our trips across the Tamar and having a happy weekend with wives and friends. Another memorable occasion was hosting La Chorale Des Etangs, a mixed Choir from Rosporden in Brittany. The first experience at bilingual communications and hospitality must have been successful as an invitation for a reciprocal visit was given 'tres vite' ! The Choir travelled to France in April 2002 to meet up once again with their hospitable hosts in Rosporden, Brittany. Everyone was happy to take up the invitation by La Chorale Des Etangs to sing with them at two church venues. The concerts were memorable occasions and the capacity audiences particularly enjoyed the combined French and Cornish choirs' rendition of 'Lily of the Valley'. Some friends and relations who accompanied the Pelynt Choir and their wives to France remarked on the outstanding friendliness and rapport between everyone on the trip. The Choir's President, Mrs Jean Julian who takes a keen interest in the Choir, attending most concerts along with many 'Choir wives' had recently arranged for her daughter, Mrs Mary Symons, to make a banner to be used at concerts. This handsome banner was first used at the French concerts. As a member of the Cornish Federation of Male Voice Choirs, Pelynt has been involved in all the concerts put on at the Royal Albert Hall. Coming from the Parish of Pelynt, home of the famous Bishop Trelawney, the Choir has developed a very warm and happy spirit. The Badge on our blazers and the banner depict Bishop Trelawney's staff and mitre. Musical Director, John Trethewey and accompanist Barry Jay, have helped the Choir to attain a high reputation. We have excellent examples of our music available on CDs. Contact the Secretary, Richard Tolputt, Tel: (01503) 220315, for further information. |