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This Archive is occasionally cleared of items more than two years old, after which they are no longer retained.

Rame Peninsula MVC

Three generations in Rame choir

THE Rame Peninsula MVC has embarked on its most ambitious recruitment programme, and it is already reaping dividends, capturing three choristers from one family - a coup unique in our history: three generations of the one family in membership. Robin Willoughby (right) aged 25 is a second tenor, and has finally prevailed on his father, Andrew, and grandfather, Philip, to join. Philip, 83, is a bass, and Andrew, 57, is a baritone.

All doctors' surgeries on the Peninsula have been supplied with men's health material promoting the medically-acknowledged benefits of singing. It references NHS England's promotion of the benefits in treating dementia and addressing mental health issues: helping lower stress, relieving depression, grief, anxiety and nerves. There is also evidence that singing and music help improve breathing and maintain speech and language.

This material has also been displayed at every parish and town council building in the area, as well as public libraries.

Three Coronation events in three days

THE deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, rear admiral Mike Woods (pictured), was guest of honour at a free eve-of-Coronation celebration concert in Maker Church on May 5 where he read a message from his majesty, King Charles.

The concert was organised by the parish council with proceeds going to the church restoration appeal. It was the third time the choir had performed in concert for this cause. With coronation day off for good behaviour, members were back in action in Millbrook on Sunday May 9, entertaining a massive crowd attending the village's Big Lunch where rear admiral Woods again did the honours.

Then, for members of the choir's folk, sea-shanty and 60s rock ensemble, Halfway Harmony, it was on to Quethiock for their community Big Lunch. Our accomplished accompanist, Liz Sidebotham, performed at all three events, switching seamlessly from keyboards to accordion. What a star.

Photos: David Clarke.

Article submitted by Doug Gillon
Rame press officer
12th May 2023

Marazion Apollo Male Choir

On 20th April the choir set forth to cross the border into England, the first time since Covid 19 struck, for concerts with Ludlow MVC and Hereford Police MVC. We arrived Thursday afternoon by coach and car and had an evening and morning to relax and enjoy Hereford, a lovely city similar in size to Truro which houses Mappa Mundi and the recently refurbished Chained Library, in its cathedral, which many of us were able to visit.

Our first concert, with Ludlow, took place in a beautiful Saxon Church in the village of Stanton Lacy. The village is in the heart of horse racing country and the church was found along a very narrow, winding lane. From our perspective this did not augur well for a large audience. How wrong can one be? Pre concert ticket sales ensured that the church rapidly filled as we rehearsed our joint pieces with Ludlow men. Both choirs performed to their highest standard, and the concert was extremely well received, appreciated and applauded by a knowledgeable audience. The concert was held, in part, to raise funds for the church to replace the single 'Portaloo' with a more substantial, permanent unit and we certainly added to that fund. We retired to our accommodation happy with a job well done.

On Saturday 22nd April the Hereford Police MVC Choir took us to Ross on Wye, to the substantial, beautiful and lively parish church for their St. George's Day Concert. After tea and biscuits in the nearby hall we again had a rehearsal of joint pieces prior to audience arrival. Many tickets had been sold in the days leading up to the event and a large audience greeted the choirs as we took our places. The high standards of Friday evening were repeated here with our entertaining repertoire and the audience was encouraged to join in a couple of the pieces from each choir. it was a joy and privilege to sing in this place. The Hereford supporters provided a substantial table for the afterglow at the bowls club with more entertainment from choir members.

Special thanks must go to our coach driver who did an excellent job wherever he was obliged to take his vehicle (not only Cornwall has very narrow lanes). Our next trip away, a more local outing will be Saturday May 13th to meet up with Mid Imerys MVC. See you there?

On April 11th Marazion Apollo Male Choir was honoured to participate in the memorial service for David Harris, one of our second tenors who came to us after the demise of Newlyn Male Voice Choir a few years ago. David had endured considerable pain and suffering for several months but prior to that had been a very active member of the choir and other charitable organisations following his retirement as head teacher at St. Ives Comprehensive School. Tributes were paid by former colleagues and pupils after which the choir sang two pieces from our repertoire. Following this, family members shared many of their favourite memories with the congregation. After prayers and the blessing the exit music was 'Wonderful life' by Black. A fitting tribute.

Article submitted by Stuart Meyers
4th May 2023

Mousehole Male Voice Chior

Suicide Bereavement Day 25th February 2023

This weekend the choir are singing for the first time this year. On Saturday (23rd) we are in Truro Cathedral singing at an event for families bereaved through suicide. This is a chance to come together with people who have shared life experiences of this tragic event. When someone is lost to suicide it impacts those who knew and loved them. For those, the grief and trauma can be especially difficult to handle. This event is all about showing support and love to the survivors of suicide and commences at 11am for two hours. It is open to anyone; there will be candle lighting, people to talk to with tea and coffee and the choir will be performing from midday. It would be lovely to see you.

Article submitted by Simon Bromage
PR
20th Feb 2023

SONG BOOK

A new Song Book has been compiled by members of Nankersey Male Choir. The Song Book contains 51 well known songs and hymns and is intended to be used on informal occasions (possibly with a pint in hand!) whenever choir members get together for a sing song outside of concert "conditions". It is also intended to act as an aide memoire for those who find themselves at a loss to join in because the words are either unknown or temporarily forgotten! Thanks to everyone who has helped in the compilation.

We are pricing the Song Book competitively at £2.50 only and this must represent good value as it is handily sized for placing in a jacket pocket and the cover is laminated for durability. The Song Book is dedicated to Nankersey's 12 founder members and a photograph of those worthy gentlemen appears in the book.

Choir members within the Federation qualify for this bargain price provided the song book(s) can be delivered by hand (at a Federation meeting for instance) or song books may be obtained for £3.50 by post. Anyone who is interested in obtaining a copy or copies should please get in touch with Fred Bidgood, tel: 01326 373984;
e-mail: familybidgood@hotmail.co.uk.

Sent by Fred Bidgood, Nankersey MC

Pelynt Male Voice Choir

From Left to Right Dennis Julian 25 years, Edward Eastley 40 years, David Julian 40 years, Robert Henly 30 years, Graham Hicks 30 years, Bernard Eastley 25 years

Brian Jewell

Ted Pinguey

John Trethewey

John Trethewey

Long service certificates being presented to members of the choir by the Federations Chaiman Phil Taylor.
A special Certificate was presented to the choirs conductor John Trethewey for 25 years service to the choir signed by the Federations President Mary St Levan. John also received a wonderful set of Dartington Crystal 6 glasses and a decanter from the Choir.

Photos submitted by John Trethewey
20th October 2021

Marazion Apollo Male Chior

Pictured are L-R

Ken Wood, Alan Cargeeg (Chairman), John Hosking (Treasurer), Bob Royds.

Following all the upheaval due to the recent pandemic, Marazion Apollo Male Choir were able to present this cheque to St Julia's Hospice yesterday 24th May 2022. It's down to the generous donations of the audiences who come and support us at our fund raising concerts. Thank you one and all for your kind generosity. It was greatly appreciated by the lovely people at St Julia's.
Other cheques have been presented to RNLI Pendeen and Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Report submitted by Ray Bunney
Fed Rep
26th May 2022

Rame Peninsula Male Voice Choir

"A Tribute to our Former Musical Director and Vice Chairman, Brian Oates"

'Brian Oates playing at St Stephens, Saltash '

'Brian Oates conducting at St Stephens, Saltash '

BRIAN OATES, who died on May 29 at the age of 83, was an outstanding musician, a Royal Marine Warrant Officer and bandmaster, tutor, and a former secretary and Musical Director of the Rame Peninsula Male Voice Choir.

He was an absolute stalwart of the choir which might well have folded but for his taking over as MD in 2005. His life of service beyond his profession embraced the Methodist Church, Boys' Brigade, work as a Special Constable, with National Coastwatch, and the National Trust.

He held an honours degree in music, gained in his own time in his mid 50s, and was a Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music. As a bandsman he was a solo flautist and played piccolo, but he also wielded the tambourine to virtuoso effect whenever percussion was appropriate in choir renditions. His mastery of the flute lent haunting accompaniment to songs such as Titanic and Pride of Cawsand in which a solo was composed by former MD Jonathan Delbridge explicitly to showcase his talents.

During his time at Deal in the '70s, Brian used to play in the pit orchestra at theatres in Kent for musicals like Oklahoma and South Pacific. Typically, when asked to instruct the saxophone, he did so. He had no experience of the instrument. He simply went off and learned to play it.

He also had a splendid tenor voice, and it was because he missed singing that he was prompted to revert to the ranks of the top tenors after his stint as Rame MD. However, he continued to serve as deputy MD until shortly before his death, taking over regularly from MD Jonathan Lewsey who greatly valued his talents.

Brian was born on October 6, 1937, at St Just-in-Penwith, Cornwall, to Ellen Cordelia Oates (nee Grenfell) and Norman Oates. He was just five years old when his father died during World War II, as a result of a recoil accident involving an anti-aircraft gun. Brian and his mum moved to Penzance where he attended Lescudjack School and Penzance Grammar - now Humphrey Davy School.

When Brian was 10 his mother remarried and moved to Caerau in Wales where Brian went to Maesteg Grammar School and began learning the flute. Lessons cost half a crown (12.5p in today's money) which included the cost of his tea! He played in the school orchestra and eventually the Mid-Glamorgan Youth Orchestra and the Glamorgan Youth Orchestra.

Brian was around 14 when the family returned to the St Just area and he went back to Penzance Grammar. On his 15th birthday Brian auditioned for the Royal Marines Band Service (RMBS). He joined up in October 1952, and the following year was selected to represent the RMBS at the coronation. He watched the procession from the steps of the Victoria Memorial, near Buckingham Palace, an enduring memory.

After completing "Boys' Time" Brian was drafted to the East Indies Station and on his 18th birthday he landed with the band in Colombo, in what is now Sri Lanka. His inaugural 10-month posting included visits to Madras, Calcutta, Karachi and the Persian Gulf. The naval shore establishment in Ceylon, HMS Highflyer, was not all music; afternoons included swimming at Nicholson Lodge beach, and a bit of sailing.

Brian's step-father had died while he was abroad, and he had not been allowed home, though his mum could have done with the support of her only child. However, he got leave in the Penzance area on his return before being posted to the Royal Marines School of Music (RMSM) at Deal, Kent. There he continued his association with West Street Methodist Church and was introduced to the Boys Brigade. At this little chapel in Finglesham, Kent, he met Eve and started seeing her at Youth Club events. He was apparently more interested in her than she in him, but perseverance paid off!

Brian was drafted to HMS Drake, in Plymouth, where a couple of years later he passed the audition for the Plymouth Group Band of the Royal Marines. Brian and Eve were married on December 20, 1958, at Havelock Hall Methodist Church, Deal, and they started married life in Plymstock. By then Brian was a Boys Brigade warrant officer, and subsequently became lieutenant in the 11th Plymouth Company at Crownhill Methodist Church.

Their first son, Gerald, was born in December 1960. In 1961 the family moved back to Deal where Brian had been promoted to Corporal and appointed as a flute instructor at the RMSM. Both Eve and Brian became involved in the life of West Street Methodist Church and Brian became an officer in the 2nd Deal Company Boys Brigade, later serving as Company Captain.

Shortly after Nigel's birth in April 1964, Brian was drafted to Plymouth-based aircraft carrier HMS Eagle. He saw service mainly east of Suez including the Beira Patrols, enforcing the oil sanctions of Rhodesia as the Eagle spent 72 continuous days at sea. Visits included Hong Kong, Singapore, and Mombasa.

After some 30 months on the Eagle, the band was drafted back to Deal. Brian worked there for the Training Office (Music), completed the Bandmasters' Course, did another instructing stint (as Sergeant) and spent some time in the Central Music Library. Following promotion to Colour Sergeant, Brian was drafted to HMS Pembroke at Chatham in 1971 where he became Warrant Officer Class 2 Bandmaster in 1972, visiting many parts of Europe. In 1976 he returned to Deal, becoming Assistant Supply Officer (Music) until retirement from the RMBS in July 1977.

He immediately became Volunteer Band Civilian Instructor at HMS Fisgard, Torpoint, where he greatly enjoyed training artificers in the band. The family moved from Deal in November 1977. Brian joined the Devon and Cornwall Special Constabulary in 1979, serving for 13 years and becoming Section Officer. When Fisgard closed in 1984 Brian transferred to the Royal Naval Engineering College at Manadon, where he and Eve enjoyed Wardroom Dinners, Ladies' Nights, and cocktail parties. When RNEC closed in 1994 Brian moved to Devonport Naval Base to form their Volunteer Band. He finally took early retirement in October 1996.

He was church secretary at Cornerstone Church, Torpoint, for some three years, but soon after standing down, he became a Worship Leader and a Steward, before resuming as Church Secretary in a job-share. He also became editor of the church's monthly newsletter.

He became deputy MD of Rame in 2001, deputy conductor of Torpoint Lady Singers, helped with Torpoint Silver Band, and volunteered at Antony House. He was among the Rame choir members honoured three years ago with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, for their charity work.

Brian's funeral took place on June 22 at Bodmin followed by a memorial at Cornerstone Church, Torpoint. No less than 17 pieces of music featured at the service, but sadly no singing was permitted. Recordings by The Sixteen choir and Ely Cathedral Choir were included along with two tracks from a Rame cd: Calm is the Sea, and Minnadhu Breaks. Brian performed in these recordings.

He is survived by his wife, Eve, sons Gerald and NIgel, and six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Gerald and Nigel performed an outstanding take-off of Morecambe and Wise, exiting the church to "Bring Me Sunshine".

The choir plans a memorial concert to mark members lost during the pandemic as soon as life returns to normal.

Martin Walsh
Chairman RPMVC
24th June 2021

City of Truro Male Choir

"Cornish Choirs Sing to G7"

As part of Cornwall's Cultural Programme for G7, six Cornish choirs, whose members represent all ages, have joined together for the first time. With local, young soloists, they perform 'The World as One', a song especially commissioned from Russell Pascoe. "It's a plea to the leaders for action and lasting change, a call for unity and global responsibility in quite a popular style". The project was coordinated by City of Truro Male Choir who were joined by Truro Choral Society, Three Spires Singers, St Mary's Singers, Cornwall County Youth Choir, Cornwall Youth Chamber Choir and young soloists Adam Delbridge-Smith, Isabelle Thorns, Rosina Flint, Will Randlesome, Martha Jones and Freddie Parsons. The song has also been recorded and videoed by Cornwall County Youth Choir and by City of Truro Male Choir. It has also been adopted by the European Erasmus+ Programme and MEGA (Make Environment Great Again) Initiative with participating institutions in Belgium, Slovakia, Spain, Germany, and Poland.

Truro Male Choir's video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yCmbkIGX3s

Report submitted by Harry Haward
Press Officer
10th June 2021

NEWQUAY MALE VOICE CHOIR

Wednesday 26th May has become a significant day in the history of Newquay Male Voice Choir. In the evening of that day, after 441 days of waiting, most of the choir finally managed to get back together again for a proper face-to-face rehearsal. After more than a year of frustration with, for most of it, COVID regulations forbidding amateur choral groups from getting together, MD, Richard Braebrook, supported by accompanist, Simone Maier, was finally able to stand in front of and direct the choir en masse. The evenings of 'fun and frolics', and 'chaos and confusion' as choir members tried to make the most of what 'Zoom' allowed were finally over. The event had to take place outside and the choir is indebted to Lane Theatre who made their outside space available and even provided COVID secure access to their bar afterwards. Regulations remain such that only a maximum of 30 people could gather together and everyone had to be carefully socially distanced. However, on a gloriously sunny evening, it proved to be a great success, finding the choir to be in very good heart and surprisingly up to speed with their performance. So, NQY MVC is back! We have our fingers crossed for the Prime Minister's announcement on 21st June but we are very tentatively making plans to resume public performances later in the summer. Watch this space. "Tomorrow will be a good day."

Jim Christophers (Secretary, NQY MVC)
06th June 2021

NEWQUAY MALE VOICE CHOIR

A year (and a bit) in the life of an ordinary choir in extraordinary times

2020 will be remembered for a very long time as the year in which the world fought against a Coronavirus pandemic. Male Voice Choirs were hit hard by the restrictions and regulations brought in by the Government to try to stem the spread of an insidious disease that threatened the health and well-being of vulnerable people across the land. Essentially from March 23rd all amateur choral activity stopped as the first national lockdown was imposed. This is a reflection on how an ordinary male voice choir in Cornwall desperately tried to stay engaged and motivated over a year and a bit that was unlike any other.

Newquay Male Voice Choir proudly asserts, "We are not just any choir, we are a Cornish Male Voice Choir." However, apart from this particular distinction, we seem to be pretty much representative of our choral genre - a group of men of a certain age who gather together to share an enthusiasm for and enjoyment of singing and, certainly in many cases, the 'craic' that goes with it. We practise once a week, present concerts as often as we can and particularly enjoy meeting up with like-minded choral groups in shared events. On the 23rd March 2020 our world fell apart when the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced a National Lockdown in response to the Coronavirus pandemic that was beginning to engulf the world.

Firstly, I should express our enormous admiration and thanks to those choirs who very quickly adapted to a virtual digital world and kept the male voice choir movement in the spotlight. Evidence of how successful they were is easily available via YouTube. For us, this proved to be well out of our technical reach so, like many other similar choirs I suspect, we struggled to adapt to this very different environment.

As I write this, with a promising weather forecast, 30 members of the choir (28 singers plus our MD and accompanist) are planning to get together in a couple of days' time for a rehearsal in the car park of our local theatre. This will be the first time we have been able to meet face-to-face since our last weekly choir practice held on March 11th last year! Our planned practice on the 18th March had already been cancelled as that would have been the evening before the start of our tour to Gloucester and Cheltenham. By the date of our next scheduled practice, 25th March, our tour had been postponed and 'Lockdown' had been declared. Such was the traumatic beginning of a journey into and through territory that we had never explored nor experienced before.

Our immediate rection was one of shock. It appeared that a rug had been pulled from beneath us. Our whole raison d'etre had been removed. However, it seemed likely that things might be back to normal by the summer, or at least September. We just needed to sustain things for now. Then there emerged a realization that COVID was more insidious and life-threatening than anything we had experienced before. Furthermore, virtually every member of the choir fell into the Government's 'vulnerable' category. Whatever we may attempt to do would need to be very cautious and require very careful consideration of the ever more constraining restrictions and regulations that were being imposed.

Our instinctive, reaction was to make sure that members were properly connected via the telephone. Weekly e-mail messages invited members to contact, for example, the next person on the choir list, someone in another section with whom you do not usually converse .... We also shared choir 'news', for example, that the tour was likely to be rescheduled for the Autumn (little did we know). We shared things that we were learning during lockdown (It's easier to cut hair with clippers than with scissors; be careful when ordering on-line; Facetime and Skype are wonderful things). We created a 'Lockdown Looks' gallery in which we shared photographs of our new unkempt tonsorial appearance.

By April we had further delayed our tour to Spring 2021 (little did we know) and I was asking whether anyone had any knowledge or experience with an app I had heard of called Zoom that apparently some choirs were making use of. There was not much of a response! However, in the middle of May we had our first virtual committee meeting on Zoom. We logged on for the free option so only had limited time but it worked. We had found a way in which this small group of 5 could 'meet' to discuss ideas and issues related to the choir and its response to lockdown. With some easing of restrictions, things were beginning to look more promising.

In June there was some further easing of restrictions as we entered a summer that promised something approaching normality. However, without the choir being able to rehearse, a review of the choir's future bookings led to all remaining concerts being postponed to 2021 but with some prospect that we may be asked to participate in most of our usual Christmas activities (little did we know). Our tour was postponed to a date even further away, October 2021.

On the 26th June we had the first of a number of choir get together on Zoom. There were 12 participants and my notes record that 'it was not very productive' with most of the limited time we had dealing with 'technical issues relating to sound and vision'. We established that Zoom does not support synchronized choral singing and that our 'turn taking' would need to improve if we were to take things further.

On the 1st July, 100 days into our lockdown, I sent my last weekly e-mail out to members. The road ahead was looking less rocky, there was further easing of restrictions. We had survived for nearly four months with choir members by and large engaged, motivated and with a sense of momentum.

There followed a summer and Autumn of frustratingly false hope. To begin with restrictions and regulations continued to be eased and people found opportunities to get out and about more. We were encouraged to 'eat out to help out' and were granted permission to meet in groups of no more than 6 in a person's garden, something which added a new dimension to choir committee meetings. However, there was still no opportunity for choirs the size of ours to get together and the science surrounding the transmission potential of aerosols produced during singing sounded alarm bells. But, as the summer progressed news was coming through the grapevine of choirs who had developed covid secure approaches to gatherings. We consulted enormously helpful advice from 'Making Music' and the 'Association of British Choir Directors' and made contact with two local choirs who had successfully managed to bring their members together in large open sided barns. Could we do the same? There followed a period of research of potential premises and discussion considering the 'can we, but should we' dilemma of bringing together a group of potentially such vulnerable people. By the middle of September we had found somewhere and had begun the interesting task of undertaking a health and safety risk assessment. However, tantalizingly, just as we seemed ready to move forward, restrictions were reimposed and we found ourselves back where we started.

Then in December came the vaccinations. Once again the momentum of the pandemic shifted. Conversation within the choir now focused on who had had the vaccine, which type had they received, whether there were any after effects and, eventually, who had received both doses. We stepped away from 2020 and into 2021 with a renewed positivity tempered with a realism acquired from our experience to date.

Momentously, on the 13th January 2021 choir members were invited to their first proper singing opportunity on Zoom. Participants were promised 40 minutes of 'mayhem, mirth and music'; 16 members attended. We certainly had fun as we grappled with the technology. The 'mute all' function came into its own and allowed us to experiment with some 'social singing' with one participant singing the melody of a song while the others (all muted) sang along with them in their own homes. At the time it was the best we could do, but it was not entirely satisfying. However, shortly afterwards things improved no end when we paid a subscription and signed up for Zoom properly. This now afforded more time, allowing our MD to take us through a set of breathing and vocal exercises to support our singing. Having our accompanist with us also encouraged us to experiment singing our part (while muted) with the accompaniment in support (not as successful as we had hoped it might be). We also had one or two solo performances.

This is how things continued, a mixture of 'fun and frolics' and 'chaos and confusion', on a weekly basis up to the 3rd March when we made a significant breakthrough. Thanks to some remarkably generous support from a very good friend and colleague in South Wales (many thanks, Amy), we learnt how to 'share audio'. This gave us access to the digital files containing the tracks that we had recorded for our CD. (Yes, by an extraordinary quirk of good fortune, having done the recording immediately before lockdown, we had managed to produce a CD despite all the various restrictions and regulations of 2020.) This gave an enhanced singing experience with individuals, while muted to all others, able to sing their part ostensibly as if in the full choir. This is what we have done weekly since.

In between the musical events, social get togethers saw us sharing gardening tips, telling our favourite jokes, celebrating our most memorable sporting moments, recalling instances of mistaken identity ......

And there we have it. We hope to be back inside rehearsing by the end of June and have optimistically pencilled in a public performance for 13th August this year. We have our fingers crossed that this will take place and be the first of many other singing opportunities to come.

That's what we did, but what did we learn?

This is probably best encapsulated in this comment, received from one of our choir members, "The last year has reinforced my conviction that one of life's essentials is friendship and our need for companionship. Belonging to a choir has been a lifeline for all of us and, whilst Zoom has not been suitable for communal singing, it has enabled most of us to maintain group contact and enjoy the laughter and camaraderie that is such a vital part of choir life. Possibly even more vital as most of us are retired and many lead otherwise solitary lives!". Tony, many thanks for this.

So, what did you do during lockdown?

Jim Christophers (Secretary, NQY MVC)
05th June 2021

Mousehole Male Voice Choir

Recognition Of 70 Years Service To The Choir

Derek Harvey is the elder statesman of Mousehole Male Voice Choir. He joined when he was 17, on 19th October 1950, before many of us were born.

In honour of his 70th anniversary - surely unprecedented in the history of the choir - five of us (the maximum allowed under the present restrictions) went to the Solomon Browne Hall to present him with a Nigel Hallard print of the harbour. The five of us were very glad to represent the choir and show Derek how much we value what he's put into supporting Mousehole over such a long period. The label on the back of the picture says:

"Presented to Derek by his fellow members of the Mousehole Male Voice Choir as a mark of their affection and in recognition of his outstanding and remarkable 70 years of service to the choir."

It was also good to put on choir uniform for the first time in more than a year, not since our concert in February 2020 in Chapel Street Chapel to help raise funds for Julyan Drew's memorial seat in Newlyn. Getting dressing up wasn't as easy as you might think - buttoning up a shirt collar, remembering how to knot a tie, wondering why the trousers had shrunk so much, and dusting a pair of black shoes took some doing.

But it was worth it to stand in the sunshine in Mousehole with Derek and to thank him with a gift that shows how attractive the village is. We hope it will also bring back happy memories for him. Derek brought along a big album of choir photos going back many years and we spent some time looking through them and putting names to some of the faces - Cecil Blewett and Garfield Ladner, Sidney and Tommy Waters, Ivor George and Edgar Wallis, and many more.

Derek has sung under five Musical Directors, and he could probably tell you exactly how many concerts he's performed in and what pieces each one contained. In all these years, he missed only two Summer Festival Concerts and he sang at another despite hurting his back after falling off a roof. He's been Attendance Officer for over fifty years and, with the late Harry Pender, was awarded the annual Achievement Cup at the last AGM.

Hopefully when the choir is back together, we can in person thank Derek for his dedication to Mousehole Male Voice Choir and wish him even more years as a member.

Report submitted by Simon Bromage PR MMVC
14th May 2021

City of Truro Male Choir

Truro Men Rediscover Their 'Inner Child'

To celebrate World Children's Day in the UK, Truro's male choir have rediscovered their boyhood by making a video of Sam Cooke's 'Wonderful World'.

"I originally wrote this arrangement for my school boys' choir, 'The Cousin Jacks', but it struck me as a good vehicle for City of Truro Male Choir to have fun," said Musical Director, Russell Pascoe. "We've made several wild and anarchic videos during lockdown and this one takes 'bizarre' to a new level. Our videos have been seen by tens of thousands, all around the world - it's amazing! We have dedicated the video to the Cornwall Music Therapy Service which supports children in challenging circumstances. We support CMT and hope that our audience will via YouTube".

The video is to be found at https://youtu.be/yl4FpeJk20o

The choir meets online (at the moment) to rehearse and is open to any guys who enjoy a good sing. Just contact our Facebook page or email truromalechoir@gmail.com

Report submitted by Harry Haward
Press Officer
14th May 2021

City of Truro Male Choir

Choir Sings for Sir Tom

As Truro's Male Choir's first new piece of repertoire for 2021 is "You'll never walk alone", they felt it should be dedicated to Sir Tom and people and places that inspire their community. As well as recording themselves, choir members have provided pictures which inspire them to illustrate their new video, which can be seen at https://youtu.be/aNeC9scjYeU

The Choir's Musical Director, Russell Pascoe said "We had planned to learn this as our first new piece for 2021 to cheer ourselves and raise our own and others spirits. Choosing pictures to illuminate the sense of the piece gave us an interesting challenge and produced some insightful results. We feel this is a fitting tribute to Sir Tom and will encourage people to continue to contribute to his Foundation, the details of which are shown at the end of the video."

The video will be premiered at 0900 on Tuesday 9 February on YouTube, at https://youtu.be/aNeC9scjYeU

Report submitted by Harry Haward
Press Officer
8th Feb 2021

City of Truro Male Choir

Three Choirs and Covid

The Musical Directors of three Cornish Male Voice Choirs have shared their experiences of becoming 'virtual' choirs during the Covid lockdown this year. Their conversations explore how they started going 'virtual', how they progressed and what else they did. The three Directors are Marcus Alleyne of Loveny Male Voice Choir, Stephen Lawry of Mousehole Male voice Choir and Russell Pascoe of City of Truro Male Choir. Their conversation is to be found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8_cdwHUFJKUjTj7uq9G7Gg/featured

John Larke Chairman of the Truro Choir said "Our Choir was very uneasy when we started the process. Having progressed, we felt it was important to make the lessons learned available to others to encourage them to put their toes in the 'virtual' water. Our starting point was the realisation that the vast majority of our singers had a modern phone and an email address. We are particularly grateful for the direct financial support of FEAST and Cornwall Community Foundation in making the project happen." FEAST is a programme to make great art happen across Cornwall.

Report submitted by John Larke MBE, TD
Chairman
1st Jan 2021

City of Truro Male Choir

Choir Jingles for Food Bank

Building on the success of "The Lion sleeps tonight" (which included a cameo from Kernow King - Ed Rowe), City of Truro Male Choir have teamed up with BBC Radio Cornwall for their second Christmas offering. The video features the choir and BBC presenters prancing and singing 'Jingle Bells' arranged by Musical Director Russell Pascoe. It was filmed and recorded by members on a normal choir practice night. The choir were delighted to showcase the vocal talents of Daphne Skinnard, Tiffany Truscott, James Churchfield and Laurence Reed who joined the 'elf-like' joyful singalong. Russell Pascoe said "It has been huge fun bringing this project together with the help of our friends at BBC Radio Cornwall. Daphne Skinnard is a choir Vice President and great friend to our choir. However there is also a serious side to this project - we have dedicated it to the Truro Food Bank who operate out of our rehearsal venue at All Saints Church, Highertown. We hope that people will give generously if they have been amused by our antics"

The video will be premiered on the choir's YouTube platform at 9.00PM on 19 December https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8_cdwHUFJKUjTj7uq9G7Gg/featured ."

Report submitted by John Larke MBE, TD
Chairman
20th Dec 2020

City of Truro Male Choir

Choir and Kernow King Go Wild for Newquay Zoo

Following the release of their very first video which received an accolade from impresario Aled Jones, City of Truro Male Choir have gone a step further and produced an even zanier offering. Featuring thirty nine members of the choir in various forms of jungle attire, it is dedicated to Cornwall's Newquay Zoo. Cornwall's own actor/comedian Edward Rowe, known locally as 'Kernow King', kindly gave his time and support and joined in the fun. The film was edited by award winning filmmaker Brett Harvey who took time out from completing his forthcoming feature film LONG WAY BACK. https://www.o-region.co.uk

The choir's Musical Director, international composer Russell Pascoe, who appears in the video being chased by a lion said "In these appallingly difficult covid times I have been delighted by the men's enthusiasm and participation. We learned all our singing parts at our weekly virtual Zoom practices and all of the parts were recorded individually and mixed remotely by Choir member Adam Delbridge–Smith. Filming was carried out in a covid secure manner in Truro's Boscawen Park. Most importantly this project has been a way for our group to stay connected whilst we are unable to meet face to face. We had a great deal of fun making the film and hope we can bring a chuckle and a smile to people's faces in these stressful times as well as raise some much needed funds for the Zoo, which can be done via their website at https://www.newquayzoo.org.uk/support-us/donate."

Choir Chairman John Larke said "This second video is also part of a larger project we are undertaking to record how we as a choir have adapted to using virtual means to continue as a choir and to record our performances for the benefit of others. We will then be circulating this information to the wider choral community to encourage others to try such methods. It has allowed us to keep our spirit, music and social cohesion together, which is what amateur singing is all about. We would not have been able to proceed with this project with the direct financial support of FEAST and Cornwall Community Foundation. FEAST is a programme to make great art happen across Cornwall."

The video will be premiered at 0900 on Thursday 12 November on YouTube, at https://youtu.be/2ny1x55YsZs

Report submitted by John Larke MBE, TD
Chairman
12th Nov 2020

Mousehole Male Voice Choir

Paul Feast Concert With A Difference

On Sunday 11th October Mousehole Male Voice Choir gave the traditional feast concert in the parish church. This concert though, was different. Due to the on-going Covid-19 situation, the concert itself was a virtual one featuring songs performed by the choir and recorded for posterity and available on 'You Tube'. A very limited audience was present, in line with the restrictions, and the 'choir' were hosted for the evening by the choir's indomitable musical director, Steve Lawry.

The evening followed the same format as a proper concert (ie groups of three). The first group commenced with the hymn tune "I Need Thee Every Hour" which had been performed at an outdoor concert in Mousehole, conducted by Tom Waters and accompanied by John Harry. This was followed by songs recorded on one of the choir's very successful tours and performed in Southark Cathedral, London.

During the interval the audience were entertained by the pupils of Mousehole school and videoed at the school. This included a piece called Paul feast calypso.

What made this evening unique was the presentation to one of the choir's top tenors, Derek Harvey. Derek celebrates 70 years in the choir on 19th October this year. In 1950, when he joined he was auditioned by the then musical director, Maddern Williams. After being accepted, Derek said "You weren't allowed to sing in a concert unless the conductor thought you were able to - you never had any probation period then and never did a concert until the following Summer". The choir's president, Kath Matthews presented Derek with a certificate recognising 70 years of singing from the The Cornwall Federation of Male Choirs. The choir's Chairman, Jon Pender, also spoke a few words about Derek and presented him with a Congratulations card from the Choir. Jon read the words in the card out to the audience "To Derek, Many congratulations and a special thank you for achieving a remarkable 70 years dedicated and loyal service. This is not only as a first tenor singer but also as an outstanding assistant treasurer for most of your service. Best wishes from all your friends in Mousehole MVC". Derek then received a well deserved standing ovation from all present.

The choir will present Derek with something more substantial once the restrictions have eased and all the choir can gather to mark this wonderful anniversary together. Maybe this anecdote sums up Derek's dedication, as a carpenter and joiner he said "I was working on a roof. fell off, fractured three vertebrae and did the Summer Concert in agony. We did 'Nidaros' and I was determined I was going to sing that after all the practice we had done on it over such a long time. I went to the concert - but I wasn't very comfortable".

The two outstanding pieces of music during the evening was the Choir singing 'Gwahoddiad' with the Sierra wind Orchestra USA at St Mary's church during the Golowan festival and also 'And Can It Be' at the International Choir Festival Competition in 2019 in Truro Cathedral. The final section included 'The Old Woman' conducted by Portia Grant at Mousehole Chapel in 2009 and 'You'll Never Walk Alone' with guest artist Faryl Smith from a recent Summer festival concert in St Mary's Church, Penzance and the popular and most appropriate piece in these difficult times "We Rise Again" recorded at Barnstaple Parish Church. The evening finished with the blessing and prayer given by the Vicar, Rev Andrew Yates.

This evening would not have happened and been as successful as it was without the amazing work which went into creating the virtual concert by Steve Lawry and Kevin Wild. Thanks must also go to Rev Andrew Yates in hosting this special evening.

Photo Credits: Jon Pender & Jane Harvey

Report submitted by Simon Bromage PR MMVC
15th Oct 2020

Loveny Male Voice Choir

Return to Rehearsal

On Thursday evening Lovwny Male Voice Choir were able to return to rehearsals making them one of the first choirs on the county to hold a physics rehearsal.

Following the recent relaxation of guidelines applied to amateur singers Loveny MVC wasted no time in taking full advantage and set the ball rolling to return to singing together. During the whole of lockdown and all through restrictions the choir has not missed a single proactive. Musical Director Marcus Alleyne generated over 80 bespoke rehearsal files to facilitate the weekly Zoom sessions allowing each section to wing along with not only their individual harmony line but also all 4 harmony lines.

LMVC baritone Bryan Crowel spent w number of course reading the guidance qne generating the covid safe risk assessment to ensure all the entire team were safe and Colin Arthur is generously offering use of his barn until we are ready to go indoors.

MD Marcus Alleynw said ”It was fantastic to return to live physical rehearsal and absolutely marvelous to see such a good turn out with 75% of the choir in attendance.”

Report submitted by LMVC
30th Aug 2020

City of Truro Male Choir

"MEN STAND TOGETHER FOR NHS"

City of Truro's male choir has been having fun during lock-down and produced a music video which they have dedicated to the NHS. The choir is fortunate to have amongst their younger singers, Adam Delbridge-Smith completing a Music Degree at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and Oscar Davies who is a Production Assistant in London. They have been weaving the electronic sound and video images together into an amazing and original video!

Choir Musical Director and international Cornish composer, Russell Pascoe said "One of our choir members suggested we sing the Frog's Chorus with its refrain, 'We all stand together' in honour of the NHS". As a twenty first century inclusive choir, we felt the message encapsulated how we are all feeling in these difficult times. I enjoyed arranging it for the lads and it has given us the opportunity to have fun working together by using Zoom rehearsals and recording technology. Most of us had to learn new skills in order to participate. It has been superb to see members help and support each other in order to make this weird and wonderful tribute!

The video can be seen on YouTube, at https://youtu.be/AlTbJafB9NM

Report submitted by John Larke MBE, TD
Chairman
2nd Aug 2020

"In Covid Times"

Whilst the choir keeps going via Zoom, we all long for the day when we can return to singing together in the same location. When lockdown came a few of us experimented with our MD on how we might use the medium for substitute choir practices. Fortunately there was a lot of advice on line on how to go about this. So we then asked the choir if they wanted to "have a go" and the result is that we now have a weekly virtual practice including sectionals with over two third of the choir members participating. We have focused on maintaining our repertoire as well as even starting to learn a new piece of music. Silver surfers, who needed some IT help, were assisted by phone to get them into the system. We have all slowly adapted to what is required and regardless of the limitations, it has kept us together in song. Our musical team have been admiral in adapting to their new and sometimes quite difficult way of doing things.

Nationally serious research has been taking place and a recent report from the Guardian Newspaper is to be found at

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jul/22/sing-funnel-covid-19-lab-hoping-declare-singing-safe?fbclid=IwAR3ZG_DTlJCdxL1fz4rTJIK8hZsDQh-aOO6S2VR9ju01A7V2V5a3YZXkNSo

In addition there is an interview ( 15 minutes but worth it) with Consultant ENT Declan Costello , an expert on the voice. He has been leading the research into Covid-19 and the potential dangers concerning singing and wind instrument playing. Phase one of his research is now complete and its finding will inform Government policy. The conversation between him and Sam Evans of OneVoiceCampaign is to be found at https://www.onevoicecampaign.org/video

There is hope in the pipeline and we encourage all singers, to find a way to keep practicing.

Report submitted by John Larke MBE, TD
Chairman
23rd July 2020

Item updated 02/8/20

MEN OF SONG
by Jeff Campbell of Tamar Valley MVC

Men of Song, written by Jeff Campbell, sets out the history of British male voice singing; it is a book likely to be be of great interest to male voice choristers and fans of choral singing around the UK.

Jeff Campbell has dedicated his time to researching his book, a subject about which he is passionate. He also decided he would like this project to be a means of helping his 11 year old granddaughter, Skye Campbell, who suffers from Down's Syndrome together with some serious health complications including a heart condition. Skye attends the Bidwell Brook School, a special school which Jeff states does wonderful work with the children. He intends to give any proceeds from the sale of his book to a fund to assist his granddaughter's future.

The paperback contains 344 pages with full colour pictures. It is available now from Jeff direct priced £11 this includes post and packaging or Ebay priced £12, both can be payed for by using PayPal. For further details please contact Jeff on 01548 831559 or email to menofsong2016@gmail.com.

Item updated on 13/11/2016

Loveny Male Voice Choir

Return to Rehearsal

On Thursday evening Lovwny Male Voice Choir were able to return to rehearsals making them one of the first choirs on the county to hold a physics rehearsal.

Following the recent relaxation of guidelines applied to amateur singers Loveny MVC wasted no time in taking full advantage and set the ball rolling to return to singing together. During the whole of lockdown and all through restrictions the choir has not missed a single proactive. Musical Director Marcus Alleyne generated over 80 bespoke rehearsal files to facilitate the weekly Zoom sessions allowing each section to wing along with not only their individual harmony line but also all 4 harmony lines.

LMVC baritone Bryan Crowel spent w number of course reading the guidance qne generating the covid safe risk assessment to ensure all the entire team were safe and Colin Arthur is generously offering use of his barn until we are ready to go indoors.

MD Marcus Alleynw said ”It was fantastic to return to live physical rehearsal and absolutely marvelous to see such a good turn out with 75% of the choir in attendance.”

Report submitted by LMVC
30th Aug 2020

City of Truro Male Choir

"MEN STAND TOGETHER FOR NHS"

City of Truro's male choir has been having fun during lock-down and produced a music video which they have dedicated to the NHS. The choir is fortunate to have amongst their younger singers, Adam Delbridge-Smith completing a Music Degree at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and Oscar Davies who is a Production Assistant in London. They have been weaving the electronic sound and video images together into an amazing and original video!

Choir Musical Director and international Cornish composer, Russell Pascoe said "One of our choir members suggested we sing the Frog's Chorus with its refrain, 'We all stand together' in honour of the NHS". As a twenty first century inclusive choir, we felt the message encapsulated how we are all feeling in these difficult times. I enjoyed arranging it for the lads and it has given us the opportunity to have fun working together by using Zoom rehearsals and recording technology. Most of us had to learn new skills in order to participate. It has been superb to see members help and support each other in order to make this weird and wonderful tribute!

The video can be seen on YouTube, at https://youtu.be/AlTbJafB9NM

Report submitted by John Larke MBE, TD
Chairman
2nd Aug 2020

"In Covid Times"

Whilst the choir keeps going via Zoom, we all long for the day when we can return to singing together in the same location. When lockdown came a few of us experimented with our MD on how we might use the medium for substitute choir practices. Fortunately there was a lot of advice on line on how to go about this. So we then asked the choir if they wanted to "have a go" and the result is that we now have a weekly virtual practice including sectionals with over two third of the choir members participating. We have focused on maintaining our repertoire as well as even starting to learn a new piece of music. Silver surfers, who needed some IT help, were assisted by phone to get them into the system. We have all slowly adapted to what is required and regardless of the limitations, it has kept us together in song. Our musical team have been admiral in adapting to their new and sometimes quite difficult way of doing things.

Nationally serious research has been taking place and a recent report from the Guardian Newspaper is to be found at

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jul/22/sing-funnel-covid-19-lab-hoping-declare-singing-safe?fbclid=IwAR3ZG_DTlJCdxL1fz4rTJIK8hZsDQh-aOO6S2VR9ju01A7V2V5a3YZXkNSo

In addition there is an interview ( 15 minutes but worth it) with Consultant ENT Declan Costello , an expert on the voice. He has been leading the research into Covid-19 and the potential dangers concerning singing and wind instrument playing. Phase one of his research is now complete and its finding will inform Government policy. The conversation between him and Sam Evans of OneVoiceCampaign is to be found at https://www.onevoicecampaign.org/video

There is hope in the pipeline and we encourage all singers, to find a way to keep practicing.

Report submitted by John Larke MBE, TD
Chairman
23rd July 2020

Item updated 02/8/20

MEN OF SONG
by Jeff Campbell of Tamar Valley MVC

Men of Song, written by Jeff Campbell, sets out the history of British male voice singing; it is a book likely to be be of great interest to male voice choristers and fans of choral singing around the UK.

Jeff Campbell has dedicated his time to researching his book, a subject about which he is passionate. He also decided he would like this project to be a means of helping his 11 year old granddaughter, Skye Campbell, who suffers from Down's Syndrome together with some serious health complications including a heart condition. Skye attends the Bidwell Brook School, a special school which Jeff states does wonderful work with the children. He intends to give any proceeds from the sale of his book to a fund to assist his granddaughter's future.

The paperback contains 344 pages with full colour pictures. It is available now from Jeff direct priced £11 this includes post and packaging or Ebay priced £12, both can be payed for by using PayPal. For further details please contact Jeff on 01548 831559 or email to menofsong2016@gmail.com.

Item updated on 13/11/2016

Mousehole Male Voice Choir

New Choir President for Mousehole MVC.

At the choir's annual general meeting on Monday 9th March 2020, the choir elected a new President. The choir were unanimous in the decision and it gives us great pleasure to announce that Mrs Kath Matthews has now become Choir President. Kath has been a stalwart of the choir for over forty years, Kath first became associated with Mousehole Male Voice Choir in 1976 when she was a music student. She became a primary school teacher specialising in music and was a soloist with the choir under musical director, Eric Dale.

Kath joined MMVC Ladies Committee in 1977 and has had the role of secretary and chairman. She is, at present, chairman of the committee.

She sang with her husband John and brother-in-law Kevin in a group called 'Nampara,' singing in local concerts and choir tours.

Kath was made a bard of the Cornish Gorsedh in 2010, her bardic name being 'J'n Kana Fleghes' - 'Joy in Children's singing.' In the same year she was also awarded the Brian Spiegelhalter Citizen of the Year award for Penzance.

Kath takes much pleasure in being the accompanist for her twin daughters, Jenna and Morwenna known as 'Twin Harmony' who delight in singing throughout the county and especially enjoy singing with MMVC.

MMVC holds a very special place in Kath's heart as it was through the choir that she met her husband, John, in 1976. Her father-in-law Garfield was also a life member of the choir.

She feels very humble to follow in the footsteps of such esteemed presidents.

Having being appointed Kath said "I just wanted to express my sincere thanks and gratitude in electing me as your forthcoming president. I am indeed honoured, thrilled and feel it a great privilege to follow in the footsteps of such prestigious past presidents. I hope that I can serve you as well as these wonderful people have done in the past. My connection with MMVC began in 1976 and it has been a great honour to be associated with this wonderful organisation who show so much concern and support for each other".

Simon Bromage
PR
24th March 2020

Item updated 30/3/20

CORNWALL IN HIGH PLACES

Below is a very intersting article sent by Linda and Tom Jones after a visit to London.

On a recent visit to London, we discovered an interesting fact about Burlington House, home of the Royal Academy: Burlington House cornices have something surprising and special about them!

The main (north) building of what is now Burlington House in London’s Piccadilly was built as a private residence in the early 1700s. East and west wings were subsequently added, and it was eventually sold to the British government in 1854 for £140,000. It was renovated by the architect Sydney Smirke RA who replaced the east and west wings with larger structures, but left the main building largely intact. The main building was then leased to the Royal Academy of Arts in 1868.

During the renovation process, complex moulded cornices were fitted to ceilings in the main galleries. Fragments of these cornices were on show at a recent exhibition in the RA. The first photograph shows what appears to be a typically complex cornice - fit for a palace. However, the second photograph shows its edge profile which is a beautiful replica of … a map of Cornwall!

As explained in the exhibition, the “cornices can still be read as abstract objects. But to those who recognise the shape of their profile, they appear as architectural elements with a specific meaning that connects to personal myths and biographies: a trip to the seaside, childhood holiday or simply part of everyday life.”

'Cornice viewed from front'

'Cornice viewed in profile'

Item updated 29/01/17

Mousehole Male Voice Choir

Stalwart Choir Member, Harry Pender

The choir were saddened to learn of the passing of our very much beloved friend and baritone, Harry Pender in the early hours of Tuesday 17th March after a long illness. Harry first joined Mousehole Male Voice Choir as a teenager in 1946 but left when called up for his National Service, which he spent in the army. After being de-mobbed, with the rank of Sergeant, he worked locally as a motor engineer and businessman before forming the partnership of Blewett and Pender, Motor Cycle Engineers, in Albert Street, Penzance.

Harry re-joined the choir in 1985 and the following year was one of the original members of The Cornwall Male Choir formed to tour the U.S.A. That choir continued for another 20 years, superseded by The Kernow Male Choir and The Trelawny Male Choir. Harry sang with all these choirs visiting The USA. and Canada on several occasions plus Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and parts of Europe.

Harry was constantly working behind the scenes for Mousehole MVC. He had been the choir’s music librarian for many years; he also took charge of CD sales and organised the Methodist school room ready for choir practice. He was always one of the first to arrive and the last to leave, such was his dedication. Choir Musical Director Steve Lawry, said of Harry, “His personality shone in everything he did, and his sense of fun and mischievous smile will live long in the memory. There can never have been a more conscientious librarian either. Not only on the ball with all the music ready at each practice, but if I ever asked on a Monday night what copies were available when planning a new programme I would have a list by the end of the next morning! Then there are all the ladies who were persuaded by his charm to run the CD stall at concerts, who will also miss his warmth and appreciation.” He did not mind being the subject of a bit of fun with the members but was highly respected by everyone. He will be sadly missed. When looking at the comments made about Harry on the choir’s Facebook page, what comes out time and time again was that he was full of kindness, full of fun, a gentleman and a great ambassador for the choir.

A light has gone out within the choir with his happiness and laughter gone from us. Harry you were an absolute legend and the choir are poorer without you. Rest in peace, dear friend and enjoying singing your heart out with the choirs of angels.

Simon Bromage
PR
24th March 2020

Item updated 30/3/20

MARAZION APOLLO MALE CHOIR

GREAT SADNESS

For the second time in a month I report the death of a second tenor in the Marazion Apollo male Choir.

Alex Taylor, who joined the choir only about five years ago and was known for his solo performances of 'Simon & Garfunkel' numbers at our summer variety concerts, sadly died on the evening of Christmas Day. Alex had been receiving treatment for leukaemia over the past few months. All looked well at the end of summer but the disease did not respond to the second course of treatment. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.

It is with great sadness that we record the death of our oldest and well revered choir member on this day 26th November 2019.

Ken Cargeeg has been an active member and former chairman of Marazion Apollo since January 8th 1951. That is 68 years with this choir and prior to that Ken sang as a founding member of St. Buryan Male Choir for 8 years and the former Heamoor choir for 2 years. That makes a total of 78 years of singing in male voice choirs and he was rehearsing our Christmas music only last week. Surely this is a record of service that will be very difficult to surpass.
In his later years Ken had also gained a reputation for delivering impressive monologues at our concerts with never a script to be seen.

Rest in Peace Ken

Submitted by Stuart Meyers

Item updated 01/01/20

Mousehole Male Voice Choir

Free Music

We have been having a sort out of our music and have some pieces of music (TTBB) which are looking for a good home. Could you advertise this on the Federation Website please? They are free and are on a first come, first serve basis. If anyone is interested in them, could they contact Tim James, choir secretary on 01736 361371 or email their request to him on: info@mouseholemalevoicechoir.com

If you feel that you would enjoy spending time with a very social group of people who enjoy singing and raising money for charity then why not join us.
Our practice night takes place every Tuesday night (7:45-9:30) in the schoolroom at Stithians Methodist Church, where there is plenty of parking (TR3 7AN).
Please check the choir website for further details; ststythiansmvc.weebly.com or follow us on Facebook.
You could also contact: Secretary: Jackie Dunstan 01872 553276; Chairman: John Houldsworth 01326 250744 or any other choir member.

Annual Dinner and Presentation Night 2018

St Stythians Male Voice Choir celebrated their annual dinner at the Penmorvah Manor Hotel last Friday (23rd November).
Over 70 choristers and friends enjoyed an excellent meal and were entertained by Akoustek. Karen Hurn and Barbara Martyn were the choir's guests of honour. Karen regaled her audience with humorous anecdotes from her musical past.
A prodigious fund raiser, Karen has used her "gift of singing" to raise approaching £200,000 for charity. Chairperson, John Houldsworth, then thanked Karen, the staff of the Penmorvah and J C Williams (Helston), the choir's main sponsor.
Long service awards were then presented to Mark Curnow for 10 years; John Musgrave, Mike Paddon, Glyn Pettifer, David Wilkin and Chris Dunstan for 20 years.
Chris was also presented with a certificate from the Cornwall Federation of Male Voice Choirs in recognition of 50 years' service, which included membership of other Cornish choirs.
Flowers were then presented to Lynda Jones (Ladies committee) and Karen Hurn, as well as a special presentation to Jackie Dunstan for her efficient work as choir secretary.
Once the formalities were completed, it was time to relax and socialise whilst listening to the smooth music of Akoustek.

Garnet Martin's Table

John Houldsworth making a presentation to Chris Dunstan

John Houldsworth making a presentation to Mark Curnow

Karen Hurn, Kathryn Downing and Barbara Martin

Ken and Kathryn Downing's Table

Ken Downing making presentation to Jackie Dunstan

Ken Downing presenting flowers to Karen Hurn

Ken Tregove's Table

Reports by John Houldsworth
Chairman

Item updated 04/08/18

CITY OF TRURO MALE CHOIR

Building a Modern Choir

Picture of Russell with the new men

In 2016, City of Truro Male Choir appointed Russell Pascoe to be their Music Director. Since his arrival and due much to his recruiting prowess, the Choir has gained over twenty new members of all ages and is going from strength to strength.

Russell was born in Cornwall and educated at Helston School and Bristol University, where he studied composition with Derek Bourgeois. In 1987 he founded the Cornwall Youth Chamber Choir and was awarded the Gorsedd prize. He also worked with the Cornwall Male Voice Choir, Duchy Opera and ran five school based choirs including the popular 'Cousin Jacks' choir for boys at Richard Lander School in Truro.

As a composer, Russell has had his music performed from Finland to Mexico and has produced music in most genres; opera, orchestral, chamber and choral. He has taught composition for the South West Music School and in 2000 was nominated as one of Classic FM's Music Teachers of the Year. He was runner-up in the South West Teacher of the Year 2004 and was made a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedd in 2000.

Since his appointment as Music Director for Truro's Male Voice Choir, Russell has led the choir in numerous concerts throughout Cornwall, including the Cornwall Music Festival, where the choir were awarded a Distinction.

Russell says. 'As a proud Cornishman, it is a great honour to conduct City of Truro Male Choir ­ a choir in the heart of Cornwall. It is a great opportunity forge a community of singers and to let them enjoy singing in concerts and purely for fun in pubs! It is fantastic that we have been able to engage so many new members of varied ages'.

The choir practices at All Saints Church, Highertown, Truro on Thursday nights at 7.30PM. They offer a friendly and supportive environment in which to enjoy singing. Our website and Facebook page show us in action.

Report by Harry Haward
Publicity Officer for Truro Male Choir

Item updated 04/08/18

Obituary in Memory of Brian Mitchell

Members of Mevagissey Male Choir are sad to announce the death of their much loved accompanist for many years, Brian Mitchell .

Brian died on Sunday 15 July. He was well known all over the county for his organ playing, and his quiet unassuming manner.

Sent by Nick Nicholls (Chairman Mevagissey Male Choir)
Item posted 06/08/2018

PELYNT MALE CHOIR

The choir enjoyed a fantastic evening last night at Bocaddon. A delicious menu was on offer which included home produced veal sausages and burgers and a wonderful selection of deserts provided by our ever supportive wives and partners. The evening provided an opportunity to hand over a cheque for £1100.00 to the Relay for Life team, which was raised at an earlier safari supper. (Photos courtesy Rod Roose)

Report by Geoff Bowyer, Pelynt Male Choir

Item updated 25/07/18

TAMAR VALLEY MALE VOICE CHOIR

Rosemary Cole BEM B.Ed.hons FISM

The choir is delighted to announce that its Director of Music, Rosemary Cole has been recognised in the 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours List with the award of a British Empire Medal for services to singing and the performing arts in the South West.

Rosemary was the main instigator in forming the choir in 2006 with just 9 members. A member of the Cornish Federation of Male Voice Choirs, the choir now has around 40 members and thanks largely to the her hard work and talents the choir has a very full programme of successful concerts which includes the traditional male voice repertoire and modern compositions both sacred and secular.

Report by Geoff Gunning, Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir

Item updated 21/06/18

PRINCE CHARLES' 70th BIRTHDAY GARDEN PARTY

From Left to Right
Ted Pinguey, Terry Hodge, John Trethewey, Phil Taylor, Steve Ley

Buckingham Palace Garden Party

At the end of January the Federation received a request from the Lord Chamberlains Office at Buckingham Palace, inviting members of the Executive Committee to attend a garden party to celebrate the 70th Birthday of Prince Charles, Duke of Cornwall on the 22nd May 2018.

After contacting the Executive Committee, names were forwarded to the Palace and in due course official invitations were received. We were told not to inform anybody of this event because of the security involvement for the day.

On the day we all had an early start, meeting at Plymouth railway station to catch the 9:49 train to London. The journey was uneventful, but some of the passengers on the train were from Cornwall and also going to the party.

We then made our way to the Palace arriving at around 2:30 pm for the gates to open at 3:00pm. On entering the Palace Gardens we had time to look around the vast gardens, making our way to the lawn area, to join up with the other 6500 guests for the event. All the guests were involved with organisations that Prince Charles was patron of.

At the appointed time of 4:00pm a fanfare heralded the arrival of the Royal Party including the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and his new bride Meghan, (Duke and Duchess of Sussex).

Prince Harry started the proceedings with a speech explaining what the day was about, during his speech a bee happened to sting him on the neck; his subsequent comment caused much amusement.

The Royal Party proceeded down the steps, for a group photograph with all of the officers of the organizations that they are involved with as Patrons.

The attending throng formed two lines on the lawn for the Royal Party, so that they could walk down chatting and shaking hands with as many people as possible.

At this time the tea tent was opened for sandwiches/cakes tea or coffee (very nice!).

The rest of the afternoon in very hot weather was spent chatting with people from all over the World enjoying the event.

The party finished at 6:00pm and we made our way back to Paddington station to catch our train at 20:03 due to return to Plymouth at 23:25. We were on time all the way until rail works near Ivybridge held us up for 35 minutes, getting home later than expected.

But a great day was had by all.

Report by Ted Pinguey Publicity Officer for The Cornish Federation of Male Voice Choirs.

Item updated 10/06/18

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PRESIDENT'S PLATE AWARD 2018 goes to City of Truro Male Choir

Terry Hodge, Chairman, presents the President's Silver Plate Award
to John Larke MBE of City of Truro Male Choir

At the Federation Annual General Meeting held on 17th April, City of Truro Male Choir was announced as the winner of this year's President Plate Award. The Chairman, Terry Hodge, congratulated the choir on their excellent work within the community and their youth involvement.
The choir always try to be part of the local community, here are a few things they have been involved in during the past year.

1 Lady Mary Holborow Memorial Service at Truro Cathedral.
2 Singing at the bandstand of Victoria Gardens, Truro on two occasions as the Britain in Bloom Judges visited.
3 Participating in the Truro Day Celebrations.
4 Supporting Tregthnan Estate Charity Open Day.
5 Supporting Trewithwen Gardens Charity Open Day.
6 St Pirans Day Shot at the Rising Sun Pub.
7 Carols at Tregolls Manor Retirement home.
8 Managed all the choir competition and concert marshaling at the HFC during the International Festival.

There youth involvement is working with local schools and held a St Pirans Day Concert with Threemilestone Primary School Choir and supported them with their Christmas Concerts.
they held a joint concert with Truro School Wind Band and their Barbershop Choir.
They have also recruited younger singers and now have 7 members of the choir in the range of 13 - 21.

Item updated 21/04/18

Burraton Male Choir

Burraton Male Choir

Burraton Male Choir proudly showing off their new uniform just before their first concert of 2018. St Piran's Day Concert at Saltash Wesley Methodist Church in aid of Little Thing & Co., The Baby Bereavement Charity.
Little Things & Co. are a UK based charity offering practical and emotional support to those who have suffered the loss of a baby.
The concert raised over £600 for the charity.

Item updated 18/03/2018

City of Truro Male Choir

Photo of awards
L to R- David Blackman; Denzil Oates, Glyn Hooper, Geoff Aver(Choir President), John Larke, John Harris

At the beginning of December, City of Truro Male Choir President Geoff Aver presented long service awards to choir members. Denzil Oates and John Harris, seen either side of the President, have been singing continuously with the choir for seventy and fifty years respectively. With the other awards the accumulated singing time for the five members, comes to one hundred and seventy years. Denzil joined the original Chacewater choir in 1947 and says he is looking forward to the next ten years. He was also Chairman for thirty years.

Report sent in by John Larke, Chairman, City of Truro Male Choir

Item updated 02/01/2018

Marazion Apollo Male Choir

"I have admired this award winning choir’s quality over the years” said Russell “and have also been impressed with their commitment in rehearsals and am looking forward to working with them in the future. It’s a lot of fun. Having conducted a variety of school choirs, including ‘The Cousin Jacks’, I know that there are hundreds of men in the community who have enjoyed the singing experience, and many who wished they had taken part when they were younger. The recent celebration of St Piran’s Day proved that there is an appetite for singing in pubs and I’d like to build on this with the choir, as well as performing concerts around the region. It’s going to be a lot of fun!”

City of Truro Male Choir rehearse every Thursday evening at All Saints Church, Highertown, Truro from 7.30 to 9.30 pm. Anyone interested should either come along at 7.15pm, contact Russell on FaceBook or ring John on 01872 865431 or 07968 515673 for more information.