New chairman
At their AGM, Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir thanked retiring Chairman Geoff Hursthouse (Baritone) for three years of guidance. The committee of the choir was largely unchanged, ensuring a solid foundation for choir activities, but welcomed two new members – Alun Roberts (Baritone) as Choir Marshall (many thanks to Phil Millns (Bass) for conducting this role over the last year) and Trevor Dyson (2nd Tenor) as a chorister member. Paul Bennett (2nd Tenor) was elected as the new Chairman. Paul has been a choir member during two periods of time – from 2012 to 2019 and then again from 2024. His return has been marked with keenness and commitment and, of course, his wonderful skills as a compere. Paul has spent most of his working career in sales and has a background in the military and he has received warm congratulations from his fellow choristers.
Welcome to famous Welsh choir
Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir, led by Paul and Musical Director Ian Grice with Concert Manager Lynden Lowe and accompanist Maureen Lockwood, presented the choir’s Gala Spring Concert in March with special guests, premier Welsh male voice choir Morriston Orpheus. It was the first occasion the two choirs have appeared together as Morriston Orpheus rarely appear outside of Wales (aside from regular concert tours overseas).
Morriston Orpheus, based in Swansea, are a flagship choir who enjoy an international reputation. Since their formation on 23rd April 1935, the choir has steadfastly embodied the ethos of ‘making music joyously’. With a storied history and the unwavering dedication of its members and staff (two of whom have over 60 years of service), it proudly upholds its position as the Ambassadors of Song. The current Musical Director is Nathan Jones, and the accompanist is Dora Seaton.
Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir was inaugurated in 1944 and has won over 50 first places in national competitions. The choir were granted permission to wear the Mansfield Coat of Arms on their uniforms in recognition of their work as ambassadors for Mansfield. In 2019 they were kindly granted the Freedom of Mansfield by former Mayor Kate Allsop to mark their 75th anniversary. Sell out concerts are the norm. The concert presented soaring male voice choir music which included classics as well as modern songs, and the informal table layout at Mansfield Rugby Club made for a relaxed evening. Several songs were delivered in Welsh in honour of the guests and the Mansfield choristers were congratulated on their diction. The audience of over 300 were enthusiastic in their applause and standing ovations.
Cheque presentation
During the evening, a £2,000 donation was made to the Crossroads Trust, a registered Christian charity seeking to transform lives through the provision of temporary accommodation and services for those who are homeless and at risk of homelessness. As a supported housing scheme with a Christian ethos, they are open and inclusive of anyone needing support. The charity staff work holistically with individuals through work-related projects, counselling, support for tenancy management, and removal of barriers to independent living and recovery. First and foremost, they aspire to be a community working together to form relationships which are key to change and success.
The Chair of Trustees, Reverend Mark Herd, described how the charity offers support for women and men in separate housing, each with an individually tailored package to help people move forward. Craig, a beneficiary of the Crossroads Trust, gave a warm testimony about his personal improvement journey and his work in helping others in their paths to fulfilment.
Spring four-day tour
Between 30th April and 3rd May the choir will perform two concerts in Hampshire featuring Milton Glee Choir and Romsey Male Voice Choir (RMVC), a trip arranged by Lynden Lowe.
Long-standing friend of the choir, Mark Jefferson, will direct his new choir, Milton Glee Choir, based in Portsmouth. This fun and friendly group of around 75 people love to sing and the choir is now in its 76th year. Romsey Male Voice Choir (RMVC) is a prominent community male voice choir based in Romsey, Hampshire, with over 70 members. Founded in 1995, the choir performs locally and internationally to raise funds for various causes.
Find out more at http://www.mansfieldmvc.co.uk.