New Musical Director
Dukeries Singers are delighted to welcome their new Musical Director, John Pope.
Needing little introduction to many ‘Sherwoodians’, John was church organist at Edwinstowe for more than 30 years and still plays organ there occasionally. “A highlight for me during that time,” said John, “was to play organ for a BBC Village Praise service; which was introduced for a summer by the BBC as an alternative to Songs of Praise.”
Not far away at Newstead, John has also been a bass singer with Newstead Abbey Singers since 1989 and for five the past five years has been the organist at Wellow Church.
Two stints at Grantham saw John as Director of the Operatic Society for 12 years with performances at Grantham Theatre and, eventually, returning there as Musical Director of Grantham Singers where he helped the Grantham Singers grow their choir significantly.
“My aim is to get the best from anyone and everyone, whatever their musical ability and there are several advantages to singing. No need for any extra expensive musical instrument as everyone’s voice comes free of costs and is zero-rated for tax!
“Making music with others gives a great sense of achievement and is a relaxing way to spend leisure time and coincidentally leads to socialising as an added bonus, I am sure,” added John.
Dukeries Singers’ Diary
- 6th July: Edwinstowe Festival, Village Hall, 11.00am
- 9th July: Singalong, Ollerton Methodist Church, 2.30pm
- 28th September: Harvest Festival, St Paulinus Church, 7.00pm
Looking forwards
The Dukeries Singers is keen to welcome even more singers and musicians to the male and female inclusive choir.
“I also want to encourage more singers to get involved in 2024,” said Chairman John Banbury. “Singing exercises not only the brain, but also benefits the lungs, posture and muscle tension.”
Membership costs just £10.00 per month and includes training and advice for those that want it. Non-members that want to see and hear the Singers practising are welcome to attend one or two of their regular practice sessions to discover if it all appeals to them.
Practice sessions take place every Wednesday at the Methodist Church Hall on Forest Road, New Ollerton at 7.00pm. Light refreshments are usually available.
Contact John Banbury with any queries by phone or text on 07759 086132.