An initiative by Les Martin, chorister with the Pye Hill and District Male Voice Choir (PH&DMVC) to go on a tour to South Wales, the land of song, proved to be a great success over the early Spring Bank Holiday weekend.
The choir based its visit at Newport and during the weekend performed on Saturday in a joint concert with Cwmbran Male Voice Choir (CMVC) at the Salvation Army Citadel, Cwmbran. On the Sunday evening the choir provided a further concert for Cardiff Sea Cadets. The concerts raised in excess of £760.00 for the Salvation Army and Cardiff Sea Cadets.
The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the joint concert with Cwmbran MVC which reinstated the long- standing relationship between the choirs going back to 1986 when Cwmbran MVC last visited Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. The PH&DMVC were very warmly received and following the concert an ‘afterglow’ party was arranged by CMVC with a generous buffet and the evening was completed by continued singing and entertaining each other.
To mark the occasion the PH&DMVC presented a pennant and graciously received an engraved clock in return from CMVC.
Between the concerts the choir visited the Royal Mint, Cardiff Marina and city centre and on the return journey visited Raglan Castle. Back at the hotel at Newport the choir were asked to entertain guests and happy to oblige. An overall wonderful weekend which was also greatly enjoyed by family and friends whom accompanied the choir.
Before returning home the choir were uplifted by the news that Cwmbran MVC had accepted an invitation to tour Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and to perform in joint concerts with them again. CMVC previously visited the area in 1986 and performed to packed audiences in local churches. Since then, the choir have been very successful touring abroad to France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Scotland, Jersey and the USA and have sang with artists such as Kathryn Jenkins. Further details regarding the tour will be published when known.
During May the PH&DMVC have continued with their busy schedule and performed a memorial concert in memory of Eric Buxton raising £420.00 in aid of Cancer Research UK on 13th May at St. Michaels Church, Underwood and have also taken part in the National Association of Choirs annual concert with Mansfield MVC, Sonara, The Gentlemen and Erewash Phoenix Ladies Choir on 20th May at the United Reform Church, Sutton in Ashfield.
Why not join the choir? A warm welcome awaits you. It could not be easier; it’s fun, good for your physical and emotional health, inexpensive and you will soon make new friends. Whether you are an experienced or a non-experienced singer of any age, you will be made equally welcome and given every assistance. The choir practice at the Dale Club, Jacksdale every Monday evening at 7.30 p.m., other than Bank Holiday weeks.
If you require any further information on joining the choir, concert bookings and arrangements, please ring Malcolm Hill on 07706036946 or 01773 602743, or visit the choirs web site at The Pye Hill and District Male Voice Choir
