December 2009

Northam Church carol concert, 17th December 2009
 

St. Margaret’s has been on its present site for at least seven centuries, the first written record of its benefice being in 1261-2. The church today consists of a Nave and Chancel with a North Aisle to each; a South Transept, South Porch, Vestry and an embattled West Tower, containing eight bells and a clock with three faces. Its architectural beauty and excellent acoustics always make it a pleasure for the choir to sing there.

The Annual Carol Service on 17th December was a festival of praise in song and verse led by the Choir. The congregation joined in popular carols as well as enjoying the choir’s most popular songs. The programme comprised “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “Softly As I Leave You”, “Walk Away”, “Away In A Manger”, “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “I Believe” before the first poem was read. This was followed by “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”, “I Dreamed A Dream” “Stout Hearted Men”, and a bible reading from Matthew 1. The next music session included “Silent Night”, “You Raise Me Up”, “Bring Him Home”, and “Do You Hear the People Sing”. The congregation joined in “Good King Wenceslas” singing parts, before the choir continued with “Nessun Dorma” and “Autumn Leaves”. A second poem followed and the congregation rose once again to sing “Once In Royal David’s City”. “My Heart Will Go On” and “Gwahoddiad” followed from the choir, with “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” finishing the concert.

Hot mulled wine and mince pies were served to the congregation and were much appreciated on what was a very cold evening outside, but a very warm atmosphere inside. A Merry Christmas to everyone!
 

Linda Atherton Dec. 2009

Carol Singing, The New Inn, Kilkhampton, 16th December 2009

A welcoming country pub, friendly Cornish and Devon folk, good ale and wine, and an excellent choir – what more is there to wish for on a cold December evening? Such was the atmosphere at The New Inn, Kilkhampton, on 16th December, where the more local members from the choir turned out in ‘mufti’ for a sociable evening singing to the accompaniment of local accordion player, Tony Jordan. 

The choir entertained diners and drinkers alike, and those assembled for an evening of Christmas cheer joined in the carols, which included “Away In A Manger”, “The Holly and The Ivy”, “The First Noel”, “Ding Dong Merrily on High”< “Good King Wenceslas”, “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “Hark The Herald Angels Sing”, “Silent Night”, “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” and “Once In Royal David’s City”. The evening was finished off nicely with “The Hartland Anthem” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”.

An excellent supper was provided for the choir and their guests, plus of course, their first drink! It was a truly delicious way to prepare for Christmas in all respects, with the pub alive with the singing of joyous carols. An evening the choir looks forward to repeating next year.
 




Andy & Linda Atherton Dec. 2009

Concert at Stella Maris, Bideford, 13th December 2009

The choir’s audiences at residential homes usually have two things in common – they are the smallest encountered, and often the most worthy of making the effort to entertain. The small gathering of residents at The Stella Maris Residential Home in Bideford was no exception. The home was once a local convent and then a school, and as such has some wonderful architectural features, including a large entrance hall and a unique, palatial winding staircase. A sunny and crisp afternoon saw the choir joining the residents in their double lounge, bedecked with fine Christmas decorations and presents. 

The programme was a mixture of favourite songs and Christmas carols, and it was surprising how many residents knew just as many lyrics to the songs as the choir members. The choir performed a repeat of their successful Holsworthy programme, which was very popular with the audience, and included “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”, “Softly As I Leave You”, “Away In A Manger” and “When The Saints Go Marching In”. Mr Lars Larsen, a resident and nearly 90 years old, told the choir he was Welsh! He also said his mother hadn’t been able to ride her bicycle fast enough and that was why he had a Nordic name! The choir was pleased to dedicate “Gwahoddiad” to him, as well as including “I Dreamed A Dream”, “Silent Night”, “My Heart Will Go On” and Nessan Dorma and “Good King Wenceslas” in their concert, with other favourite songs and carols.

The successful concert was followed with mince pies, hot mulled wine, savouries and tea. It was a delight to sing for the residents and the choir hopes to return next year.
 



Linda Atherton Dec. 2009

Christmas Concert at Holsworthy Community Hospital, 3rd December 2009

Holsworthy Hospital was purpose built in the late 1990s for the local population, with the whole complex on one level, designed and landscaped to facilitate rehabilitation. Their Carer Support Group has carers helping relatives to re-ablement after serious illnesses, and they regularly attend The Re-ablement Centre at the hospital together. The choir was met by Robbie Prentice, Ann Parnell and Rita Thursdon, who manage and organise the Centre, when they arrived on a rather wet and blustery December evening to give a concert for the carers. 

The evening was a mixture of choral favourites and Christmas carols, where everyone could join in using the song sheets provided. The programme started with “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”, following by “Softly As I Leave You”, “Away In A Manger” and “When The Saints Go Marching In”. The audience then enjoyed “Gwahoddiad” and “I Dreamed A Dream”, before joining in with “Silent Night”. “My Heart Will Go On” was a popular choice, with “Nessan Dorma” and “Good King Wenceslas” following before the choir concluded with “Stout Hearted Men”.

Everyone was treated to an excellent supper including pasties, snacks and savouries and a choice of desserts, all washed down with tea, coffee or hot mulled wine. The choir was delighted to give a concert for this support group, who rarely get a break from the hard work of caring for loved ones. It was an evening well enjoyed by singers and audience alike.

Linda Atherton Dec. 2009

November 2009

Christmas Shopping Concerts 22nd & 28th November 2009

There’s nothing quite like carols being sung by a choir to get people in the mood for Christmas. The weather may have been dreary and pockets may not have been as full as last year, but the choir’s performances at shopping centres in Bideford certainly brought on the Christmas spirit. 

Three shopping concerts were arranged for the festive period, the first being in Atlantic Village on the afternoon of 22nd November. The Centre has over 35 stores with a huge range of products, so the choir was sure of plenty of people wanting to break the shopping monotony! This was followed on 28th November with two further concerts, in the morning and afternoon, The Bideford Pannier Market being the first. It was built in 1884 and is so named after the farmer’s wives carrying their wares to market in panniers. It is a traditional venue for Christmas songs. In the afternoon the choir returned to Atlantic Village, the modern concept of the market, to entertain the shoppers once again.

The programme included a mixture of carols and some of the choir’s best loved songs – “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”, “Softly As I Leave You”, “Walk Away”, “Away In A Manger”, “I Believe”, “While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks By Night”, “Gwahoddiad”, “I Dreamed A Dream”, “You Raise Me Up”, “Silent Night”, “Stout Hearted Men”, “My Heart Will Go On”, “Good King Wenceslas”, “Autumn Leaves”, Nessan Dorma” and “When The Saints Go Marching In”. The variation of songs from musicals, classics, carols, folk and pop was much appreciated by people enjoying the combined Christmas and musical experience.
 

Linda Atherton Nov. 2009

CD Recording, Methodist Church, High Street, Bideford. 14 October 2009

Saturday 14th October 2009 at 10:00 am, Torridge Male Voice Choir assembled in Bideford Methodist and prepared to sing a repertoire of songs for the choir’s first recorded CD. Luke Bond and Andrew Hawkins were there to provide their professional recording service. Philip Pester conducted while Philip Price played the church piano, in four sessions we recorded twenty six songs - too numerous to mention here. Luke and Andrew will process the sound and return later to the choir to allow us to select the best songs. We hope to have the CD ready for sale in time for Christmas.



Andy Atherton Nov. 2009

October 2009

RNLI Concert with the Hartland Town Band - Hartland Village Hall. 25 October 2009

Hartland is part of the Choir’s history and it is always a delight to sing there. The Indian Summer evening of 25th October added to the pleasure of joining The Hartland Town Band at the Village Hall for a concert in support of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The event attracted an excellent audience for a truly worthwhile cause, and started with four tunes from the Band, followed by The Choir.

The first half renditions of Matt Munro tributes “Softly As I Leave You” and “Walk Away” were well performed and appreciated. These were followed by “Our Father/This Little Light”, and the inspirational “I Believe” and “You Raise Me Up”. The interval was busy – Mrs Vivien Foster the Clovelly RNLI Chairman and her helpers from the fundraising committee served teas and biscuits to the audience and it was a great opportunity for locals to socialise. The Band then opened the second half, and played five wonderful tunes, before the Choir performed again.

“Gwahoddiad” was followed by “Autumn Leaves” an appropriate song for an October evening, then followed that wonderful Welsh song to make everyone remember days of being homesick and away from families, “Take Me Home”.  The Choir continued with “I Dreamed A Dream” and “Let There Be Peace On Earth” before closing with a rousing version of “Morte Christe”. In the famous words of the late, great Leonard Sachs from The Good Old Days at Leeds Variety Theatre, it was then down to “….. chiefly, Yourselves!” as the audience, Choir and Band joined in “Eternal Father, Strong To Save”. A wonderful evening enjoyed by all, and it was an honour for the Choir to sing for the R.N.L.I.




Linda Atherton Oct. 2009
 

St Margaret’s Church, Northam. 11 October 2009

A warm welcome awaited the Choir at St Margaret’s Church in Northam, where everyone was greeted by Gillian Anstis, the Church Warden. The weather may not have been at its best, but the Choir was delighted to hear that the Harvest Festival Service was to be a Choir Concert. The acoustics in the church enhanced the performance, which was a great help as numbers were less than usual. The Choir was well received by the appreciative congregation.

The afternoon’s programme started with the rousing “Gwahoddiad”, followed appropriately with “You Raise Me Up”. Two of the Choir’s popular Matt Munro tribute numbers followed, “Softly As I Leave You” and “Walk Away”. The Choir then performed three favourites from this season’s selection from “Les Miserables” – “I Dreamed A Dream”, “Bring Him Home” and “Do You Hear The People Sing”. The first half concluded with “Nessun Dorma”.

The second half opened after a refreshing ‘cuppa’ with “Stout Hearted Men” (marvellous what a cuppa will do)! This was followed with “My Heart Will Go On”, “Let There Be Peace On Earth” and “Speed Your Journey”. The Choir’s final section included “Jamaica Farewell” and “Pedro The Fisherman”, with the ever-popular concluding favourite “Morte Criste”.

The Choir was pleased to help the church raise funds through this event and the performance must have been pretty good, because everyone was rewarded with warm applause, special thanks from Gillian, and an invitation for choir members and their partners to a most enjoyable cream tea. 
 



Alan Higgins & Linda Atherton Oct. 2009

Combined Choirs Concert – Emmanuel Church, Ilfracombe. 3 October 2009

The stunning setting of Emmanual Church in Ilfracombe was the venue for the Infracombe Male Voice Choir to perform with invited guest choirs in celebration of their 25th Anniversary. This could only be described as a stupendous evening of entertainment, with over 100 voices and 122 participants including accompanists and musical directors. Afternoon rehearsals gave the choristers a relaxing opportunity to meet and enjoy the music informally before the official evening concert. They practised all the combined choirs’ songs, with shared responsibility of the 5 attending musical directors.

The evening concert began with a full house, including the upper gallery, and the exciting sight of the choirs of Cheddar, Torridge, Exeter, Tintagel Orpheus, Infracombe and Tamar Valley filling the stage. The colourful scene of uniforms comprising blue, black, green and red jackets against the stonework and stained glass of the church was something to behold.

The choirs then individually performed a total of 18 songs, with a wide variety of styles ranging through musicals, classics, thirties favourites, folk, traditional story telling, swing, and many more. Perhaps some of the more unusual numbers included “Nirvana” (Cheddar), “Bring Back The Beguine” (Torridge), “Grandfather’s Clock” (Exeter), “Stars I Shall Find” (Tintagel), “Dashenka” (Ilfracombe”) and “Anthem” (Tamar Valley). There was also some very well-known favourites including “What Would I Do Without My Music” (Torridge), “Do You Hear The People Sing” (Exeter) and “You Raise Me Up” (Tamar Valley). 

The second half comprised no less than 10 songs featuring all the combined choirs, rendering a tremendous and powerful sound in this stimulating venue, with excellent acoustics. These included “Speed Your Journey”, “Softly As I Leave You”, “Calm Is The Sea”, “Take Me Home” and “Steal Away”. There were some truly stirring performances, which the audience thoroughly enjoyed by their rapturous applause, “Rhythm of Life”, “Gwahoddiad” (sung in Welsh), “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, and a rousing ending with “When The Saints”. The final song of the evening “Morte Christe” was both moving and inspirational.

No surprise at all was the overjoyed reception from the audience, with a standing ovation from everyone for the tremendous effort from all the choirs. The evening raised over £1,000 for local children’s and hospice charities, but more than that, it was a vivid and honest demonstration of people coming together to perform and enjoy not just music, but a truly delightful experience, whilst helping those not so fortunate. Well done to everyone!
 



Linda Atherton Oct. 2009

September 2009

The Red Lion, Clovelly. 30 September 2009

It’s not very often that the Choir has the opportunity to sing in a pub. Oh deep joy! This evening’s concert was a great opportunity to take in the local atmosphere of Clovelly, whilst being only 6 paces from the bar! The single cobbled High Street of the village winds its way down through traditional whitewashed cottages to the ancient harbour, where The Red Lion Hotel is found. The Choir was there to celebrate the return on holiday of John Cumes, resident of Clovelly for many years before moving to Germany. He is a professional folk singer who has worked extensively in Scandinavia, and looked forward to returning to Clovelly. John saw a tv programme about the village and this prompted him to make the trip.

In celebration the Choir chose songs about the locality as well as other popular favourites. They opened with “The Hartland Anthem” (also known as “The Clovelly Anthem”), and followed with “Little White Town” to push the boat out for Bideford. Other much-loved songs emphasising the theme included “Calm Is The Sea”, “Glorious Devon” and “Pedro The Fisherman”. Between breaks for a swift swig of good ale, the Choir included “Bring Him Home”, “Do You Hear The People Sing” and “Stout Hearted Men” before their closing number of “Let There Be Peace On Earth”. 

Pasties and pints provided excellent sustenance and after an entertaining interval of music from brilliant piano accordionist Mario Lee of Clovelly, the Choir gave a reprise with two Matt Munro songs, “Walk Away” and “Softly As I Leave You”. John Cumes gave the final number of the evening to the delight of locals and visitors. The Choir was pleased to join in the celebrations of the return of such a popular local, and look forward to singing in more pubs in the future!



Linda Atherton Sept 2009
 

Concert at Fairlea Residential Home, Chope Road, Northam. Tuesday 15 September 2009

Fairlea Residential Home in Northam, Bideford, has 33 residents who need care and nursing. Since they are not able to get out to concerts The Torridge Male Voice Choir was delighted to take a concert to them, in their beautiful Edwardian building.

Early on the warm and sunny evening of 15th September the Choir met outside Fairlea. Colin Marshall, an ex-member of the Choir from Bideford, met and escorted us into the lounge annexe to prepare. Our eager audience were seated in the lounge and clearly were looking forward to the entertainment.

The concert started with a local song, it was rewarding to see some residents knew every word. “The Hartland Anthem” was followed by “Pedro The Fisherman”, a cheerful and romantic song, which includes the challenge of whistling! The mood quietened for “Nessun Dorma”, followed by Jack Bailey, the Choir’s youngest member, with a solo performance of “Oh What A Beautiful Morning”. The calypso sounds of “Jamaica Farewell” then delighted everyone, and the first half ended with two Matt Munro numbers, “Softly As I Leave You” and “Walk Away”.

In the refectory during the interval, Fairlea staff kindly served the Choir tea, coffee and a lovely variety of cakes. Bill Cotton and Bill Abbott, two of the Choir’s long serving members, were pleased to see and chat with Stan Goodall, now resident at the home but previously Musical Director of Hartland Male Voice Choir and a leading light of the Hartland Town Band. 

Three songs from “Les Miserables” opened the second half – “I Dreamed A Dream”, “Bring Him Home” and “Do You Hear The People Sing”. Jack then gave a second delightful solo performance, “Amazing Grace”, which many of the residents knew, followed by “Let There Be Peace On Earth”, and to the delight of many residents, “Little White Town” was the final number of the evening. This song is specifically about Bideford and yet again, several in the audience knew the words.

It was lovely to see Stan in comparative good health, smiling and enjoying the music. and such a pleasure to perform at Fairlea. Our audience were so appreciative and really enjoyed the singing; a live performance in the comfort of their own armchairs brought them a delightful evening. Conveying the joy of song to the people at Fairlea was a privilege for the Torridge Male Voice Choir.
 

Linda Atherton - Sept. 2009
 

Summer Concert at Emmanuel Church, Ilfracombe. Wednesday 2nd September 2009

A damp and windy September evening did not prevent locals and tourists alike filling Emmanuel Church in the popular holiday town of Ilfracombe for the choir’s autumn concert. Ray Baddick, Concerts and Events Manager for the church, introduced the choir to warm applause, and Philip Pester presented our programme.

The evening began with three songs themed around the sea – “The Hartland Anthem”, “Pedro The Fisherman” and “Stout Hearted Men”, followed later in the first half by “Little White Town”. Jack Bailey, the choir’s newest member and just 17, performed his first solo with a rendition of “Oh What A Beautiful Morning”, greatly enjoyed by everyone. The first half also included “What Would I Do Without My Music”, “Gwahoddiad” and “Let There Be Peace On Earth”, with “Speed Your Journey” to bring us to the break.

The interval at Emmanuel is an excellent time for coffee, biscuits and cake, a visit to their craft exhibition and stall, and chatting with friends. Seats were then taken for the second half, starting with “Nessun Dorma” and followed by “Jamaica Farewell”. A tribute to Matt Munro included “Softly As I Leave You” and “Walk Away”, before Jack Bailey returned with a second solo performance of “Amazing Grace”, beautifully sung and warmly appreciated.

The final medley was three songs from “Les Miserables”, always very popular – “I Dreamed A Dream”, “Bring Him Home” and “Do You Hear The People Sing”. “You Raise Me Up” followed, and finally “Morte Christe”, with the choir attracting two additional singers from the audience! Everyone in the church stood to sing the last verse, and the roof was just about strong enough to cope without being raised.

The choir received many congratulations for another successful concert, and was delighted to help the church raise proceeds for maintenance of the beautiful building. We look forward to singing for Emmanuel again next year.

Linda Atherton - Sept. 2009

August 2009

Civic welcome at Bideford Station for James May’s record attempt. Monday 24th August 2009

On Monday 24th August 2009, James May and BBC television were attempting to beat a record for the longest model railway journey. For once, in this wet summer, it was a warm and dry day. Starting at Barnstaple the route followed the Tarka trail, where James and more than 300 enthusiastic supporters laid 10 miles of model railway track all the way to Bideford Railway Station. Their attempt was fraught with problems and eventually was abandoned after the engine motor burnt out at Instow.

Bideford Town was determined to give the valiant record seekers a warm welcome and invited a pipe band and The Torridge Male Voice Choir to entertain at the railway terminus. Undismayed (no pun intended) by the non arrival of the train the pipe band and the choir entertained the assembled crowd. The TV crew wanted songs with local interest and were delighted with our renderings of ‘Little White Town’ and ‘Topsails’.

Andy Atherton - August 2009

July 2009

Concert at St Nectan’s Church, Stoke. Tuesday 14th July 2009

“One Week In Summer” is the annual Arts and Music Festival held in Hartland, north Devon. Each July, it stages events with three popular favourites – The Schools Concert, The Hartland Town Band & Torridge Male Voice Choir, and open air jazz with The Holsworthy Hotshots. It brings additionally three fresh concerts each year, celebrating a variety of performers and new works.

This year’s Band and Choir concert was held on 14th July in the usual popular venue and beautiful surrounds of St Nectan’s Church, Stoke. The acoustics are wonderful, and the audience always appreciative; this year over 100 people attended. The Hartland Town Band opened the concert with a variety of music from classics to shows and some interesting medleys. They were followed by The Torridge Male Voice Choir, neatly positioned in front of the band on the church stage platform, starting the evening’s performance with three songs from “Les Miserables” – ‘I Dreamed A Dream’, ‘Bring Him Home’ and ‘Do You Hear The People Sing’. A stirring performance of “Gwahoddiad” followed, much enjoyed and enhanced within this beautiful historic venue.

The Choir took the opportunity to relax with a glass of wine during the interval, chatting to the band members and audience. The Band provided a varied selection in the second half, before The Choir performed once more. Popular favourites followed, including “Begin The Beguine” and two Matt Munro songs, “Walk Away” and “Softly As I Leave You”, performed exceptionally well and really appreciated by the audience. “Nessan Dorma” was the Choir’s final song, after which the audience stood with the Band and Choir members to sing “Guide Me Oh Thou Great Redeemer”. Colin Hodgetts, MC for the evening, then brought this annual ever-popular concert to a close. The Choir were pleased to once again participate in this festival of local talent and innovative music, showing community life and spirit for the arts at its best.
 



For more pictures see gallery.
                                                                                 Linda Atherton - July 2009

June 2009

Northam church garden fete. Saturday 20th June 2009

The Northam Church Fete was held in the Rectory Gardens of St Margaret’s, close to the church, and everyone attending enjoyed the beautiful and warm summer weather which brings out the best of the West Country. Northam is beautifully situated on the estuary banks of the Torridge river, flowing out into the Bristol Channel, Lundy and the Atlantic Ocean.

Twenty members of the Choir attended and provided two concert sessions for the afternoon. The first included three songs from ‘Les Miserables’, which were ‘Bring Him Home’, ‘Do You Hear The People Sing’ and ‘I Dreamed A Dream’. These were followed by the lighter and much enjoyed “Pedro The Fisherman”, “Jamaica Farewell”, and “What Would I Do Without My Music”. All the songs were enjoyed by an appreciative audience and the Choir performed very well.

For the second part of the afternoon, the Choir started with “Let There Be Peace On Earth”, followed by the rousing and stirring “Battle Hymn of The Republic”. The Choir continued with the well-established “Gwahoddiad”. Popular favourites of “I Believe”, and “Bring Back The Begine” followed, and the audience enjoyed “Nessun Dorma” to close.

The Choir’s performance goes from strength to strength and it is gratifying to know that they made a significant contributed to a delightful afternoon and were very well received and appreciated.




Linda Atherton – June 2009

May 2009

Charity Concert at Woolsery Community Centre. Saturday 16th May 2009

The Choir is always delighted to sing at charity concerts, and tonight’s was rather special. It celebrated the kinship of talents from all over north Devon to support Stuart Rickard, a stalwart member of the Woolsery community for over 20 years, donating concert proceeds to help Stuart’s fund for medical treatment in his fight against cancer. The event included songsters, folk music, poetry, comedy, sketches, and even a unicyclist! The ‘green room’ filled with a huge variety of talent practicing songs, dance routines and lines, giving a real buzz to the show. 

The second half of the concert opened with a rousing programme from the TMVC, and our songs were highly applauded with a programme of ‘My Heart Will Go On’, ‘I Believe’, Gwahoddiad’, ‘Nessun Dorma’ , and ‘Let There Be Peace On Earth’.  Philip Pester conducted with accompaniment by Philip Price, and the Choir received several compliments from the audience on their performance. The Choir was pleased to be part of such a memorable concert with a delighted audience, raising £700 to help Stuart’s fund.

Linda Atherton – May 2009
 

Evening Concert at Bideford Town Council Chamber. Tuesday 12th May 2009

Tuesday evenings are usually for rehearsal at Woolsery, but this evening was special because the choir attended Bideford Town Council to receive a grant of £250 and to say thank you we sang to the gathered council in chamber a small collection of our favourite songs. Conducted by Philip Pester and accompanied by Philip Price we sang ‘Little White Town’, ‘My Heart Will Go On’,‘Nessun Dorma’ ‘I Believe’, Gwahoddiad’ and ‘Let There Be Peace On Earth’.

Andy Atherton - May 2009

Summer Concert at Emmanuel Church, Ilfracombe. Wednesday 6th May 2009

The Choir made their way from the Bideford and Hartland areas to Ilfracombe for the Emmanuel Church Concert on 6th May. The misty coastal afternoon turned into a beautiful sun-drenched evening as the 19 members of the Choir attending settled on the platform in front of the magnificent stained glass windows of the church. After a friendly greeting from Ray Baddick, MC for the evening, an audience of well over 100 welcomed the Choir with warm applause. 

The varied programme included spiritual and calypso renditions as well as musicals classics and popular songs. Philip Pester, the Choir’s MD, entertained in his usual relaxed style throughout the evening, with jokes and ad-libs. The Choir opened the first half with ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ and ‘Amen’, followed by a trilogy from “Les Miserables”, ‘I Dreamed A Dream’, ‘ Bring Him Home’, and ‘Do You Hear The People Sing’ . This was followed by the amazing soprano voice of Rachel Forbes, guest for the evening. Her beautiful clear tones stunned the audience with works of jazz, classics, folk and musicals songs. The Choir then concluded the first half with ‘Jamaica Farewell’, ‘Softly As I Leave You’, ‘What Would I Do Without My Music’ and the welsh favourite ‘Gwahoddiad’. 

During the interval, church volunteers served tea, coffee and biscuits in the church tea room, and there was the opportunity for some quality purchases from the Fair Trade and craft and bric-a-brac stalls.  Proceeds from sales and the concert will go towards the maintenance of this much loved church building.

The second half started with the Choir’s popular interpretation of ‘Nessun Dorma’, followed by the fifties favourite ‘Pedro The Fisherman’. ‘My Heart Will Go On’ then stirred the emotions before a meaningful version of ‘Let There Be Peace on Earth’. Rachel’s second appearance had the audience spellbound with her final two songs of the evening, before the Choir returned with their concluding songs. These were ‘I Believe’, ‘Bring Back The Beguine’, ‘Perhaps Love’, and the immortal ‘Morte Christie’, with the audience joining in passionately for the final chorus. 
 

The informal atmosphere of the evening made this a very enjoyable concert, much appreciated by an audience including local Devonians and several holiday visitors. The Choir looks forward to returning to Emmanuel Church in the autumn.
 

Linda Atherton - May 2009

April 2009

Wedding at St Peters Church of England Church, Peters Marland, Langtree. 

A lovely sunny day was a just reward for bride and groom Jill Louise and Luke Jennings at their wedding in St Peter’s Church, Peters Marland at 12:00 noon on Friday 17th April 2009. Eighteen members of Torridge Male Voice Choir sang for the gathering congregation and later during the signing of the register. The service was lead by Rev. Martin Warren, our concert MD Philip Pester and accompanist Philip Price.

During the welcome the choir sang ‘My Heart Will Go On’, ‘Bring Him Home’ and ‘Do You Hear The People Sing’. Then at the service we lead the congregation to sing ‘Give Me Joy In My Heart’ and ‘Love Divine All Loves Excelling’. At the signing of the registers, the choir then sang ‘Shine Jesus Shine’ followed by ‘Nessun Dorma’

After the wedding our choir and the church bell ringers decamped three miles to the ‘Green Dragon’ public house at Langtree for a welcome spot of lunch generously provided by our host.

                                                                                Andy Atherton - April 2009
 

Concert at Woodford Methodist Church, Morwenstow. 
A beautiful evening with clear sky and the sun beginning it’s westward descent to the sea. This was Good Friday, 10th April 2009 when Torridge Male Voice Choir gave their first concert of the year to Woodford Methodist Church. The service with hymns and prayers to celebrate the Church anniversary was lead by Mr Raymond Shaddick, our concert MD was Philip Pester and accompanist Philip Price.

The concert was of two parts, in the first our choir sang six songs beginning with ‘Let There Be Peace On Earth’, very appropriate with the evening sun striking though the coloured windows bathing the church in glorious warm light. The next song was ‘My Heart Will Go On’ and this was followed by a rousing rendition of the favourite ‘Gwahoddiad’. Next was ‘What Would I Do Without My Music’ and to end the first session a medley of two songs from ‘Les Miserables’ – ‘Bring Him Home’ and ‘Do You Hear The People Sing’.

At the interval Elizabeth Hobbs, aged ten, beautifully sang ‘A Man Of All The People’ and ‘Wave Your Palm Trees’. With the choir voices suitably rested we opened the second part with ‘Nessun Dorma’, then came ‘The Lord’s Prayer & Amen’, ‘Hartland Anthem’ and ‘I Believe’. The final rousing song for the evening was ‘Morte Christe’ sung in full by the choir and joined at the end by the congregation for a roof raising rendition of the last verse, “Were the whole realm …..”

This was a lovely choral evening, I think every one of the choir enjoyed it immensely and our audience was so appreciative. Many compliments were given and because we have worked so hard to improve, it was most gratifying to be complimented on our harmonies. Well done everyone, and congratulations to Alistair Ashworth and Larry Pearson - this was their first TMVC concert performance.

The service ended with the benediction, then there followed a supper and an opportunity to relax, chat, meet and greet our hosts

 

                                                            Andy Atherton – April 2009.

February 2009

• This month Torridge Male Voice Choir published its very first internet web page at http://www.torridgemvc.co.uk This is a big step forward and we hope the site will help potential members to locate the Choir and raise our public profile.
   
• Since the New Year Philip Price and Andy Atherton have worked together to produce basic recordings of voice harmony parts for seven songs in our 2009 repertoire. The next step in March is to cut CD’s for 1st Tenor, 2nd Tenor, Baritone and Bass parts and then distribute them to members. These CD’s are free to members who want them.
   
• The Choir held its annual dinner at the ‘Mad Hatters Tea Rooms’, Woolsery on Saturday 28th February. We had an excellent three course meal and the table plan was very popular. Presentations went to the outgoing Chairman Mr Fred Poole and to our Musical Director Mr Philip Pester. Following the two choir merger, Fred served as Chairman from the outset between February 2003 and February 2009. Before 2003 he was Chairman for Hartland Male Voice Choir for several years - so well done Fred and thank you. This year the attendance trophy was popularly awarded to Charley Mann who has not missed a rehearsal or concert in the year. Later on, the Concert Manager Mervyn Langmead ran the traditional draw and at the end all agreed it had been a most enjoyable social evening.

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