April 2012

Cave Castle Hotel, South Cave, joint concert with North Ferriby Ladies Choir. 22 Apr 2012, 07:00 pm

We had no idea over 150 guests could fit into the concert room reserved at The Cave Castle Hotel for our evening singing with North Ferriby Ladies Choir, with Heidi Richal conducting. The event was truly sold out and it was a pleasure to help the ladies raise funds for local charity Martin House Children’s Hospice. The ladies started with four songs, and The Rose was a stunning piece, very well appreciated. The Torridge took over with What Would I Do Without My Music, Walk Away, Bring Him Home and Do You Hear The People Sing, before everyone enjoyed a well earned break from a very hot concert room. Ten members of the choir then opened the second half, most suitably dressed as west country farmers, with their special rendition of “Widdecombe Fair”, complete with old grey mare, an item really enjoyed by everyone present. The ladies then sang five more songs, including the Beach Boys number Barbara Ann, and ending with Oh Happy Day. The Torridge came back for their second session with Unchained Melody, Old Man River, When The Saints, and You’ll Never Walk Alone, before being joined by the ladies for a terrific performance of Rhythm of Life, with both choirs singing together. It was an exciting concert, full of happiness and laughter, and everyone in the audience showing appreciation. What a fitting end to a fabulous weekend.
 
   
   Cave Castle Hotel - South Cave           Combined choirs - Torridge and North Ferriby       Torridge men in full song

Linda Atherton - April 2012

Annual Weekend Away – York & Hull 20-23 April 2012

It was a full weekend of enjoyment leaving Hartland early on Friday to get to The Cave Castle Hotel for dinner. Fun was had both ways on the trip, with raffles, prizes, bingo, jokes and songs. Everything was beautifully organised (with thanks), with good lunch stops and plenty of laughs and chat on the journey. The hotel suited us and some of us took advantage of the first class leisure facilities, enjoying the pool, hot tub and the rest, and our own dining room with excellent dinners. We had a relaxing evening on Saturday, with the boys singing around the piano after dinner, following the success of the choir’s performance at the wedding. Sunday saw us enjoy a somewhat wet day in Hull, with plenty of places to visit, before preparing for our evening concert at the hotel. We followed this with a light supper and relaxing ‘after-glow’, with songs and recitals.

 
     Our intrepid coach travellers                Saturday evening around the piano              Sunday evening afterglow

Linda Atherton - April 2012

At York to sing in York Minster for the wedding of Paul Summer’s son Thomas to Freya. 21 Apr 2012, 01:30 pm

The Choir was delighted and privileged to accept an invitation to sing at York Minister for the wedding of Tom Summers, son of Paul Summers of the choir, and his lovely bride Freya. York was consequently chosen as our weekend away this year, and a lot was packed in. The typical April morning dawned for the big day; very showery, somewhat overcast but with a promise of better weather to come. The choir assembled in the chapel awaiting guests, and our ladies were pleased to be included. The weather did not dampen spirits of those invited, and the ladies arrived in some beautiful outfits and amazing hats and fascinators. The choir sang What Would I Do Without My Music as the guests entered, and Portrait Of My Love and Glorious Devon during the signing of the register. Nessun Dorma, Unchained Melody and You’ll Never Walk Alone also featured, and we were fortunate to have movie camera footage of three of the choirs songs. After a truly delightful wedding, the choir could relax into ‘mufti’ wear and we all enjoyed the sights of York

   
   The newly wedded Mr & Mrs Summers   Torridge Male Voice Choir sing in York Minster  Mum & Dad, Paul & Claire with son Tom

Linda Atherton - April 2012

Concert for Mayor of Bideford with Town Band, High Street Methodist Church Bideford. 14 Apr 2012, 07:30 pm

It was a great pleasure to meet once more with the Bideford Town Band for a concert at The Methodist Church in Bideford, this time in aid of the Chemotherapy Unit Appeal in North Devon. The Mayor of Bideford, Trevor Johns’, arranged the concert in order to raise funds for the appeal and the choir were delighted to be included.

The band started the show with four highly varied pieces ranging from Khachaturian’s “Spartacus” to “Anything Goes” by Cole Porter. Solo baritone John Hobbs performed as a guest with two chosen pieces, before the choir sang four songs; “What Would I Do Without My Music”, “Walk Away”, “Bring Him Home” and “Do You Hear The People Sing”, all of which were well appreciated. An organ solo from David Robinson followed, before the interval when everyone has chance to mingle and socialise.

The second half saw the band perform three more delightful pieces and solos again from John Hobbs and David Robinson. The choir continued in fine voice with an impassioned version of “Unchained Melody”, the stirring spiritual “Old Man River”, and the ever-popular favourite “Nessun Dorma”. It was a very good performance in this amazing church with exceptional acoustics.

Finally, over to the audience for what has now become an almost expected inclusion with every concert the Torridge and the Band perform at the church. This included “Jerusalem”, “Land of Hope and Glory” and “The National Anthem”, all enjoyed in true patriotic style with much fervour and flag waving. A most enjoyable evening was had by all.

  


Linda Atherton - April 2012

Easter Concert at Torrington Methodist Church, 08 Apr 2012, 06:00 pm

Easter Sunday evening, the day has been warm and dry but in the sky, clouds gathered for tomorrow’s rain. Warm inside Torrington Methodist Church, the congregation assembled for a celebration where The Torridge MVC was privileged to perform their Easter concert.

To open the ceremony everyone sang a hymn, and then moved quickly on to three songs from the choir, ‘What Would I Do Without My Music’, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ with soloist Mervyn Langmead and ‘Old Man River’, for this last the solo part was sung by Roger Andrews. Next, Philip Pester our MD, rested tired choir legs while our accompanist Philip Price gave an outstanding rendition of Bach’s Triple Fugue in E Flat, on the church organ. In the next session we sang four songs, ‘Unchained Melody’ ‘My Heart Will Go On’ ‘Bring Him Home’, where Mervyn Langmead sang the solo part and to end the first half, ‘Do You Hear The People Sing’.

While the Pastor gave his address, the choir took a short break and returned to sing a hymn followed by ‘Portrait Of My Love’, ‘Speed Your Journey’, and ‘Nessun Dorma’. This was followed by Philip Price’s second solo piano piece by Mendelssohn, the Allegro from the 4th Organ Sonata. The concert ended with three songs ‘Walk Away’, ‘When The Saints’ with 2nd Tenor Cameron Presley making up the bass numbers, thanks Cameron; and for the finale ‘Morte Criste’ while the congregation joined in a reprise of the last verse.

After a blessing to close the concert, the choir who by now had worked up a healthy appetite, were pleased to join with members of the congregation for a sumptuous and tasty supper. Congratulations to Rick Cranham, as one of our newest members, this was his first concert, well done! Thank you Torrington Methodist Church, this was a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend an Easter evening.


     Rick Cranham



Andy Atherton - April 2012

February 2012

Choir Annual General Meeting, 14 Feb 2012, 08:00 pm

The Choir held its AGM in the Woolsery community hall, minutes and reports, all were read then accepted. Our elected officials for the coming year 2012/13 year are largely unchanged;


- Chairman        - Derek Gale
- Secretary       - Philip Pester
- Treasurer       - Derek Gale
- Assistant Treasurer - Paul Summers
- Accompanist     - Philip Price
- Librarian        - Jim Ashman
- Concert Manager  - Mervyn Langmead
- Archivist        - Trevor Hughes-Williams
- Social Steward    - Mike McConnell
- Charities Officer   -  Derek Gale
- Charities Recorder -  Charley Mann
- 1st Tenor S. L.   -  Jim Ashman/Jim Wood
- 2nd Tenor S.L.    - Cameron Presley/Alastair Ashworth {to be confirmed}
- Baritone S.L.     -  Bob Ridout
- Bass S.L.       -  Fred Poole/Peter Howarth


The meeting closed at 09:00 PM

Andy Atherton - February 2012

January 2012

Annual Dinner – Hartland Quay Hotel Saturday 28th January at 7.30pm

Hartland Quay enjoyed a positively balmy evening (in more than one sense) for the Choir’s annual dinner – no rain, no wind, and warm enough for just one coat! Everyone met in the pool room and moved on to the restaurant for our three course meal. There was loads of chatter and clatter, matter from Mervyn with the raffle, and definitely patter from Derek with the speeches. 

The Hartland Quay Hotel provided its usual warm welcome. For some, the food choices were excellent, and for others perhaps not so good. Peter Howarth went for the fish option – only to find Betty was very disappointed with his small cod piece…..Alan, on the other hand, was thrilled to show how big his was.

Derek (Chairman) was very pleased with the Choir’s progress over the year, attracting new members and performing some brilliant concerts, and gave thanks to everyone who had worked so hard. The now almost unassailable Trevor Hughes-Williams won the Best Attendance shield for the third year in succession, and Charlie Mann and Bob Rideout were given special thanks and commendations for their success in selling 360 of the Choir’s CDs. 

This year sees an exciting repertoire for the boys to get their teeth into and promises to be another success, as well as building on the excellent camaraderie within the choir. We look forward to it all!

   
A dismayed Betty……                                      A proud Alan….                                  and a delighted Trevor with Vicky.


Linda Atherton - January 2012


Funeral of Colin Marshal, Guard of Honour at Barnstaple Crematorium, 16 Jan 2012, 11:00 am

A cold and bright sunny day in January saw fourteen members of Torridge Male Voice Choir attend the North Devon Crematorium, Barnstaple for the funeral of former choir member Colin Marshall. The choir formed his guard of honour and lifted the singing of the hymns, ‘Great Is Thy Faithfulness’ and ‘Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer’. The service was attended by many family, friends and choir members to celebrate and give thanks for Colin’s happy life, he was 83. Colin grew up in Bristol, but was evacuated to Bideford during the war, where he later returned to live with his wife Margaret and to raise their family. Colin and Margaret were together for 54 years.
After the service guests retired to The Cedars Hotel, Barnstaple for tea, coffee and a chat. Colin will be greatly missed by his family and remembered with fondness by the choir. A donation of £50.00 was given by the Choir to the British Heart Foundation.
 

Andy Atherton - January 2012