Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

With the success of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One's Last Choir Standing competition still fresh in the minds of television viewers it might seem that choirs are back in vogue once more. For the Scunthorpe Male Voice Choir, singing has never been out of fashion

With it's origins in the Methodist Church Quartet from the 1920's, throughout the years the Choir's appeared at a number of eisteddfods and musical festivals. Over it's 84 year history the Choir has had only a very small number of directors. The latest being Keith Morgan, who began working with the Choir in November 2007. Mr. Morgan is a retired head teacher who is also an organ recitalist who travels the country to perform.

Choir Chairman Phil Spikesley, Secretary Vic Westfield and fellow choir members Russ Taylor and relative newcomer Shaun Atkin visited the Late Show studio to talk about the choir, its programme of events and also to appeal for new members. They also explained how they became involved and the enthusiasm they have for singing.

Shaun who's one of the youngest members of the choir explained how welcome the choir has made him feel and how he was encouraged and supported during his first months with the choir and says a great friendship exists between its members.

In the studio

The Choir has plans to make a CD in the near future at the request of its Patron, the Lord St. Oswald of Nostell Priory. Additionally in March of 2009, the choir will be hosting a concert with the North Georgia State University who are coming to Britain, as part of a regular series of exchange visits.

Choir abroad

Phil Spikesley says the Scunthorpe Choir will be reciprocating the visit in 2010 and is already looking forward to it, saying the people of Dahlonega always give them a marvellous reception. During the visit to the USA the Choir will perform a number of joint concerts over a week, but the trip is likely to last three weeks to give members an opportunity to experience American hospitality for a little longer.

Contact the Choir

The Choir meets at 7.15pm each Thursday evening at Gurnell Street School in Scunthorpe and anyone is welcome to come along and see for themselves what happens. Alternatively accomplished soloists or those seeking to book the Choir should contact Vic Wesfield. Tel: 01652 659127.

Forthcoming events:

This Saturday the choir is 'In Concert' at The House, Brumby Wood Lane Scunthorpe. Tickets can be obtained from 'The House' in advance or on the night priced at Β£7.00 (Children go free).

08/11/08 Central Methodist Hall Grimsby. NAC joint Concert
06/12/08 Saxby Parish Church
18/12/08 Crowle RC Church
18/01/09 Shire Hall Howden
21/02/09 Church of Resurrection Scunthorpe
18/03/09 The House Scunthorpe with Georgia State University Choir.
18/04/09 Crowle Methodist Church
16/05/09 Scotton St. Genewys Church of England
18/07/09 Goxhill All Saints Church of England
19/09/09 West Butterwick Village Hall
17/10/09 The House Brumby Wood Lane Scunthorpe 'Annual Concert'