Members Notice Board
THE DEATH OF MIKE BRADY 23rd January 2024
It was with sadness that we heard of the peaceful death of Mike in the nursing home where he's been resident, since the death of his wife, Sandra a few years ago.
He was a highly valued member of our choir for many years. Mike was a top tenor and regular soloist. Mike was also a leading light with Thurcroft Operatic Society and locally known as their very own, 'Mario Lanza'. When listening to Mike sing, you would know, this was no idle exaggeration.
The funeral will be held at Thurcroft Church at 1:45 pm on 8th February.
Members attending need to be in uniform with ties and be there at 1:30pm.
Mike Brady 2017.jpegTROUSERS, a message from Mike West
Colleagues,
1. As many of you will be aware, the supply of choir trousers has been a problem for a number of years. The need to supply our latest member has prompted us to take a fresh look at what might be available. Also, some of you may have grown out of your existing pair during lockdown and are looking to replace them. You will recall that our policy is that we will pay for the first pair only and you will be responsible for any replacement costs.
2. A rough survey of what is available online, has shown that our needs can best be described as "Charcoal Grey". We have identified 3 relatively cheap sources set out below. Stocks will of course vary but at present Matalan seem to offer the best choice with online ordering and instore collection available.
3. If you are thinking about getting a new pair please use these sites as a starting point.
Thanks
Mike
ANNUAL CONCERT 9th September 2023
This annual concert, the first at this packed church, was a great success as the choir sang 12 songs over 3 spots. The gross receipts, including raffle, were around £2000. So after all costs, we can be confident the choir will be financially sound for the next 12 months & beyond.
Our special guests, Laura MaGann & Emma Thacker wowed the audience with their varied programme, bringing the audience to its feet several times.
The concert was concluded with Laura & Emma joining the choir to sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.
Next year we have already booked Oliver Harris for September 21st 2024. . . .
JOINT CONCERT with STEETON MALE VOICE CHOIR
The choir were invited to sing with Steeton MVC on 8th July 2023 at Grassington Town Hall. Grassington is the fictional Darrowby in ITV's, All Creatures Great and Small.
The concert was a success, although the weather was awful, with thunderstorms and torrential rain, which resulted in the steep main street having, what appeared to look like a river running down it.
Steeton MVC were very welcoming hosts, feeding all our party with pie & peas, followed by a choice of dessert.
We hope to be able to invite Steeton MVC to join us in South Yorkshire in the future.
The Death of Matt Meek
Matt passed away on 23rd March2023. Our thoughts go to Margaret and family at this sad time. Matt was a valued member of the Baritone section of our Choir.
Matt's funeral was held at Babworth Crematorium on 14th April 2023 and was attended by a large number of family, friends and choir members, The choir formed a guard of honour and sang two songs; Calon Lan and You Raise Me Up. We are consulting Matt's widow Margaret, to see whether she would like a more comprehensive obituary.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS @ THE LOYAL TROOPER 8th December 2022 and THE CHOIR SOCIAL 15th December 2022.
The Bluebell Wood bucket raised a welcome £75.47 from The Loyal Trooper following carols sung by the Choir with the regulars.
The Choir Members raised £110 from Christmas card donations and £98 from the Christmas Social raffle.
Our Treasurer sent a donation of £283.47 to Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.
WESTON PARK CANCER CHARITY CONCERT 26th November 2022
We were delighted to team up with The Major Oak Pop Choir to raise £1630 for this life saving charity. The concert was held at The Crossing Church & Centre, Worksop.
We met Barbara Bell at our concert with Thurcroft Welfare Band. She was and is receiving treatment at Weston Park and asked if we would consider holding a concert in aid of the charity.
We were delighted to dedicate this concert to Barbara and wish her well with her treatment.
WPCC Letter.pdfTHE SALVATION ARMY
at Clowne invited us to perform for them in aid of Weston Park Cancer Charity in remembrance of retired Band Master, John Martin on 19th November.
The concert raised a magnificent £370 for Weston Park Cancer Charity.
John Martin WPCC.pdfDONATIONS TO CHARITIES
We recently transferred £200 to The Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice and £150 to The Rotherham Hospice. The donation is from the choir's funds, in reality, it's a gift on behalf of our audiences. Thank you to everyone concerned.
TODWICK CONCERT 1st October 2022
The choir performed a full programme at Todwick Village Hall, where. The choir Quartet, Neil, Mick & Jim entertained the audience between choir spots.
ANNUAL CONCERT 10th September 2022
A great night was had by all as the choir sang songs representing its 50th anniversary over 4 spots.
Our special guest, Oliver Harris wowed the audience with his varied programme, bringing the audience to its feet with his first public rendition of Nessum Dorma.
The concert was concluded with Oliver joining the choir to sing 'You'll never Walk Alone'.
Watch this space for news of further ventures with the choir & Oliver. . . .
UKRAINE HUMANITARIAN APPEAL CONCERT 30th April 2022
We were pleased to use our choir as a vehicle to raise funds for the Disasters Emergency Committee to support the people of Ukraine in their hour of need. £2,500 has been sent to the DEC Humanitarian Appeal. A big thank you to all the generous people involved, particularly the individuals and businesses who who donated some wonderful raffle prizes.
Our concert was held at Harthill Village Hall. It was opened by our baritone member, Matt Meek, who introduced Olivia Egan who runs Olivier Jacks Drama & Music School. Olivier sang songs from the shows. The Choir Quartet followed Olivier, before the Choir entertained the audience.
Joint Concert with Thurcroft Band
We are pleased to announce our Joint Concert with Thurcroft Band @ South Anston Methodist Church at 7:0pm on 2nd April 2022.
The Choir will be singing 12 songs during this concert and attending practice is key to our success, not only for this concert, but for future ones, which will come thick and fast after this one. Future concerts will be 24+ songs long.
If every member sells 2 tickets, full a audience is guaranteed.
April 2 2022 concert.jpgChristmas Social
17/12/20. This well attended event went surprisingly well, considering all the technology involved.
The winners of the raffle prizes are detailed below :-
1st Prize Hamper value £50 Roy Jones.
2nd Prize Hamper value £30 Jack Stafford.
3rd Prize Hamper value £20 Irvine Grice.
4th Prize Bottle of Whisky Mike Martin.
5th Prize Tea for 2 at home Dave Wainwright.
6th Prize Tea for 2 at home Ken Hill.
7th Prize Tea for 2 at home Bill Parr.
Carols & two games of Bingo were interspersed into the programme and it looked as though everyone was singing along and being quiet at the appropriate time.
Your Concert Secretary wishes you a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Year's.
Chairman's letter, Choirs current position 21/08/20
generalletterfuture of AMVCAug20.docThe Death of David Wainwright
It was with sadness that we learned of the death of member Dave, who passed away 5th November 2021. Dave was above all a Blade, travelling home and away whenever he could. A most valuable member of the choir since 1984, he sang solo on many occasions, singing John Denver songs was his forte, although his most memorable solo was in front of the Senior Blades at Bramall Lane in February 2018, when he sang the Greasy Chip Butty Song. Dave sang with the Second Tenor's for many years, ending his singing career with the Top Tenor's.
Dave's funeral was held at Rotherham Crematorium 29th November. Most of the Choir attended along with Dave's wife Gladys, Son Andrew & many friends.
Entrance music was Annie's Song by John Denver. Lorna Dewsnap welcomed the congregation and introduced lifelong Friend Ralph ( a former Choir member) and Howard who read out moving tributes to Dave. The Choir performed Bring Him Home & Softly as I Leave You to an emotional congregation. After the committal the congregation left listening to Dave & Ralph's recording of Perhaps Love, a favourite of Dave's.
The family welcomed guest's afterwards at The Robin Hood Inn, Aughton.
Any donations to 'The Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice' can be made online at: www.JohnHeath.co.uk
The Death of Tony West
Tony passed away on 6th August 2021. Our thoughts go to Jean and family at this sad time. Tony was a valued member of the Bass section of our Choir between 2005 & 2015.
He and Jean have been regular attenders at many of our concerts and Tony will be be sadly missed.
Tony's funeral will be held at 10am on 24th August at St George's Church Woodsetts.
The Death of Marie Alton
It is with sadness that we hear of the death of Marie Alton on 11th August 2021. Marie was the widow of Keith, who was a valued member of our second tenors.
Marie had been ill for many years, but had always strived to be part of our choir family, coming to concerts and social events when able.
Marie's funeral will be held at 9:45am on 26th August at St James's Church South Anston.
The Death of Bill Parr
Bill passed away on 11th April 2021. Our thoughts go to Janet and family at this sad time. Bill has been a valued member of the Bass section of our Choir since 2016.
Janet has taken up our offer of a guard of honour outside the Crematorium, while the coffin is carried into the Crematorium to our recording of Bring Him Home.
Bill's funeral will be on Friday 14th May at 11am
Babworth Crematorium
Straight Mile,
Babworth,
Nottinghamshire,
DN22 8FJ
Those wanting to take part should arrive at 10:30am.
Full uniform with TIE. Masks are optional outside.
Collections will be made for Bluebell Wood and Nottingham Wild Life Trust.
The AGM was held at 7pm on Thursday 13th February at Practice.
The minutes of all the meetings have been added to the 'Choir Documentation' page.
Choir Committee Meetings held from 16/05/18 to 14/01/20
The minutes of all the meetings have been added to the 'Choir Documentation' page.
The AGM was held on Thursday 21st February 2019 @ 7pm.
Two new committee members were elected - Matt Meek & Paul Tennyson. The members standing down were: Ken Dernie & Paul Stewart.
Both Paul and Ken have served the Choir sterlingly for a number of years, performing a number of roles, and have decided to retire from the Committee for their own personal reasons. Paul has, however decided he can still serve the Choir by continuing as Librarian.
Paul has done a fantastic job with the filing and updating of all our music, placing it in filing cabinets and cupboards located in the Church Hall. Members of the Committee know what an enormous undertaking this was and are extremely pleased that Paul sorted it all out. You'll be pleased to know, Paul will still be distributing the music in his own cheery way!
Ken has worked behind the scene for a number of years, acting as an almoner for the Choir. Have you thought how miraculously cards, flowers arrive and visits to ailing members of our general choir family occur? Well that's where Ken excelled. Paul Tennyson will be taking over Ken's role.
The Choir Committee have thanked the above individuals for their diligence, hard work, tremendous support and good humour.
Committee Members:
Musical Director: Howard Thomas, md@anstonmvc.co.uk
Chairman: Mike Martin, chairman@anstonmvc.co.uk
Deputy Chairman: Jim Stevenson, jimstevenson08@gmail.com
Secretary: Mike West, secretary@anstonmvc.co.uk
Concert Secretary: Steve Thacker, concertsecretary@anstonmvc.co.uk
Treasurer: Mick Thacker, mick@anstonmvc.co.uk
Ticket Secretary: Neil Hawksworth, ticketsecretary@anstonmvc.co.uk
Librarian: Paul Stewart, pn-stewart@hotmail.co.uk non-committee member
Welfare Officer: Paul Tennyson, p.tennyson@sky.com
Matt Meek Matt Meek, matt@anstonmvc.co.uk
Posted 27/12/19: What our involvement was with charities during 2019
We were involved in raising *£4059.00 for various charities.
Our Choir was directly responsible for a total of *£2442.00 to the following charities:
The Bluebell Wood Children's Charity *£1527.00
The Salvation Army £465.00
The Leprosy Mission £450.00.
It did not end there, along with help from Thurcroft Band, we raised £884.00 for a new sound system at The Crossing.
The other charities we helped at various joint concerts were: Water Aid & The Samaritans, where £1167.00 was raised for those charities.
* Rounded down.
Posted 27/12/19: Christmas Roundup:
Successful concerts at The Loyal Trooper, The Elmwood Farm & Retford Masons + proceeds from our Christmas card, raffle & bingo raised a magnificent £1067.09 for Bluebell Wood.
A great effort by everyone involved, particularly our ace collector, Margaret Meek and the 2 Mikes who passed the bucket around, raising £130.00 towards the total, when performing on 2 Tuesdays at the Elmwood.
Posted 14/12/19: Concert @ THE LOYAL TROOPER on 12/12/19
The pub was full and everyone enjoyed choir & communal singing, raising in excess of £114.00 for The Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice. The free drink was also very welcome.
Posted 2/12/19: Another successful Village Concert
Last Saturday's concert was an even bigger success than previous years, raising a fantastic £707.00 for Water Aid.
Well done to all in our impressive turnout.
Posted 2/12/19: Maltby Lions Concert Maltby
Yesterdays visit to entertain the Lions guests was well received and well delivered by our depleted group.
The Trio of Irving, Neil & Roger, along with the duo of Mick & Mike entertained the audience between choir slots.
Good use of our new sound system was made in this acoustically challenging environment.
Posted 9/11/19: Visit of John Asquith, MD of Morlais MVC.
John visited us on Thursday 7th November and was pleased with what he heard at our practice.
In discussions later that night, with several committee members at a local hostelry, he expanded on his ideas of how we could fit a visit in with Morlais MVC & Treorchy MVC in October 2021. The reality is that Morlais MVC will do their very best to ensure that we will be able to sing with both choirs.
I'm sure you would all like to thank John for putting himself out, particularly on a night with such an awful weather.
Posted 14/10/19: St. James' Concert, South Anston.
Another great concert with large choir turnout. Good contributions from Mick & Mike and the Trio, Irvin, Neil & Roger.
The message from Howard: "Thank you to everyone involved for your sterling efforts last evening which produced a first class concert.
You deserved the plaudits received via the vicar!
I was informed today that the concert raised £451 for church funds, so a financial success too".
Posted 1/09/19: What a great Annual Concert 2019
Last night we performed very well to a packed audience ably assisted by Simon Corner on organ and singer/comedienne Judith Hibbert.
The Committe thank all participating members for their excellent efforts, both financially and choristically.
We know financially we did very well -- results will be collated and printed here A.S.A.P.
Posted 24/05/19: The need to increase membership, update.
Last night we welcomed 2 potential members, which is good, but a disappointing outcome to our campaign. Indications are that, 2 more may be coming along in the near future.
The need for Tenors is still critical, so please continue to recruit your friends and colleagues.
Kitchener 2.jpgPosted 19/05/19: Gary Milne after jumping off a tall building at Hallam University.
Hi Mike, could you please distribute this to the choir for me?
Many thanks to everyone in the choir who sponsored me for the abseil in aid of Bluebell Wood, I was even smiling as I went over the top! I managed to raise over £300.
All the best
Gary
426751F36EC64132B7124970AB464503.jpgPosted 12/05/19: Spring Concert at Clowne Salvation Army Hall was held on Saturday 11th May 2019
We performed a full concert at this wonderful venue, raising £465.00 Army funds.
The large enthusiastic audience were entertained by the Choir singing from its 2019 repertoire, interspersed by soloists Jim Stevenson & David Wainwright.
Message from Howard on 12/05/19:
A very big thank you to all who took part in the concert at Clowne last evening.
Acoustically you have not sounded better and the atmosphere in the hall was fantastic.
It reinforces the fact that when the choir has a near full complement it cannot be bettered in its quality of sound. Feedback from the audience was very complimentary.
I hope Cynthia has a relaxing break and we look forward to Peter accompanying us on Thursday. See you all then.
Regards
Howard
Posted 28/04/19: Joint Concert with Anston Ladies Choir on Saturday 27th April 2019 South Anston Methodist Church.
A large audience enjoyed the singing of both choirs, particularly the new programme the Ladies Choir performed so well.
The concert raised £920.00 to be shared with The Samaritans & Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice. The raffle raised £315.00. A big thank you to all who contributed so generously to make the raffle such a success.
Message from Howard:
Thanks to all who participated in last evening's concert. The feedback this morning was extremely positive and everyone said how much they enjoyed the performances of both choirs.It is gratifying that we raised such a substantial sum for two very worthy causes. Thanks also to the committee who organised the event.
We shall now be concentrating on our next concert at Clowne on May 11th. Please make every effort to attend.
Regards
Howard
Posted 28/04/2019: Joint Concert with Doncaster Wheatsheaf Singers was performed on 6th April 2019 @ St Mary's Church, Tickhill.
We were delighted to get the chance to sing again with this wonderful Ladies choir at such a great venue, although very cold. Both Choirs performed their own programmes, ending each half with joint numbers - The Vicar of Dibley in the 1st half and Love changes Everything to complete a very well received concert
We have arranged a return concert at South Anston Methodist Church on 2nd May 2020.
Posted 19/03/19: Concert at St George's Church Woodsetts.
Our first concert of the new year, was @ St George's Woodsetts on Saturday 16th March 2019.
The Choir performed a full programme with soloists Jim Stevenson & the Two Micks with Two Mikes interspersing the choir slots.
The concert raised a magnificent £450.00 for The Leprosy Mission.
Posted 5/01/19: A message from Howard
A very Happy New Year to you all!
Please find attached the concert programme for 2019 (find on 'Choir Documentation' page)
Our first practice of the New Year is next Thursday, January 10th 2019.
This will be an opportunity for us to begin to learn some new pieces for our concert programme this coming year.
Unfortunately we have to say goodbye to some pieces that were loved, unloved or not learnt!
Our librarian will be collecting this music in at the next practice to be stored again in our music library.
This year I have ordered copies of music from a new arranger which I hope you will enjoy singing and also broaden our overall repertoire.
I look forward to seeing you all again next week.
Regards
Howard