Steeton Male Voice Choir homepage

28th August

Skipton, Christ Church
with guests Worcester MVC


News items


CORNWALL TOUR 2010 The choir performing at the Eden Project	*June 2010 :* It's very difficult to express in a few words what an enjoyable and successful tour this was. Thanks to all involved in planning the trip (but especially Len!) everything went totally according to plan - including the spectacular weather. Our concerts with the Mousehole choir and also with our old friends from Truro to large audiences in superb venues were hugely enjoyed by all concerned. For this, thanks are due to Alan and the Cornish MDs for their musical leadership. The visit to the Eden Project was a great day out and we will long remember the experience of singing in such an extraordinay setting.

INTERVIEW ON RADIO CORNWALL *June 2010 :* As the choir prepared for its imminent departure for Cornwall, our own Alan Clark and Paul Triggs (City of Truro's MD) were given a 10 minute interview with Ross Ellis on BBC Cornwall's Sunday afternoon programme Cornwall Connected.

Steeton MVC's new banner unveiled at rehearsal	*June 2010 :* Look out for our new banner which will be visible to promote all our new concerts. Thanks to bass Allan Hainsworth (on the right in the photo) for his inspired design.

David Borley - new chairman David Jenkins (left) passes the chain of office to his successor	*January 2010 :* Retiring as chairman after 5 years distinguished service, David Jenkins handed the reins over to David Borley at the AGM with the unanimous vote of the members. David B paid tribute to the phenomenal job David had done in steering the choir through a historic period, including the unforgettable centenary year. One thing is for certain, David B is someone we will all look up to - he's by some way the tallest man in the choir!

Terry Eggleshaw MBE	*December 2009:* We were devastated to hear of the passing of one of the choir's great characters. Terry had been ill for some while but we had been having very positive reports of his progress just before we heard of his death. Terry will be greatly missed for his friendship, his fine singing in the Top Tenor section, his dry sense of humour and the huge amount of work he did for the choir, notably in producing practice CDs for each section.

Numbers on the increase! We welcome Gordon and John to the ranks From left to right: Mike Harrison presents Gordon Bishop with his red jacket, acknowledging Gordon's becoming a full performing member of the 2nd Tenor section of the choir. Arnold Sheriff does likewise for John Dowlan who is now a fully-fledged member of the Baritone section.

Alan Clark - 15th Anniversary Alan Clark with his presentation baton	*October 2009:* Our sell-out Annual Concert at the King's Hall was another memorable occasion. The music was excellent (in thanks partly to our superb guests the Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band PS please get a shorter name lads!).
The audience were friendly and appreciative and most enthusiastic when it came to our "Last Night of the Proms" finale, when choir, band and audience joined together to raise the roof. But it was also memorable for personal reasons. It marked the first concert performance of one of our new members, John Dowlan. It was also the 40th (yes - fortieth!) Annual concert at which our indefatigable Secretary, Len Wilson had sung. Finally, it gave the choir an opportunity to thank our Musical Director, Alan Clark for leading us so successfully for 15 years. Like most choral conductors, Alan doesn't use a baton but nonetheless, there was a big cheer when Len presented Alan with a baton in an inscribed case as a token of the esteem in which we hold him.

*October 2009:* If you would like to come to our Annual Concert in the King's Hall this year (and who wouldn't) there's bad news if you haven't got a ticket as it is another sell-out! For those lucky enough to be there we can promise a varied programme, with many new items in our repertoire and a choir in particularly fine voice at the moment. We are delighted to welcome back Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band as our guests who will be performing with us in our now traditional "Last Night of the Proms" finale.

Life membership for Gerald - Red blazer for Berti David Jenkins awards Gerald Fuller his Life Membership (left); Ron Crossley presents Berti Gesting with his red jacket, acknowledging Berti becoming a full performing member of the choir.	*July 2009:* The choir gave Gerald Fuller an affectionate farewell on his retirement from the choir, and in token of all his support unanimously elected him Life Member. Our sadness at Gerald's departure was tempered by our delight in welcoming new member Berti Gesting to the Bass section.

STEETON WELCOMES NEW RECRUITS L-r Phil Kirtley(T2), Evan Rees (T2), Peter Hollings (Bar), Jay Kerr (T1)	*May 2009:* The Cartmel concert marked the debut of four new men to the stage . We are delighted to have Phil, Evan, Peter and Jay on board and look forward to many,many more concerts with them.It's truly heartening to see our numbers growing again (with further recruits in the wings). There seems to be a buzz around choral singing at the moment, so if there are any men out there who would like to give it a go, do get in touch.

CONCERT WITH KERRY CU	*April 2009:* Those of us who had been at our concert with Kerry in Killarney last year were looking forward to a memorable evening.It was all we had hoped for and more. Both choirs were on top form: Kerry CU sang with all their amazing verve and emotion (and what sopranos!), and we like to think Steeton were at the top of our game too. We had a full audience in a super venue (Skipton Christ Church is fast becoming one of our favourite places to sing) and this was all followed by a hugely enjoyable afterglow at the White Rose Club. The whole evening was one we will long remember. Best wishes and thanks to our friends from Kerry. Let's hope we get the chance to sing the Battle Hymn again with you one day. Slainte!

TIM BASTOW Tim receives his 25 year badge from David Jenkins	*April 2009:* At the hugely enjoyable concert with Kerry CU in Skipton, Top Tenor (in every sense!) Tim Bastow was presented his badge to commemorate his 25 years with the choir. Tim is well known to audiences as a compere but more especially for his monologues which always go down a storm.

KERRY CHORAL UNION Kerry CU at our joint concert in Killarney in 2008	*March/April 2009:* 21st March at Ilkley All Saints saw our first full concert performance since 2008, and we all enjoyed being back on stage. This was also our first chance to publicly perform some new items we have been rehearsing. Now we are really looking forward to singing again with our friends from the Kerry Choral Union with whom we had such a memorable concert in Killarney last year. Come along on April 4th and give them a good Yorkshire welcome!

CENTENARY REFLECTIONS	*December 2008:* It has been a busy year, but above all it has been a memorable one. There have been many events to remember: a triumphant concert in St George's Hall, a very enjoyable tour of Ireland, and special concerts in Chatsworth and Fountains Abbey. The fact that the year went so well is a testament to all the men in the choir, but special mention must be made of Alan's musical leadership, Anne's musicianship, and to David and Len for their vision and organisation. We believe we did those 16 men who first met in February 1908 proud - here's to the next 100 years!

RETIREMENT OF DAVID TOWN	*December 2008:* At our final rehearsal of the year, we bade a fond farewell to one of the most loyal members of the choir, when David Town anounced his retirement due to health problems. David has hardly missed one rehearsal or performance in his long career with the choir. As a mark of the respect and affection in which he is held, David was unanimously elected Life Member.

SAM WALL TAKES TO THE STAGE Sam receives his blazer from Terry Tobin	*September 2008:* In a year which has been unfortunately marked by a number of very sad losses, we were delighted to welcome Sam Wall (2nd Tenor) as a stage performer, marked by the symbolic presentation of his red blazer at our rehearsal. Sam's first performance was at Fountains Abbey.

THE PAINTED HALL, CHATSWORTH FOUNTAINS ABBEY	*September 2008:* Two flagship concerts both in spectacular (though very different) locations marked a fitting crescendo to this special year (before the climax of the Annual Concert) Our thanks to our patron, the Duchess of Devonshire, for inviting us to sing in the Painted Hall at Chatsworth House at a concert in aid of cancer radiology research. At Fountains Abbey we were blessed with a fine evening and a very large and enthusiastic audience

JOINT CONCERT WITH KIDDERMINSTER Kiddermister Male Choir in Keighley Shared Church	*August 2008:* In 2006 Steeton had a very enjoyable weekend tour of the Worcester area. We have already had the opportunity to sing again with the men from Worcester MVC at our Centenary concert and on Sat 2nd August, we were delighted to welcome more old friends from that tour - the men of Kidderminster Male Choir. Our joint concert at a packed Keighley Shared Church in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress was a great success and it was a particular pleasure to be able to sing 6 joint items, which meant there were exactly 100 voices giving it their all in such pieces as Morte Criste. Many thanks lads, it was a great evening, and we won't be forgetting your exuberant (and colourful!) rendition of I Get Around in a hurry!

MEMBERS FOR 25 YEARS ( L-R) Frank Place, Ken Rainford, Terry Tobin	*August 2008:* Our concert with Kidderminster (see above) gave an opportunity for the choir to pay tribute to three of its most loyal members. Frank Place and Terry Tobin from the 2nd Tenors and Ken Rainford (Baritone) were presented with their badges for 25 years service as members of the choir.

IRELAND TOUR 2008 SMVC in Killarney St Mary's	*July 2008:* Thanks to Len's organisational skills, Alan's musical leadership and the great welcome we received from the folk in Ireland, the trip was every bit the success we hoped. We will have many and varied memories but I am sure we will all remember such highlights as: the boozy afterglow with Dublin Welsh, our recital in the splendour of Killarney Cathedral, and in particular the wonderful concert we had with the inspiring Kerry Choral Union. Our joint performance of the Battle Hymn was something very special.

IRELAND TOUR PREPARATIONS	*June 2008:* The choir is looking forward to our imminent tour of Ireland. Our first concert will be in the village of Kill with the Dublin Welsh MVC on Sunday 29th June. Click for further details

CENTENARY CONCERT 26th April 2008	*April 2008:* The Centenary Concert in St George's Hall, Bradford was every bit the success we had hoped. The combined choir of close to 200 made a terrific sound, and created a real buzz in the audience of well over 1000. The YBS band were terrific as well. Truly a night to remember.

FAREWELL TO JOHN JONES 3rd March 2008	*March 2008:*At our Monday night rehearsal, we all said a deeply felt good-bye and best wishes to John who is now leaving Yorkshire to live in Abergavenny in his native Wales. John had been a member of SMVC for over 25 years and a former chairman. Most importantly, he was a good friend and an important member of the bass section. John was presented with a momento of his time with the choir and we sang him good-bye with Gwahoddiad. Farewell John, our loss is south Wales' gain.

CENTENARY PARTY 3rd Feb 2008	*Feb 2008:*We were all agreed that it was only right that there should be a celebration on the actual 100th anniversary of the founding of the choir and in Steeton itself. There was food, quizzes, a display, short speeches and, yes, a few drinks. A cake specially made by members of our Ladies Support Group (see left) was ceremonially cut and, of course a few songs were sung. Technically we have sung better, but rarely with such heart. Thanks to Noel for organising and to all the staff at Steeton Hall.

ANNUAL CONCERT 2007	The Annual Concert was indeed the success we had hoped for. The EYMS Brass Band were exceptional and hugely well received. St Margaret's is always a favourite venue of ours and was a fine substitute for the King's Hall. We had 70 men on stage which is an excellent sign that the choir is in good health as it prepares for its Centenary next year.

WALES TOUR 2007	*June 2007:* Our mini-tour of south Wales between the 8th and 11th June 2007 was without question a huge success. 2007 was one of the wettest summers anyone can remember but we had glorious weather for the entire week-end. We will never forget the reception we had from the packed crowd at the Congress theatre in Cwmbran (a standing ovation no less) and it was wonderful to listen again to the New Harmony singers who had invited us down. The following concert in Caerphilly as the guests of Aber Valley MVC was no less memorable - they are a superb choir and we made a lot of new friends. However, the Caerphilly youths who broke into our coach are not on our Christmas card list! The tour finished with a lunchtime concert in the impressive Millenniium Centre (see picture) on the waterfront of the spectacular Cardiff bay.
WATSON BARNES 1915-2006	*Sept 2006:* There is huge sadness in the choir at the loss of our dear friend Watson, and the choir were out in force at his funeral at St John's Ingrow on Thursday 21st September to sing him farewell with two of his favourite pieces. At the service Len Wilson gave a fine tribute on behalf of the choir, the sentiments of which we all whole-heartedly endorsed. As we said last year on the occasion of his 90th birthday, there was probably no one held in higher regard and affection than Watson, whose superb bass voice (and wicked sense of humour) had been a mainstay of the choir for half a century.
CHARITY SING 2005 AT SKIPTON PARISH CHURCH	*June 2005:* We are holding what has now become our annual Charity Sing at Skipton Holy Trinity (at the top of the High Street - see picture). If previous years are a guide then this should be a very enjoyable and worthwhile event. Drop in at the church at any time between 11.00 and 3.00 pm on Saturday 18th June and listen to Steeton MVC and a number of other choirs and musical groups performing in relays. Entrance is free but please give generously to support this year's good cause: The Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service
CD RECORDING MAY 2005	May 2005: There was quite a buzz following the two recording sessions for our new CD, not only because it had been an enjoyable experience (not all are!), but because the general feeling was that we'd done something just a bit special this time. The recording took place at St Margaret's in Ilkley on 6th & 7th May, a superb acoustic and the venue for a number of previous recordings. Alan Clark was as ever in charge of the music and John Rowley of Reelsound was our recording engineer. Anne Mott accompanied flawlessly as always and was also joined at the keyboard by Peter Abberton on a couple of numbers. The CD will be out soon and will be titled "Music in the Aire".
A HAPPY 90TH (AND 50TH) TO WATSON	*May 2005:* There was a double celebration on Sunday 1st May 2005, as many members of the choir came to visit Watson Barnes on the occasion of his 90th birthday and also to present him with an inscribed carriage clock to commemorate 50 years as a member of Steeton Male Voice Choir. There is probably no one held in higher regard and affection than Watson, whose superb bass voice (and wicked sense of humour) have been a mainstay of the choir for half a century. Watson is pictured (centre) with his wife Dorothy, as he receives his presentation from Alan Clark.
NEW CHAIRMAN	At the choir's AGM on Monday, 31 January 2005, we bade a sad farewell to John Hirst (as Chairman only - not as a singer!) who has been in office for the last three years. John paid tribute to the choir and committee and read out a long list of the choir's achievements during his time in office. The choir then unanimously elected David Jenkins (pictured left, with John on the right) as our new chairman. David thanked the choir for their faith in him and hoped that he would be able to continue John's good work, as the choir neared its centenary.
300 NOT OUT !	Our concert in Beverley in September marked two auspicious occasions for our conductor and musical director Alan Clark. It marked his (first) 10 years with Steeton MVC and also his 300th concert with the choir. We are very lucky in having Alan as our MD and conductor. Not only is his conducting technique phenomenal (none of have been able to fathom how he manages to control all four parts, control dynamics and keep time with just two arms) but he has written the arrangements for some of the choir's most popular pieces: "The Rose" and "Memory" are just two amongst many. Congratulations Alan. Here's to the next 10 years!

Alan Clark - 15th Anniversary