Choir History

1919 – 1954 The Early Years

The Barnstaple Male Voice Choir has a long and cherished tradition. It started after the First World War when in 1919 two groups of men came together, first as the Y.M.C.A. Choir, but soon adopting its present title, with Alfred Long as Conductor and under the patronage of the Earl Fortescue.

The Choir quickly established a high standard and became well known in both concerts and competitions. On two occasions the Choir broadcast from the BBC’s Bristol Studio. Due mainly to ill health, Mr Long decided to retire from the Choir, and shortly after this in 1954 the Choir temporarily disbanded.

1976 The Re-launch

Thankfully some of the original Members of the Choir, along with newcomers, and inspired by Mr Jack Parkman, met together at Barnstaple’s Imperial Hotel in 1976 and decided to reform the Choir. It has been running ever since! The patronage has also been maintained and the Choir’s President has for many years been The Countess of Arran.

More recent times

Over the years our Musical Directors Bernard Dodwell, Robert Loveridge, Ivor Harris, Sheila Bellew, Colin Hunt and currently Derek Trewin have all worked to ensure that the long-standing tradition of high quality choral singing has been retained at all times. Similarly we owe much to our accompanists, especially to Mrs Peggy Spiers, a very talented accompanist and concert pianist; also to the late Mr Cyril Crowl for his unstinting work as Chairman for over 20 years. In 2006 the Choir achieved Charitable Status.

The Future

Under the Chairmanship of Mr Ken Beevers since the year 1999, the Choir now looks forward with enthusiasm and commitment to protecting and enhancing its cherished reputation and to its considerable ongoing work for charity.

Key Accomplishments

• Early success saw the Choir perform two concerts for the BBC at its Bristol Studios.
• In the 1930’s the Choir made its first gramophone record, two songs, sold for four shillings and sixpence!
• Choir entered competitions locally and in Cheltenham and St Austell with several successes.
• In 1986 the Choir completed a successful first visit to Stadt Uelzen, Barnstaple’s twin town in Northern Germany.
• The Choir became members of the National Association of Choirs.
• Exchange visits have taken place with choirs such as Wadebridge, Brixham, Leamington Spa, Coventry and the Dorset Police Choir.
• The Choir was awarded the Mayor of Barnstaple’s Community Award for its fund raising efforts.
• 1999 saw the production of the Choir’s first C.D. 18 pieces of music and just a little more costly than its first gramophone record!
• In 2000 the Choir joined with others to sing four concerts to celebrate the Millennium, raising £2,000 for local charities.
• 2004 saw the Choir’s second C.D. produced.
• In 2006 the Choir returned to Stadt Uelzen for another highly successful visit.
• The Choir took part in the 2007 Cornwall International Male Voice Choral Festival where it enjoyed notable success.

Barnstaple Male Voice Choir