Choirs at Clipstone – A Choral Kaleidoscope

As part of our 80th Anniversary celebrations we were pleased to be performing once again with the Derbyshire Community Male Voice Choir. This is a return match after we performed with them and four other Derbyshire choirs in Derby Cathedral last summer and it was a truly uplifting experience.
The opportunity to hear these two choirs together was enhanced by the fact that some of the songs performed by Mansfield & DMVC were previews of those to be sung by the Mansfield Choir at The Royal Albert Hall, London on 27th April. Our Mansfield choir is delighted to be selected for the fourth time as one of only three English choirs to perform at The Festival of Massed Male Voices comprising 650 choristers from 23 choirs: an honour indeed.

The two male voice choirs were ably contrasted by Sempre (Italian for “Always”) who are six ladies, all friends, who just love singing. Last year they celebrated 30 years together and their talent shows through, no pretentious antics, no stage hugging, just honest, characterful and well delivered harmonies and complex arrangements which delight their audiences every time they perform.

The programme for the evening was most diverse, ranging from songs by Ed Sheeran, Smokey Robinson, Welsh pieces, and classic male voice standards- a true kaleidoscope of music, and it is this variety of entertainment which keeps our audiences returning. Perfect (the Ed Sheeran song) was arranged by Louise Buxton the talented accompanist for the Derbyshire choir and represents the best in modern music which all male choirs now include in their repertoire. We provided contrast with “Ar Hyd Y Nos”, “Yfory” and “Gweddi Affricanaidd” (African Prayer) as did Sempre with a brilliant arrangement of “Pie Jesu” and my favourite of the evening “A Night Like This”.

Jonathan Baker of A W Lymn (The family funeral service), as a mark of congratulation and for our support in some of their services, presented us with tie clips which commemorate our 80-year history.

The logo was designed, and the tie clips sourced, by Kelly Grey, owner of Huntress Promotional Merchandise and they look really good, shining against our choir ties. Jonathan was most professional and compassionate about the choir’s continuous contribution to wellbeing in our community and that it is these values which mirror the objectives of A W Lymm in their business – a symbiotic relationship. Many thanks to Kelly and Jonathan for their support and involvement.

L to R: Jonathan Baker, Geoff Hursthouse (Choir Chairman), Kelly Grey, Geoff Mansfield (Publicity Officer), David Marriott, Choir president).

To his great surprise, during the evening, Keith Turner was presented with a certificate in celebration of 20 years’ membership and involvement in the choir. Keith is a staunch baritone and can always be relied upon for a kind word, friendliness and commitment to performance. We greatly value his involvement together with his wife Mary who is always active in our choir Supporters’ Group.

Our thanks must also go to our choir President, Mr. David Marriott and his church team at All Saints Church, Clipstone., The church is a super concert venue and we are always made most welcome by the congregation and the stalwart helpers who work hard to make the concerts a success. The behind-the-scenes workers in our Supporters’ Group, Concert and Publicity managers and Treasury all warrant thanks.

I can’t finish this piece without mentioning the passionate (I really mean this) leadership of Ian Grice, our Musical Director. Supported by both Margaret and Maureen our accompanists, we would not have the choir we have today without their never ending preparation and attention to detail. Facebook reports, what’s app messages, verbal acclamation all stem from Ian’s guidance and total commitment – we love it Ian and long may it continue.

We, of course, love performing, and this continued at the afterglow in Clipstone Welfare where both male choirs gave even more to round off the event. There is no better way to spend a Saturday evening. – fabulous.