Category: News

In any Choir it is important to bring in some new voices from time to time especially when choristers inevitably retire or leave for whatever reason.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The induction process involves a simple voice test after a confidence building period[/perfectpullquote]

Since May five new singers have joined us, John Foster (baritone), Phillip Wright ( 2nd tenor), Paul Sheward and the two latest recruits Kevan Jones (2nd tenor) and Chris Kelsall.

Kev and Chris are pictured at choir practice last Tuesday, 25 June receiving choir ties from their respective section leaders, Mario Curtis and Al Roberts having successfully completing the induction process.

The Mansfield & District MVC induction involves a simple voice test (after attending a number of choir practices and building confidence) and makes sure that new recruits are fitting well into the team.

Our most senior chorister, Tom Dillon has decided to retire after 42 years’ service. 95 year old Tom is pictured receiving tokens of love and appreciation from Chairman John Wakeland at last Tuesday’s choir practice.

One of Tom’s favourites is Softly. So with a great deal of affection for a dear friend, the guys were able to sing for Tom as a farewell at his final choir practice.

Everyone associated with the Choir wish Tom and his wife Doreen all our very best wishes.

Immediate past Chairman of the Choir, Gordon Blanc, has announced his retirement as a member of the Choir. In a letter to Chairman, John Wakeland, Gordon explained that his troublesome and very painful hip has made appearing on stage to be extremely difficult to the point where it would not be possible for him to continue.

“[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“I have made so many wonderful friendships and had so many wonderful experiences” – Gordon Blanc[/perfectpullquote]

Gordon explains: “I have made so many wonderful friendships and had so many wonderful experiences since becoming a member back in 2009. lt was in that year that I first learned of M&DMVC as I was attempting to find an audience for Basingstoke MVC when the Choir visited Nottingham.”

“I owe this choir so much and I wish the choir, lan and the Music Team and yourself as their Chairman every success as you go from strength to strength. I do hope to occasionally visit you at rehearsal and thank you all so much friendship and support over the years.”

Gordon’s last appearance with Mansfield & District MVC was the joint charity concert with Basingstoke Hospital MVC at All Saints’ Church, Basingstoke on May 26th.

Whilst on the mini-tour to Oxford and Basingstoke, at our hotel in Newbury, the Choir wished Gordon and wife Jill all the very best for the future and were able to present to the couple tokens of appreciation to the couple ( Jill has also been an energetic the Supporters’ Group and has also retired from these duties).