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History of Driffield Male Voice Choir
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DRIFFIELD MALE VOICE CHOIR - A HISTORY
Driffield MVC was reformed in 1971, as there had not been a Male Voice Choir in Driffield since the war. The initiative was taken on by Alan Bradshaw, of the flour milling family, and the choir started off with 30 members, one of which, Percy Nicholson, is still singing. The Musical Director was Ron Crooks and the choir practised at the Highfield Country Club. The choir performed locally and at that time also sang in various Musical Festivals, Hull and Whitby being two of note. In 1979, our current MD Ian Cockerline, well known in Hull and Cottingham for his organ playing skills, joined as accompanist and in 1980 Ron Crooks made way for Alan Binnington, our current President, to take over as MD. Alan and Ian were at the helm in 1987 when the choir made their first appearance in London, at the Royal Albert Hall, along with many other Yorkshire choirs, in “A Festival of Music – A Thousand Yorkshire Male Voices”. This “gig” became a regular feature and return visits were made in 1991, 1994, 1997, 2003, 2006 and 2009 (see page RAH concerts). This leadership combination remained at the helm until 1992 when, due to pressure of work, Alan made way for Ralph Bateman to take over as MD. At this time the choir relocated to the Old Town Hall for their practises, where they remain. In 1998 our “Barber Shop” group were formed under the inspiration and guidance of our late, beloved Brian Wright. This group practise throughout the year and have given pleasure and fun to hundreds of audiences over the years. Since Brian’s recent death Geoff Hughes has taken over the leadership. In 2000/1 Ian stepped up to the MD’s position and after initially having Janice Farrow as his accompanist, our present pianist Elaine Dave took over in 2002. As well as her pianoforte expertise she has a sweet soprano voice which she exercises with various groups, including The Beverley Chamber Choir, and solo performances to augment DMVC. Since 2002 Ian and Elaine have led the choir to regular success at the Cottingham Musical Festival and continue to advise and guide the choir in their current exploits. Over the years the main attractions have been the Spring Celebrity concert and Autumn Gala concert. Guests have included Keith Swallow, Vernon and Marietta Midgley, Michael De Costa, The Maureen Hunter Singers, Wendy Goodson, Phillip McCann and Simon Lindley, London Theatre Voices and latterly, and again this November,Tempus Brass. The choirmen come, predominantly from the Driffield area but members also travel from Hull, Beeford, Hunmanby, Beverley and Bridlington.
22nd March 2007
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