Looking forward to 2024
As the Choir approaches the end of another musical year, we can look back on a successful calendar of diverse local concerts, commemorating and celebrating some of the year’s events.
The choir has shared the stage with Lofthouse Colliery Band, Skelmanthorpe Band, Hade Edge Band and West Yorkshire Police Band, with Honley Ladies’ Choir, with multi-instrumentalist Simeon Wood, with soprano Suzi Saperia and with soloists from within our own ranks, in venues across the county from Outwood, Ossett, Moldgreen, Kirkburton, Clayton West, Halton, Sandal and, of course, to Skelmanthorpe.
For 2024 we will return to competition for the first time since the pandemic with entries at the historic Mrs Sunderland Festival in Huddersfield Town Hall at the end of February and the Eskdale Festival at Whitby in late April.
Our concert season kicks off with a charity event at our rehearsal co-venue, Sandal Methodist Church on Friday, April 26th and the year will feature concerts with no less than four local brass bands including the very famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band at Christmas 2024.
Fancy being part of this great musical experience? The choir is always keen to attract new members and anyone interested should contact Richard on 07771 741875. We rehearse on alternate Tuesdays at Skelmanthorpe Methodist Church, Pilling Lane and Sandal Methodist Church, Wakefield Road. You’ll be very welcome.
Come and give it a try at our fun workshop in Skelmanthorpe Saturday 13th January 2024.
Dear Friends, Our next concert is with the West Yorkshire Police Band at Ossett Town Hall on Saturday 8th October at 7:30. Hopefully some of you may be able to attend! The last few months have seen a few additions to our bass section, both new and returning members, which helps the general balance of the choir, a couple are also patrons. Last week was our A.G.M. One major change was the election of a new Chairman. You often see STEVE RAZZELL, taking a solo part in pieces like ‘Rocking the Boat` and we are delighted to see him take up the new post. Following our previous Chairman BRIAN TAYLOR is no easy task. You often see Brian taking a solo or welcoming an audience. Behind the scenes he has put in a tremendous amount of time, effort and hard work, especially through all the difficulties of the pandemic, for which the choir is extremely grateful. I know that Jane found his support invaluable. Thank you for your continued support; it will not be long until our Christmas season begins, dates are below, we look for ward to seeing you. Dear Friends, A belated Happy New Year and congratulations if you have managed to stick to any resolutions you have made! Our Christmas concerts were extremely well received, the choir were in excellent voice and Jane was back at the helm. We began at Overton with a number of the choir stepping up to the plate with contributions and of course the delicious 'mucky fat sandwiches` were provided in the interval. Black Dyke Band was on their usual form although with reduced instrumentalists, and a smaller audience than usual. We finished the year at Penistone with their Ladies Choir. The Cathedral concert was extremely well supported, the children and gentlemen gave great performances which was enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience. During the concert Terry Milsom was made an honorary vice president of the choir. It seemed the most fitting venue for Terry, who as the then concert secretary, started the Cathedral concerts over 40 years ago which have raised thousands of pounds for local charities. He also started the Patrons scheme and served on the committee for over 40 years. A week later he celebrated his 90th birthday and is now in his 50th year with the choir, quite an achievement! Richard our current concert secretary has been busy, and a number of events are already filling the diary (see the details on the next page). Two concerts to bring to your particular attention:- As always if you have family or friends who would like to become a patron or join the choir please get in touch. For ticket enquiries, recruitment and patrons contact: Concert liaison: Richard Oldroyd - 07771 741875September 2022
February 2022
Patrons Secretary: Norman Bailey - 01484 607058