Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir (MMVC) performed in three sell-out charity concerts in eight days that raised almost £6,000 in total.

First at a St George’s Day Concert at Queen Elizabeth’s Academy, Mansfield, they were joined by Sonara ladies’ choir, from South Normanton, as money was raised for Hetty’s.

The Mansfield-based charity is being supported by the president of MMVC, David Marriott during his term in office.

Tracey Crosby and Craig Knowles outlined the support Hetty’s gives to more than 200 families each month as they cope with a loved one’s drug and alcohol addiction.

Sonara were conducted by Helen Beresford and among their eight songs in two appearances were Here Comes The Sun, All That Jazz, America, and Scottish / Irish adieu The Parting Glass.

Male voice choir accompanist Margaret Ball was thanked after playing for both choirs, having received the Sonara repertoire just three days before the concert after illness ruled out the ladies’ choir accompanist Teresa Mills.

MMVC, conducted by musical director Ian Grice, included two new choristers, Wesley Pierpont and Trevor Dyson.
Mansfield 103.2 managing director Tony Delahunty compered the concert.

The male voice choir then appeared with Ravenshead Swing Band, the combined Joseph Whitaker and Redhill Academy Swing Band, and soloist soprano Sarah Carlin at a concert at Ravenshead Village Hall in support of the DEC Ukraine humanitarian appeal.

Carolyn Beedle, musical director of Ravenshead Swing Band, said: “The combined item at the end — You’ll Never Walk Alone — was powerful and uplifting. We’ll keep in touch and hopefully do more concerts together.”

The third event was a concert featuring six Nottinghamshire-based male voice choirs at St Paul’s Church, Daybrook, also in support of Ukraine, — and it was arranged in just six weeks.

It was organised by Bestwood Male Voice Choir and also included choirs from Carlton, Radcliffe, and Sandiacre, as well as the South Notts Men’s Chorus with mezzo soprano Katharine Dryden.

There were around 135 men on stage being conducted by different conductors.

Ian said: “Our third concert in eight days and the second supporting the Ukraine appeal.

“It was a super night. The singing was so powerful with songs chosen to reflect our feelings, and also for the audience to sing along to.”

John Pritchard added: “Special thanks should go to Mansfield MVC and the family who provided ribbons in Ukrainian colours.

“This concert was an excellent example of how Nottinghamshire choirs can work together to raise money for a good cause.”

The choir will be appearing at a local history fair at Mansfield Library this month. Click here for details.