Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir has been reflecting on the challenges of the past 18 months and looking forward with optimism, confidence and expectation.

It held a belated AGM at the end of October, a meeting postponed from April last year when Covid-19 restrictions meant an end to the choir’s activities.

The choir’s president, David Marriott, welcomed everyone to the meeting and began by saluting the passing of some choristers and Supporters’ Group members with respect and fond memories.

It was reported that the committee had supported the ongoing motivation of members through personal contact, newsletters, social media and the occasional meeting in a controlled environment.

The return to group activity was carefully managed with everyone taking lateral flow tests before attending rehearsals.

Concert manager Lynden Lowe overcame the numerous and repeated difficulties of planning, arranging, and subsequently having to cancel and rearrange concerts, which are usually planned up to 18 months in advance.

However, the choir is now excited to be staging two Christmas-themed concerts:

12th December, from 12noon to 2pm, at Rufford Country Park courtyard.
16th December, the choir’s annual concert with Shirebrook Welfare Band, at Forest Town Arena, at 7.30pm.

Treasurer Eric Bexon successfully managed the accounts over two financial years, while secretary Eileen Lawrence prepared newsletters and maintained contact with choir stakeholders.

Promotion and publicity officer Geoff Mansfield kept the website updated and collated and organised the choir archive into a book, recording 75 years of the history of the choir.

Director Ian Grice and accompanist Margaret Ball have reviewed the choir’s strengths, its repertoire and selected new pieces of music, as well as successfully encouraging new members to join.

Chairman John Wakeland, who had been due to lead his first AGM in April 2020, managed the cohesion of the team and choristers over the last 18 months to make the eventual AGM a positive and rewarding occasion.

There were enthusiastic volunteers taking up committee roles, exciting concerts to look forward to, new members to envelop into the team and camaraderie, a sound financial basis, and a choir eager to rehearse and perform.

John also marked the contribution of Marilyn Mansfield to the Supporters’ Group (pictured). For the last few years Marilyn has led the team of ladies arranging and delivering social events and since 2012 they have raised thousands of pounds to support choir activities.

Marilyn has handed over the role to Julie Bexon who is also assistant treasurer.

Anyone wanting to join the choir can go to a Tuesday evening rehearsal at St Augustine’s Church on Abbot Road, Mansfield, for 7.30pm.