Looking back at 2009.

As we start another decade, full of anticipation and expectancy, its nice to sit and look at the snow from the comfort of a warm living room and reflect on the enjoyment that the choir as given, and received in its travels through the year 2009.

January 2009 started with the choir not travelling to far, Bollington being the venue for a concert in aid of the Bollington Community Centre Fund, once again the support from the audience was outstanding, with every seat in the Methodist Church taken.

The next gathering of the choir was a very sombre one, sadly the choir lost one of its leading Bass singers Peter Mathews. The Funeral was held at St Michael’s Church, Macclesfield, on the 27th January. Peter who had been a Teacher at King’s School was truly held in high regard, the church was full to capacity, and on duty with the choir was the King’s School choir.

February, was a home fixture at St Paul’s Church, the beneficiary of the concert was the Church itself, with all the proceeds going towards the Spire Repair Appeal, evidence of the how successful the fund raising was, could clearly be seen later on in the year, when the working steeplejacks where visible from all parts of the town. They were nearer too heaven than the choir were that night they performed. This concert was very poignant for the Macclesfield Male Voice Choir, for it was here that the choir was formed 54 years ago.

March was the month for the choir to produce its 54th Annual Spring Concert, this was held at The King’s School on Cumberland Street, joining the choir on this occasion was the very talented Cheshire Youth Choir, led by their Conductor Shirley Court. This dynamic group of young singers, complimented the evenings entertainment with a performance of the highest standard.

April, the choir travelled to Lower Withington holding their concert in the Lower Withington Parish Hall. This may be a small village, but it demonstrated a big heart and filled the hall. The purpose not only to entertain, but raise funds in aid of a New Organ for the Methodist Church.

St Michael’s and All Angels Church was the venue for the choir in May, they were holding this concert to support The Leonard Cheshire Disability and The ‘Just Drop In’ Centre. A wonderful evenings entertainment was delivered not only by the MMVC but fully supported by The King’s School Big Band, a ‘sound’ not to be forgotten. Eleanor Hudson delighted on the Harp, and Somerset born mezzo-soprano Nicola Semple thrilled all with a her solo’s.

The weather played a big part in the planned concert for the early part of June, this was organised to be an outdoor event at the Church House Inn, Congleton. Although tenting had been arranged, the downpour was so heavy it was impossible to hold the concert outside. Still, not daunted, the choir and audience crammed themselves inside the Inn and gave a rousing rendition of many popular songs. Possibly, the first time that the Inn had experienced such good quality singing. This event was staged for raising funds for the Congleton Carnival.

Making it three years in a row, the choir, on invitation, performed at The Royal Northern College of Music on the 19th June. The charity who received the benefit of the choirs performance were the Cancer Aid & Listening Line. Once again, it was an honour to perform in such a splendid hall with its wonderful acoustics.

July, and it was across the Scottish border for the MMVC to give concerts at Dalgety Bay on the Saturday and Bishopbriggs near Glasgow on the Sunday. The choir set up base at Cumbernauld, which was fairly central both events. The hotel here provided excellent facilities and was situated alongside a golf course, a very picturesque place.

After such a full six months of performing August was treated as breathing space for the choir, however, September it was business as usual. Congleton,  the venue, with a concert in aid of building restoration funds at the St Peter’s Church, Chapel Street.

Supporting the choir was  soprano, Judith McAuslan.

October, and coming to the end of a full season it was too St Cuthbert’s, Cheadle that the choir received a wonderful welcome, what a delightful congregation, yet again a memorable evening with yet another call too come back soon.

Finally, December, as is tradition, the choir travelled to Wythenshawe Hospital for the Trust Carol Concert, many years have now past since Bob Davies first implemented this event. Again, the staff, as always, greet you with a smile, a mince pie, and a glass of seasonal cheer.

Along the way the choir has been booked to perform at four weddings, a popular innovation that seems to be gathering momentum each year. Also sadly we have bookings to support at funerals, the last of which was for Life member Don Cotterill,  who, past away in December. The choir was very willing to support Maureen and family on this sad occasion.