PRESENTATION: Chepstow Male Voice Choir has recently had the pleasure of presenting three choristers with ‘Life Membership’.

Our President John Dare presented two original members with the honour: Bernard Pope and John Markey. Both have been sterling members, John travelling from Berkeley, Gloucestershire to rehearsals and concerts, Bernard generously provided some financial assistance at its 1988 inception.

Allan Collins who also has the distinction of being a founder member, was presented with his ‘Life Membership’ by Margaret Cooper, whose husband Glyn was also an original member. All three choristers now have a framed certificate declaring their distinction.

We were invited to give a charity concert, for church funds, at St Mary’s in the village of Castlemorton, near Malvern Worcs. Two years ago we sang at a wedding in that church, and from that event we were asked to perform there. We had a full church, with wine and food aplenty, which was all in the ticket price. We also provided our own soloists in the form if our MD, Richard Fry who accompanied himself on acoustic guitar. Clive Oliver sang a solo, and one of our accompanists, Rosemarie Lewis’ husband Clive, played his cornet solo, The Trumpet Voluntary assisted by his wife. Our other accompanist, Kirsten Watson also accompanied the choir in several pieces, as did Rosemarie.

Our next engagement is on April 7 when we will be singing at a wedding service in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire.