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Rame Peninsula MVC

Three generations in Rame choir

THE Rame Peninsula MVC has embarked on its most ambitious recruitment programme, and it is already reaping dividends, capturing three choristers from one family - a coup unique in our history: three generations of the one family in membership. Robin Willoughby (right) aged 25 is a second tenor, and has finally prevailed on his father, Andrew, and grandfather, Philip, to join. Philip, 83, is a bass, and Andrew, 57, is a baritone.

All doctors' surgeries on the Peninsula have been supplied with men's health material promoting the medically-acknowledged benefits of singing. It references NHS England's promotion of the benefits in treating dementia and addressing mental health issues: helping lower stress, relieving depression, grief, anxiety and nerves. There is also evidence that singing and music help improve breathing and maintain speech and language.

This material has also been displayed at every parish and town council building in the area, as well as public libraries.

Three Coronation events in three days

THE deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, rear admiral Mike Woods (pictured), was guest of honour at a free eve-of-Coronation celebration concert in Maker Church on May 5 where he read a message from his majesty, King Charles.

The concert was organised by the parish council with proceeds going to the church restoration appeal. It was the third time the choir had performed in concert for this cause. With coronation day off for good behaviour, members were back in action in Millbrook on Sunday May 9, entertaining a massive crowd attending the village's Big Lunch where rear admiral Woods again did the honours.

Then, for members of the choir's folk, sea-shanty and 60s rock ensemble, Halfway Harmony, it was on to Quethiock for their community Big Lunch. Our accomplished accompanist, Liz Sidebotham, performed at all three events, switching seamlessly from keyboards to accordion. What a star.

Photos: David Clarke.

Article submitted by Doug Gillon
Rame press officer
12th May 2023

Marazion Apollo Male Choir

On 20th April the choir set forth to cross the border into England, the first time since Covid 19 struck, for concerts with Ludlow MVC and Hereford Police MVC. We arrived Thursday afternoon by coach and car and had an evening and morning to relax and enjoy Hereford, a lovely city similar in size to Truro which houses Mappa Mundi and the recently refurbished Chained Library, in its cathedral, which many of us were able to visit.

Our first concert, with Ludlow, took place in a beautiful Saxon Church in the village of Stanton Lacy. The village is in the heart of horse racing country and the church was found along a very narrow, winding lane. From our perspective this did not augur well for a large audience. How wrong can one be? Pre concert ticket sales ensured that the church rapidly filled as we rehearsed our joint pieces with Ludlow men. Both choirs performed to their highest standard, and the concert was extremely well received, appreciated and applauded by a knowledgeable audience. The concert was held, in part, to raise funds for the church to replace the single 'Portaloo' with a more substantial, permanent unit and we certainly added to that fund. We retired to our accommodation happy with a job well done.

On Saturday 22nd April the Hereford Police MVC Choir took us to Ross on Wye, to the substantial, beautiful and lively parish church for their St. George's Day Concert. After tea and biscuits in the nearby hall we again had a rehearsal of joint pieces prior to audience arrival. Many tickets had been sold in the days leading up to the event and a large audience greeted the choirs as we took our places. The high standards of Friday evening were repeated here with our entertaining repertoire and the audience was encouraged to join in a couple of the pieces from each choir. it was a joy and privilege to sing in this place. The Hereford supporters provided a substantial table for the afterglow at the bowls club with more entertainment from choir members.

Special thanks must go to our coach driver who did an excellent job wherever he was obliged to take his vehicle (not only Cornwall has very narrow lanes). Our next trip away, a more local outing will be Saturday May 13th to meet up with Mid Imerys MVC. See you there?

On April 11th Marazion Apollo Male Choir was honoured to participate in the memorial service for David Harris, one of our second tenors who came to us after the demise of Newlyn Male Voice Choir a few years ago. David had endured considerable pain and suffering for several months but prior to that had been a very active member of the choir and other charitable organisations following his retirement as head teacher at St. Ives Comprehensive School. Tributes were paid by former colleagues and pupils after which the choir sang two pieces from our repertoire. Following this, family members shared many of their favourite memories with the congregation. After prayers and the blessing the exit music was 'Wonderful life' by Black. A fitting tribute.

Article submitted by Stuart Meyers
4th May 2023