TAUNTON DEANE
On 23rd November 2024, it was a great pleasure to be invited back to the Lord Nelson pub in Norton-subHamdon, a village situated ten miles west of Yeovil.
The pretty village has a population about 1000 people and the landlord was so delighted with the choir’s singing in 2023 that it was invited to perform again.
As before, Mike Wager provided the music and the pub-goers really enjoyed the musical entertainment.
Also in the picture is Adrian Prior-Sankey who was MC for the event, (with the terrible jokes). Taunton Concert Band provided the music.
Joining the singing were Mayor of Taunton Cllr Vanessa Garside and the Mayor’s Consort Doctor Chief Mansour Jumaa
11th December 2024
Concert at the magnificent Wells Cathedral
Performing at Wells Cathedral is always an honour and being invited back was a special privilege and something the choristers always enjoy.
This, the first of the choir's Christmas touring concerts, was a really memorable event in this majestic building which never fails to inspire a sense of wonder and grandeur.
The concert was held in support of Age UK.
Age UK performs outstanding work by providing essential services, support and advocacy for the elderly.
Their efforts include combating loneliness, offering financial advice, and ensuring access to healthcare. Their initiatives make a significant impact to the lives of older people, promoting their well-being and dignity.
Taunton Concert Band providing the music
12th December 2024 Blakes Presentation Event
Time to let your hair down
One of our main sponsors, Blakes Coaches, held their annual fundraising event at the Langstone Cliff Hotel in Dawlish.
This year, Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir was invited, not just to sing a few choice pieces from their repertoire but also to a grand Christmas party with all the trimmings.
As you can see, the choir members really enjoyed the festivities.
Just what I wanted
Too much for Tony
Mr. Vennreally.
You can’t open the bags yet . . .
14th December 2024 Christmas Concert
Wellington Methodist Church
A very successful concert was held at Wellington Methodist Church following repeat requests from the organisers of the previous year’s concert.
Around 65 people attended and a total of just under £300 was raised. This was divided between Church Funds and Asthma + Lung UK, previously known as the British Lung Foundation.
Soloist, Liam Atherton sang O Holy Night. There were readings from passages by Dylan Thomas, Thomas Hardy and, of course, Christmas carols were enjoyed. The Mayor of Wellington and patrons of the choir were invited
A small team of church volunteers assisted in the morning and also
after the concert to arrange seating for the choir and audience and the provision of refreshments during the interval.
Asthma + Lung UK has a vision of a world where everyone has healthy lungs.
The charity is dedicated to helping create a world where good lung health and the ability to breathe freely are basic rights enjoyed by all. It is on a mission to change the way that lung health is perceived.
Asthma + Lung UK have a five-year plan based on achievable goals that will help shift attitudes about the way lung health is seen and, hopefully, drive real progress.
21st December 2024 Taunton Deane Service Area
Finally, before the Choir broke up for Christmas, it was invited to sing to tired travellers as they passed through along the M5 on their way south. The singing encouraged the visitors to donate to Cancer Research UK.
The wonderful annual patrons’ concert is always a musical and logistical challenge and this year was no exception.
For the second time we had the amazing Kingsbury Episcopi Band join us, making the event fun and varied and very noisy. This beautiful church is the perfect setting for such a combination of different musical sounds with its excellent acoustics.
Coordinating two musical forms, male voice choir and brass band, is always going to be difficult but all worked out successfully thanks to the work of the musical directors, Nick Thomas and Brian Kelloway.
The joint songs brought the audience’s loud applause and cheering.
Thanks go to Duncan Hughes, our concert manager, for organising the concert,
Brian Kelloway, Musical Director, Kingsbury Episcopi Band
Also attending, Mayor of Yeovil Andy Kendall and Councillor Mike Best
The complete company with the Mayor of Taunton, Councillor Vanessa Garside and Councillor
Nick’s Notes
Hi all.
Congratulations on a super performance last Saturday. There were a couple of misdemeanours wordwise and American Trilogy timing coordination but I don’t think anyone noticed. You have confidence in your music, your presentation and your singing. Well done. . .
It was the best performance yet of How great Thou Art . I was also impressed with Let it be Me and Bui Doi in which Duncan gave a great solo performance.
The song was powerful and relevant and a favourite with the members of the choir.
Thanks also to Barry for great commentary throughout.
Mike Best
Nick Thomas performing with the Kingsbury Episcopi Band
Kingsbury Episcopi Band
Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir
Choir Future Programme (part) 2024-2025
(as at 5th January 2025)
Sat 1.3.2025 Sat 1.6.2025
St David’s Day Concert with Taff Ely Ladies’ Choir Wellington School
Sat 22.3.2025
Concert in aid of Cancer Research UK, Taunton Branch at St James’ Church
Sat 5.4.2025
Concert in Bridport with Dorset Police Choir
Sat 10.5.2025
Visit to Cardiff with Cowbridge MVC
Concert at the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis
Sat 14.6.2025
Annual Concert, Taunton Minster with Marazion Apollo MVC
Sat 4.10.2025
Concert at St Michael’s Church, Galmington
Welcome to two new choir members
Welcome to Colin Albery
John Hudson welcomed Colin Albery (ex-Head of Music at King's College) who will, in future, conduct or accompany when either Nick Thomas or Mike Wager is unavailable.
Colin joined the music department of Kings College Taunton in 1991 as Head of Strings.
He accumulated responsibilities over the years, ending with an extraordinarily wide portfolio: Director of Music, Head of Administration and Deputy Head Teacher.
Laurence Leader
Colin Albery
Simon Spalding
