City's male choir is still in fine voice

In 1927 the Brighton Male Voice Choir(BMVC) was established mainly by the Welsh mining community who had come to Brighton to work on the sea defences between Black Rock and Rottingdean.

Although historical details are sketchy at best it seems the choir ran successfully until the outbreak of the Second World War, when it disbanded.

In 1947 it reformed with weekly rehearsals taking place at Rosslyns Store - now Woolworths - in London Road. Two recruits who joined in the post-war years are still with the choir today and are still going strong.

Bill Verrier and Ron Howard remember the many rehearsals held at Elm Grove Primary School before practice was moved to its present location at the hall of the Church of the Holy Cross, Warren Road, Woodingdean.

Mr Verrier, 86, of Patcham, said: "When I first joined in 1951 we used to rehearse at Elm Grove School. We've had some great times over the years.

"We used to sing in all of the musical festivals in Brighton and we always used to win and take the cup home.

"It wasn't always down to our talent though. In one competition we won the cup because we were the only choir to enter."

Slightly behind Mr Verrier's record of longestserving member is Mr Howard, who joined in the late Fifties.

Mr Howard, 82, of Woodingdean, said: "I'm still with the choir because I'm a team man and I love singing. I used to play a lot of games and as a sportsman I didn't want to let my team down the same applies to the choir.

"I hate letting people down so I've stuck with them.

"My wife died about two-and-a-half years ago and coming here to sing every week has kept me going because I'm meeting new people all the time. To be honest I'm really proud of myself and I'm glad I've stuck it out."

New members are always needed in the choir and the pair were keen to stress to people to give it a go.

Mr Verrier said: "We would love to have younger people come along to see what we do and join up if possible."

One of the main reasons people should get singing, according to 72-year-old Mike Simmons, is to get away from the stresses of modern life.

He said: "Come along if you enjoy singing and you'll be made very welcome.

"It's great for relaxation when you let it all come out of your lungs.

"You feel revitalised and it's a really good way to express your emotions.

"Those of us who have been in the choir for a long time try to help out newcomers because they don't know all the songs we do so you don't need to read music."

Chairman of the choir George Meeten said: "Like all choirs we are looking for new members.

"We would openly welcome any men who enjoy singing in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. You don't have to read music and there are no auditions."

Like any organisation with longevity there is a great sense of history.

The first conductor and musical director of the choir post-war was a Mr Bartlett, who guided the singers through their performances at the Dome on the BBC radio programme Friday Night is Music Night.

A list of successful conductors followed, with Henry Garrett, Brian Wiggins, Roger Martin, Douglas Reeves and Dick Payne all taking responsibility for the music.

Mr Payne stepped down last year after 16 years in the role to be replaced by the current incumbent Maggie Lee.

Music teacher and former assistant choirmaster Mrs Lee said: "I have been involved for about ten years on and off and I have introduced them to a bit more modern music, which is a bit easier to sing as it doesn't involve so many harmonies. I was invited by several friends to get involved and I don't regret it.

"I really enjoy it and love the sound of the male voice choir . They are a really friendly group."

The choir has already performed several times this year in celebration of their anniversary and as always use their concerts to raise hundreds of pounds for charity.

The choir is currently rehearsing for a concert next month so keep checking The Argus for more details.

Have you been a member of the choir? Leave your comments below.