Views from A New Member

‘Having lived in Southeast Northumberland and worked for a while in Ashington, I know and have experienced the camaraderie and friendship of the local communities.

Singing with my wife in two mixed choirs on Tyneside, I was keen to maintain my singing experience in male voice. After joining Ashington & District Male Voice Choir, I knew that I had made a good choice!

‘As soon as I came along to one of my trial rehearsals, I was made so welcome and that has continued – they are a great bunch of guys from different backgrounds. I also liked the varied selection of music ranging from traditional male voice to popular songs to Tyneside and a good choice of local numbers about coal mining.

‘Ashington was at one time classed as being ‘The largest coal mining village in the world.’ The Choir has a strong tradition for male voice singing with nearly 110-years’ experience. Why don’t you come and join us to be part of the future and highlight the area through singing!’

Kevin Lillie

Gary’s Story

 ‘I joined the choir over a year ago having come from a background in the mining industry then a career in the police.

‘I must admit I enjoy singing on karaoke (and even have one at home) and a friend I studied with many years ago asked me a few times if I wanted to try out with the choir. I initially thought, "probably not my cup of tea”, but I attended a rehearsal on a whim just to see what it was about. I have to say I was met by a friendly bunch of "mature chaps” from a wide range of backgrounds who made me feel very welcome including an informal hello to the group. Despite having no ability to read music nor experience of singing from sheet music, I was sat beside a tutor (for want of a better word) who helped me through the first few sessions which I found very enjoyable, and my confidence soon improved. The company is very relaxed, informal, and mainly light-hearted with banter between the men.

‘Despite only rehearsing a couple of hours a week, I have found that my knowledge of reading musical notes & (I hope) my actual singing quickly improved. I also like the fact that the origins of the choir are related to the miners which sometimes reflects our choice of songs.

‘After only a few practices, I actually took part in our annual Xmas concert at a local church and found being part of the community gave a sense of pride & enjoyment. I have done several more since then which I always enjoy.

‘I have now been a member over a year and become more involved in the running of things and made many new friends. Looking back now I wish I had joined earlier in life!!’

Gary Temperley

Father and Son joining together in song.

‘I’ve been a member of couple of Male Voice Choirs over the last six years. After 30 years of living in Cheshire I moved back "home” to the northeast in 2019. I eventually left the City of Chester Male Voice Choir in 2021 with great sadness, but on a positive note it allowed me to join my dad at Ashington, he’s been a member for 23 years in the baritone section. I know he was really pleased about it and I’m thrilled to be with him and involved with a great bunch of men. I work as Business Development Manager in the Nuclear & Defence sector so going to rehearsals and concerts is a great way to help relax and wind down ready for the weekend.

‘For any Gents thinking of joining the choir, come along and give it a go. It’s great for your mental health, wellbeing, and its great fun.’

Tony Martin

ANDREW

Had this to say: ‘When I moved from Lincolnshire, where I’d worked for over thirty years in the NHS, I left behind a strong and important link with singing in Louth Male Voice Choir. It seemed a long wait during lockdown, but I was able to look at several choirs locally before deciding to join Ashington. The thing that made the decision for me was the sense of fun I felt during rehearsals: some of the music was very familiar to me, and some was completely new, and I enjoy the challenge of learning new music. I’ve been made very welcome, and I’m enjoying the task of finding my voice in a new section of tenors.

Andrew Mowat