Swindon Male Voice Choir

This carol concert has been a special one for many years, and is now very much a SMVC tradition. The returning audience must feel that way too as, once again the church was full. We welcome once more the the talented Wroughton Silver Band, and the JTP Trust Concert Choir who added their choice of Christmas music.

We would also like to thank the High Street Club, Old Town, Swindon for inviting us to sing for them on 22nd December which provided additional funds for our chosen charities.

The final amount raised for Prospect Hospice and Julia's House Hospice was £1700, each receiving a cheque for £850. Pictures of these presentations, which took place in February, can be seen at the end of this post.The following photos show taken during concert.

On our way to another memorable night at Christchurch

SMVC's director of music, Kirstie Smith, sets out the programme for the evening, and SMVC's first set of carols.

The JTP Trust, Concert Choir in great voice.

Wroughton Silver Band, ready to entertain with a blend of  musical talent, as well as ....

a sense of fun but ....

..... we have some of our own too!

A joint item ended the concert.

Some presentations were made: First, to  Jim Toolen, for 25 years of loyal service. Jim sings in the in the Bass section of the choir, always a smile on his face, and a friendly word to say. 

Then to the latest member of the choir, Chris May, who was presented with a pair of SMVC cufflinks by Swindon's Mayor, Cllr Fay Howard, to mark his first concert with SMVC. 

At the start of 2026 funds raised at this concert and carol singing at the High Street Club, Swindon were presented to the Prospect Hospice and Julia's House Hospice. As well as enjoying singing, and making some great friends, raising money for charity is a very important part of being a member of SMVC.

This was our first concert with Military Wives Choir at the Defence Academy, Shrivenham, Swindon. The concert was a great success and we hope to meet up to sing again in the near future

The concert was raise funds for Combat Stress - helping veterans in their time of need.

The following photos show taken during concert.

Two weeks after ladies’ choir, Cor Persain, were our concert guests in Swindon, we travelled to Ammanford, South Wales. This time we were guests at their Annual Concert which was celebrating the 25^th Anniversary of the forming of their choir. The concert venue was a beautiful traditional Welsh chapel, complete with all round gallery. Overnight accommodation - The Sessile Oak in Llanelli. We have been there, seen it and it all seems good. After the concert the Welsh hospitality continued with refreshments at the Miners Welfare Social Club, followed by some after concert singing.

The follow day we visited the Mumbles, Swansea. The weather could have been better but the fresh sea air and scenery was a good way to start the day.

In the afternoon sang for the residents at Bryn Care Home, Pontardawe. To see the residents joining in with us and enjoying themselves touched all involved, and was so rewarding.

More fond SMVC memories were made on this trip and the photographs below follow the events over the two days.

Departing.

Arriving at Ammanford.

Both choirs exchange gifts to mark the occasion.

New choir member, Gareth Petherick, receives SMVC cufflinks to mark his first concert.

Time for the choirs to relax and enjoy each others company.

Morning at Swansea - some choristers decided to brave the weather and stroll along the promenade in the Mumbles.

To round off the weekend we brought some music to residents of a Nursing Home near Swansea. It was great to see some of them joining in and enjoying the songs.

Refreshments provided made sure we didn't go hungry on our trip back to Swindon.

It was our great pleasure to welcome to Christchurch, Malvern Male Voice Choir, directed by Charles Pavey, and A Splash of Red, directed by Claire Lee. Our own Kirstie Smith and accompanist Kate Lock leading us with their usual musical talents.

The concert was supporting 'Wiltshire Treehouse' - a charity providing bereavement support to children and young people in Swindon and Wiltshire.

It was our first concert since the Summer break, and what a start it was! Some more memories were made, with some great concert singing, and even more singing in a local hostelry. The following photos show some of the pre-concert rehearsals, as well as those taken during concert. Included in the review are videos showing some of the special moments when the choirs sang together.

Some rehearals before the concert. 'Ladies Choir, A Spash of Red' rehearsing.

Malvern Male Voice Choir warming up.

All three choirs join together to rehearse some joint items.

SMVC Concert Secretary, Gordie Smith, who was instumental in bringing the three choirs together greets the audience.

SMVC Musical Director, Kirstie Smith, introduces the choirs and the programme for the evening. SMVC Deputy MD and accompanist, Kate Lock.

 Compere, Tarquin Shaw-Young introduces Malvern Male Voice Choir to the audience.  A video of the two choirs singing 'An American Triology' and the Lion King song, 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' follow the next photo.

Malvern Male Voice Choir, MD Charles Pavey and accompanist, Colin Wllis.

A Splash of Red, MD Claire Lee and Accompanist Louise Matley.

Chairman, John Mills, thanks to all who have made the concert possible and such a success.

Choirs are usually make up of modest personnel and not used to taking applause, so taking a bow at the end of their singing is unusual and needs more practise!