Sunday, 21st July, 2019.

100th Anniversary, Service of Celebration at Christchurch, Old Town, Swindon.

Rev. Simon Stevenette opens the service.

Soloist, Rachel Smith, sings, 'Be Still for the Presence of the Lord' as the first piece of music. 

Musical Director, Max Brockman More introduces the choir and says a few words. 

Our choir sing some songs with the congregation and a selection of songs from the SMVC past and present repertoire.

A commemoration candle is lit by Mary Bowerman - a founder of Friends of SMVC in 1982 and widow of the late Derek Bowerman.

Mary was assisted by the youngest member of the choir, Jack Bailey.

Also present on the day was 100 year old gentleman, Norman Collins, whose father sang in the choir.

Retired members of the choir and others, associated with SMVC were invited to sing, 'Morte Christe', with the current choir. 

Our concert organiser and Top Tenor, Gordie Smith, recieved a cerificate in recognition of an amazing 40 years with SMVC. 

Unbelievably, a second member of the choir, Len Curtis, in the Baritone section has also been singing with the choir for 40 years! It just proves the point, singing is good for your health.

Choir President, Shirley Ludford gives her congratulations to Gordie and Len for their long sevice to the choir.

Cakes were made to celebrate the occasion to eat with a cream tea later!

Rev. Geoffrey Gleed, lead the congregation in prayers and then entertained us with some humorous.stories.

Chairman, John Mills, gives the congregation a few facts about the history of the choir.

Richard Giles, member of the choir for 27 years, reads a humorous monologue called, 'Chorister's Confession'.

James Deacon, the owner of Deacon's Jewellery, Old Town, Swindon, donates to the choir a valuable Gold Half Hunter Watch to be auctioned later this year, to support the choir's anniversary events.

Finally, we all sing in celebration of 100 years of SMVC before we have a delicious cream tea. The photos which follow show how the celebrations continued that afternoon.

The cream tea with guests, family and choir members: