Saturday, 25th March, 2023 – Concert in aid of the Parkinson’s UK Swindon Support Group

smvcadmin 29th March 2023 Latest News

Swindon Male Voice Choir teamed up with Thamesdown Ladies Choir at Bath Road Methodist Church, Swindon for a concert in aid of the Parkinson's UK Swindon Support Group. Over £500 was raised at the event.

We thank Bath Road Methodist Church for once again providing a lovely venue for this concert.

SMVC and our Director of Music, Kirstie Smith .

Thamesdown Ladies Choir and their Director of Music, Shelley Morgan.

As well as both choirs singing there were also some excellent solo performances during the evening.

Sadly, over the last few weeks, Brian Pressey and Marian Cotton have died. Brian was a loyal member of the Tenor 1 section of the choir. Marian Cotton was a supporter of SMVC, a member of Thamesdown Ladies Choir for 40 years and the wife of the late former SMVC Tenor 2 John Cotton, and brother of the late Gareth Jenkins who also sang for SMVC. At the concert SMVC dedicated their singing of the hymn, Gwahoddiad to Brian and Marian.

Other photographs taken on the evening follow:

After a long absence, and by special request, there was a return of the parrots as well as other props, in 'The Song of the Jolly Roger'.

Friday, 16th December – Annual Carol Concert at Christchurch, Swindon.

smvcadmin 1st January 2023 Latest News

This was our first Carol Concert at Christchurch since 2019. Unfortunately our concerts in 2020 and 2021 had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. This year we were pleased to team up, once more, with the talented, Janice Thompson Performance Trust Choir and the ever popular, Wroughton Silver Band, to provided an excellent, all round concert for our audience. The event raised £600 for a charity called, 'The Open Door'.

After many weeks of rehearsals we wait for the start of this important, final concert of the year.

Stage manager, John Griggs, organises the troops.

SMVC's Director of Music, Kirstie Smith, welcomes the audience and introduces the performers.

On what was a very cold December evening it was great to see such a large audience.

SMVC sing their first carol of the evening. Under the guidance of Director of Music, Kirstie Smith and the accompaniment of Deputy Director of Music, Kate Lock, it was bound to be a good night. And it was.

The JTPT Concert Choir perform a selection of carols.

The soloist from the JTPT gave an outstanding rendition of the song, 'River' by Joni Mitchell.

Performing in the second half

The Wroughton Silver Band performed in their usual polished way with some excellent arrangements of traditional carols. Some solos were amongst the entertainment the band provided

SMVC change their blazers for a more Christmassy look - and acting Chairman, Paul Franklin, welcomes the opportunity.

The night was a special one for three members of the Bass section of the choir. Firstly, the latest recruit to the Bass section, Pip Honor, was presented with choir cufflinks by the Mayor of Swindon.

Jim Toolen, also in the Bass section of the choir is presented with his 20 years, long service award. One of Jim's after concert favourites is, 'The Fields of Athenry'.

And finally, from the Bass section, Terry Morris, is presented with his 20 years, long service award. Famous for his after concert singing of, 'Can't Help Falling in Love'.

And a very special presentation. Awarded to a fantastically loyal and respected ex. member of the Top Tenors section of the choir, Bob Mitchell, who awarded Honorary Membership of the Choir.

The choristers and everone presnt show their appreciation of all three loyal members of the choir who received awards.

And all good things must come to an end! The concert is brought to a close.

Other Events SMVC provided in December. Entertaining and raising funds for Charity.

smvcadmin 1st January 2023 Latest News

As you will see from the places we visited, December was a very busy time for the choir. Although the events were not as grand as the Carol Concert at Christchurch hopefully we brought a little joy and Christmas spirit to those who listened to us. We also managed to raise a further £535 for 'The Open Door' charity at three of the venues listed below. This, together with the £600 already raised at the Carol Concert at Christchurch took the total amount raised for 'The Open Door' to an amazing £1135. Raising money for charities is one of the key aims of SMVC and it's fantastic that choristers give up their time freely, and the music staff commit their time to make even small events possible.

Sunday, 4th December, 2022 - Steam Museum - singing carols to visitors of the craft fair and museum

Friday, 9th December, 2022 - St. Mary's Church, Rodbourne Cheney Road, Swindon.

21st December - SMVC sing carols to residents of Ashbury Lodge Care Home, Swindon.

22nd December - at the High Street Club , Old Town. The collection for the charity, 'The Open Door' '. raised a fantastic £395 . Our thanks to all those at the members of the club who contributed to the collection.

19th December - 'The Messenger' public house Covingham, Swindon

19th December - 'The Dockle Farmhouse ' public house, Stratton. The combined amounts raised by visits to the two Swindon pubs was £140 for 'The Open Door' charity.

Saturday, 19th November, 2022 – SMVC with guests singers, ‘Ten in a Bar’, performed at St. Paul’s Church, Dorcan, Swindon.

smvcadmin 27th November 2022 Latest News

Our guests 'Ten in a Bar' are synonymous with high quality singing and wide-ranging repertoire and undoubtedly Swindon's premier close harmony singing ensemble. The combination of repertoire sung by SMVC and 'Ten in a Bar' was a 'cocktail' that was bound to entertain. And it certainly did on the night. There was also a close connection with our guests, 'Ten in a Bar' - Kirstie Smith is our Director of Music but also their accompanist. A busy night for Kirstie! Proceeds of this concert was in support of Swindon's local community radio station, 105.5. The following photographs give a flavour of evening's event.

Gordie Smith, our concert organiser sets the scene for the evening.

Our Director of Music, Kirstie Smith introduces the choir and herself to the audience.

'Ten in a Bar' with their Director of Music, Jill Hodge.

Paul Franklin , our acting Chairman, gets the second half of the concert started.

Shirley Ludford, Manager of Swindon's Community Radio, 105.5 takes some applause.

Photo opportunity for SMVC and the Music Team, Kirsty Smith and her Deputy and accompanist, Kate Lock.

Lots of smiling faces for this last photoshoot - a concert enjoyed by everyone. Our busy Christmas season is about to start!

Sunday, 13th November, 2022 – SMVC attending the Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph, Regent Circus, Swindon.

smvcadmin 15th November 2022 Latest News

SMVC were once again in attendace at this Remembrance Service, with our Treasurer, Geoff Sanders laying a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of the choir. There was also representation of all the armed forces, local government as well as the support of a large crowd.

Thursday, 10th November, 2022 – SMVC sang at Hillier’s Garden Centre, Lechlade as part of the stores Christmas Opening.

smvcadmin 11th November 2022 Latest News

Sing at the Lechlade Garden Centre was a first for SMVC but also one of the earliest starts to carol singing we have ever had. We shared the early evening event with a local community choir. Hopefully our combined efforts gave customers their first taste of Christmas this year.

Saturday 9th July, 2022 – SMVC and guests performed at St. John’s Church, Swindon. This was a very special moment because it was our first concert with new Director of Music, Kirstie Smith.

smvcadmin 13th July 2022 Latest News

The concert took place at St. Johns Church , Whitbourne Avenie, Swindon and was supporting Prospect Hospice and SMVC. The accompanists were Kate Lock and Victoria Burton. Soloists, Rachel Smith (Soprano), Simon Grove (Baritone) and Paul Franklin (Tenor) entertained and Paul also joined up with John Griggs for a duet. Although the choir was slightly reduced in number due to Covid and other reasons the audience was well entertained by the music and some comedy to. The photos which follow speak for themselves!

First half - Our new Director of Music, Kirstie Smith guides us through our first number with Vicky Burton accompanying at the piano.

Soloist Rachel Smith gives a beautiful rendition of 'On My Own' from Les Miserables.

Kate Lock accompanies Rachel at the piano.

Soloist, Simon Grove follows up the Les Miserables theme with a favourite, 'Stars'.

Second half and the blazers are off. It was so warm that summers evening, it was the sensible option.

Baritones and Top Tenors in action.

Basses and Second Tenors in action.

Paul Franklin, our last soloist of the evening gives a powerful rendition of, If I Loved You', from Carousel.

Now for some fun and some audience participation. Our audience joined us in singing, 'Sweet Caroline', including some coordinated hand actions!

More comedy was provided by John Griggs and Paul Franklin in their double act. An unforgettable performance of 'The Bold Gendarmes', for reasons only those who were there will know!

Kirstie Smith thanks everyone and brings the concert to an end. Happy singers and happy audience.

An finally. Before the concert, Alan Fisher and Brian Routledge were presented with bespoke SMVC clocks to recognise their 25 years with the choir. During this time they have taken on the responsibility of Chairman of the choir as well as other posts. We thank them for their past and present contribution to the choir, which is very appreciated.

Alan Fisher.

Brian Routledge.

Kirstie Smith is SMVC’s New Director of Music

smvcadmin 20th May 2022 Latest News

May 2022 sees Kirstie Smith taking over as Swindon Male Voice Choir's Director of Music. She brings a wealth of musical experience and enthusiasm to lead Swindon's longest established choir.

Click here for more about Kirstie Smith's musical backround.

Pride of Swindon Awards

smvcadmin 26th April 2022 Latest News

SMVC were awarded the Pride of Swindon Award in 2021 but the choir was unable to collect it due to Covid. Vice Chairman, Geoff Sanders and Concert Secretary, Gordie Smith collected the award on behalf of the choir. The award was to recognise their outstanding work in the Swindon community, raising thousands of pounds for local charities and entertaining the Swindon public with concerts for many years. On the 21st April this year the choir were invited to sing at the 2022 presentation ceremony, held at function room at Swindon Town's Football Club. The following photographs were taken at the event. Shirley Ludford, manager of community radio station, Swindon 105.5 and SMVC's president was Master of Ceremonies.

1st April – 3rd April 2022 – SMVC Hertfordshire Tour.

smvcadmin 8th April 2022 Latest News

This tour to Hertfordshire was scheduled to take place in June 2020, during our centenary year and we were all glad it could finally take place this year. It was a 3 day tour, with concerts at All Saints at Kings Langley and Christ Church at Ware to support the churches and local communities.

Our first concert venue.

This was Max Brockman-More's last tour with the choir before his retirement as Music Director.

All Saints was a small venue but full of history and tradition.

Kings Langley Community Choir provided more singing with a variety of songs from their repertoire.

Whenever SMVC are on tour, the 'Song of the Jolly Roger' is never far away.

The following day we travelled to St Albans in the sunshine. After a visit to the impressive Catherdral, open market stalls and a local restuarant or hostelry for lunch we made our way back to the coach.

In the evening we performed at Christ Church, Ware. SMVC was the first choir to sing at the church since it's refurbishment in 2020. We were also supported by some superb musicians and our own soloist.

Solo flautist, Naomi Thompson entertains the audience.

Oboe soloist, Alice Wong added something special to the concert.

Now for some audience participation and choir choreography. 'Sweet Caroline', - it made us feel so good!

On the evening, several choiristers were presented with 10 year, Long Service Awards. From right to left - John Hooper, Chris Done, Richard Hopkins and Paul Jones.

SMVC soloist, Rachel Smith also sang some solo items and a joint item with the choir to complete a very enjoyable evening for all.

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