Busy few weeks for Ballyclare Male Choir

It was an eventful few weeks for Ballyclare Male Choir coming up to the end of their 2015/16 season.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Jun 2016, 12:43 BST
Updated 6th Jun 2016, 13:47 BST
Ballyclare Male Choir members Fred Wylie, Billy Rea, Trevor Greenwood, Cyril Campbell, Dick Grey and Billy Livingston. INNT 20-204-AMBallyclare Male Choir members Fred Wylie, Billy Rea, Trevor Greenwood, Cyril Campbell, Dick Grey and Billy Livingston. INNT 20-204-AM
Ballyclare Male Choir members Fred Wylie, Billy Rea, Trevor Greenwood, Cyril Campbell, Dick Grey and Billy Livingston. INNT 20-204-AM

Throughout the season conductor Paul Briggs and accompanist Sheelagh Greer had focused the choir members on learning new choral pieces and reviving some others from the choir repertoire with a view to producing a new CD.

The 18-track CD entitled ‘A journey in song’ will pay tribute to the late Sam Stewart, a founder member and long-time servant of the choir. It will be officially launched on September 30 at a free event in Ballyclare High School.

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Following a busy weekend of engagements in Kilkenny at the end of April, the choir was back on stage on May 14 for its 82nd annual concert. All 48 members performed to a packed house at Theatre at The Mill in Mossley, where Ivan Black and his Panama Jazz Band were the supporting act on what was very successful evening.

Members of Ballyclare Male Choir and conductor, Paul Briggs at the annual concert in Theatre at The Mill. INNT 20-207-AMMembers of Ballyclare Male Choir and conductor, Paul Briggs at the annual concert in Theatre at The Mill. INNT 20-207-AM
Members of Ballyclare Male Choir and conductor, Paul Briggs at the annual concert in Theatre at The Mill. INNT 20-207-AM

The 2015/16 season finally came to a close with the choir’s AGM, which saw Trevor Forsythe take over the chairmanship from Colin Campbell and Barry McWilliams elected to be the choir treasurer. Dick Grey was unanimously re-elected secretary and Hubert Greer joins the committee for 2016/17.

Throughout the season choir members made voluntary weekly contributions to the chairman’s chosen charity, Prostate Cancer UK. And at the AGM James Savage, a volunteer with the charity, was presented with a cheque for £1,300.

In his thanks to the choir, James gave some facts about what is the most common cancer in men, its signs and symptoms and the importance of early detection.

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Meanwhile, Ballyclare Male Choir is currently drawing up its list of engagements for the new season, which begins in September, and any enquiries should be addressed to secretary Dick Grey.

Leslie Simms, vice chairman of Ballyclare Male Choir, hands over a cheque for £1,300 to James Savage from Prostate Cancer UK. INNT 23-506CONLeslie Simms, vice chairman of Ballyclare Male Choir, hands over a cheque for £1,300 to James Savage from Prostate Cancer UK. INNT 23-506CON
Leslie Simms, vice chairman of Ballyclare Male Choir, hands over a cheque for £1,300 to James Savage from Prostate Cancer UK. INNT 23-506CON

Choir practices will resume at 7.30pm on Wednesday, September 7 in Ballyclare High School. New members are always welcome.

Follow the choir’s activities on Facebook or on the website - www.ballyclaremalechoir.com

Related topics:AGM