MARION SAUVEBOIS finds out how a town choir has survived for nearly a century

NEARLY a century ago, a group of Welsh railway workers partial to a little sing song in the sheds decided to take their hobby to the next level by forming a choir in Swindon.

Times may have changed, as has the group’s original moniker, Great Western Running Shed Male Voice Choir, since that day in 1919 – but the decades have stood still for Swindon Male Voice Choir.

“We are still standing, and thriving, after 96 years,” said member Alan Fisher.

“We have 55 members and, although times have changed dramatically, our aims are still basically the same – to sing for the enjoyment of singing and to perform to the public, raising funds for charity.

“Although a lot of the members are senior in years – but young in spirit – we do have a few younger chaps and would welcome more.”

As a little competition never hurts to keep a club fresh, SMVC continue to go head-to-head against other community singing groups.

And that is on top of a busy schedule of performances, at home and abroad.

“We still enter competitions and perform in about 16 concerts annually. We take part in a tour every two years. The last tour was to Bulgaria and the next will be to Jersey in May.

“The new year has just started and we are looking for new members.

“People can join simply by attending one of our rehearsals which are held during term-time. There are no auditions, just a simple voice test to find out which section to start in.”

The group meets on Monday evenings in the New Century Club, Gorse Hill, at 7.30pm.

For details on joining visit swindonmalevoicechoir.co.uk or email swindonmalevoicechoir@ msn.com Alternatively call 01793 822495 or 01793 486454