Alfreton and District Male Voice Choir
© ADMVC 2008
The Early Days
Alfreton and District Male Voice Choir was founded as the Alfreton Male Voice Choir at the Turn of the 20th century the actual date is not known. The year 1903 has been suggested but the earliest mention in the local press is in 1917. The conductor at that time was Mr John Haslam. Its most productive early period was in the 40's-60's under its conductor Mr Albert Walton including a win at Blackpool Festival and a notable 3rd at Llangollan.
Alfreton and District Male Voice Choir was founded as the Alfreton Male Voice Choir at the Turn of the 20th century the actual date is not known. The year 1903 has been suggested but the earliest mention in the local press is in 1917. The conductor at that time was Mr John Haslam. Its most productive early period was in the 40's-
The Middle Period
In 1971 the choir amalgamated with Pye Hill and District Male Voice Choir to form The Erewash Valley MVC under Mr Alan Lindley (conductor of 'Pye Hill'), who tragically collapsed and died on stage at Brownhills Music Festival shortly after the amalgamation. Following Alan's death some of the former members of 'Pye Hill' who felt uncomfortable in the new choir left and reformed 'Pye Hill' which is still going. Alan was succeeded by Mr Roy Annable (deputy conductor), Mr Joseph Clarke and Mr Bert Haddon
In 1971 the choir amalgamated with Pye Hill and District Male Voice Choir to form The Erewash Valley MVC under Mr Alan Lindley (conductor of 'Pye Hill'), who tragically collapsed and died on stage at Brownhills Music Festival shortly after the amalgamation. Following Alan's death some of the former members of 'Pye Hill' who felt uncomfortable in the new choir left and reformed 'Pye Hill' which is still going. Alan was succeeded by Mr Roy Annable (deputy conductor), Mr Joseph Clarke and Mr Bert Haddon
In 1976 Mr Frank C. Smith became our conductor we took the opportunity to change our name into its present form (the 'and District' being added to reflect the 1971 'Pye Hill' connection and the greater catchment area for members). We had some notable success during his tenure including Bidulph Music Festival. During his time with us he also became the conductor of Alfreton Ladies Choir and founder conductor of Alfreton Choral Society (now The Alfreton Singers) with some members from the 'Ladies' and 'Male' choirs. In 1988 because of the deteriorating health of his wife he sadly relinquished the post. Frank was asked to be one of our Vice Presidents which he accepted. Frank was succeeded by Mr John Wheatley.
The Choir in 1980's under Frank C. Smith (4th from right with Roy Hannable as deputy 3rd from right)
The Present
In 1997 we were lucky to obtain the services of Mr Louis Spencer who has built the choir up to its present high standard. In 2000 we hosted a visit by the Polperro Fishermen's Choir from Cornwall returning the visit in Nov. 2001 and in May 2002 we hosted a visit by Betws-
Kathryn Haslam took over from Louis, leaving the choir in March 2006
Our Deputy Musical Director Mr.Alan Randell took over the choir until March 2007 When Mr.Terry Clay TD was appointed we are looking forward working with him..
Our Deputy Musical Director Mr.Alan Randell took over the choir until March 2007 When Mr.Terry Clay TD was appointed we are looking forward working with him..
The Choir in 2003 under Louis Spencer (in White Jacket)
History