The Sandiacre Male Voice Choir is 94 years old in 2014, having been founded in 1920.
During that time there have only been five Musical Directors, two of whom, Horace Wagg and Peter Barber served for 49 and 41 years respectively. Peter joined the choir in 1947 and is still a very active member, along with Bill Foulke who joined two years later and has been Treasurer since 1967.
The fortunes of the choir have varied over the years, with membership fluctuating from around forty to less than twenty, necessitating several emergency meetings to decide its future. However, no doubt due to the enthusiasm of a few dedicated members, it has continued, only being suspended during the war years, with regular practices recommencing in September 1946.
A high point in the choir's history was in May 1970 when a choir Golden Jubilee concert was held in the May Hall at Trent College,Long Eaton, with international guest singers David Hughes and Jacqueline Delman (admission by ticket only, priced at 10/=, 7/6d and 5/=)
Since then the choir has entertained many local organisations and raised funds for many worthy causes through its annual concerts which commenced in 1967. A charity event earlier in 2014 focused on successfully raising funds for the RNLI.
The present Conductor is Stuart Graham who took over the baton in September 2012 and under his leadership, members look forward to celebrating their centenary in six years time.
The group is always open to accept new members (especially Tenor singers). Visit http://www.sandiacremalevoicechoir.org or call the secretary, Tony Taylor on 0115 877 8669.