Somerset choir celebrating 25 years with concert

BBC
·1 min read
A group of around 25 men from the Minehead Male Voice Choir, all wearing shirt and tie, with blue coats and grey trousers. They're gathered on grass in front of a brick building all looking towards the camera.
The group has been performing for 25 years [Supplied]

A choir is marking its 25th anniversary with a recruitment drive and homecoming concert.

Minehead Male Voice Choir began in 2000 with only 12 members, and now boasts membership of more than 40.

The group will hold a concert in the Somerset town on 22 March, but also have a run of shows across West Somerset, including in Porlock and Williton.

It will also host a group from Wales' Rhondda Valley as part of the concert programme.

The picture is split in two. On the left is Bill Spill sat in a chair playing ukelele. He's smiling while looking at sheet music, wearing a shirt and tie and suit jacket with grey trousers. He appears to be in a church-like building. On the right is Alan Helmsley who is playing keyboard. He is looking to the left and smiling. He is wearing a shirt and tie and a blue coat. He is back by a grey brick wall.
Mr Spill and Mr Helmsley say they are looking for new members [Supplied]

Group member Bill Spill, who is originally from Canada, said he was "hooked" from the first moment he walked into a rehearsal with the choir.

"I knew I had found my happy place. Singing is just a happy thing - it's good for the soul, it's good for mental health, and it brings so many guys together," he said.

Alan Helmsley, who accompanies the choir, added: "It's fun when we rehearse.

"The men take great joy in taking the mickey out of me when I go wrong!"

Mr Helmsley added the group are looking for younger members, owing to a number of the choir "using walking sticks".

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.

More on this story

Latest Stories