BRIGHTON MALE VOICE CHOIR

(Conductor: Deryck Hanchett)

In 1927 the Brighton Male Voice Choir (BMVC) was established mainly by the Welsh mining community who had come to Brighton to work on the sea defences and cliff path between Black Rock and Rottingdean.

Although historical details are sketchy at best it seems the choir ran successfully until the outbreak of the Second World War, when it disbanded. In 1947 it reformed with weekly rehearsals taking place at Rosslyns Store – which became Woolworths – in London Road.
Rehearsals were held at Elm Grove Primary School before practice was moved to its present location at the hall of the Church of the Holy Cross, Warren Road, Woodingdean.  Chairman of the choir George Meeten: “Like all choirs we are looking for new members. We would openly welcome any men who enjoy singing in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. You don’t have to read music and there are no auditions.” Like any organisation with longevity there is a great sense of history.

The first conductor and musical director of the choir post-war was a Mr Bartlett, who guided the singers through their performances at the Dome on the BBC radio programme Friday Night is Music Night. A list of successful conductors followed, with Henry Garrett, Brian Wiggins, Roger Martin, Douglas Reeves, Dick Payne and Maggie Lee, all taking responsibility for the music. Deryck Hanchett has recently taken over this responsibility after 16 years as deputy conductor with the Brighton Welsh Male Voice Choir.

The choir performs several times during the year and uses their concerts to raise hundreds of pounds for charity. (www.communigate.co.uk/sussex/brightonmalevoicechoir)