Bernard has been involved with music for over fifty years, and he has been Organist and Choirmaster at Meanwood Methodist Church for many years. After retiring from his post as principal lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan University he was recruited to the Harrogate Male Voice Choir by his daughter Kay Bromhead, who was Musical Director at that time.

Because of the pressures of an extension of her teaching role and the responsibilities of a young family Kay asked her father to stand in as M.D. for a few weeks. It soon became clear that the demands on Kay's time were not diminishing, and Bernard was invited to take over on a permanent basis. After ten years, Bernard is still enjoying his role as M.D., and under his guidance the choir has flourished, and the number of members has increased from less than 30 to over 50.

Avril was born in Doncaster, and studied at the Royal College of Music in Manchester, where she gained her A.R.C.M. qualifications with distinction in piano and singing, graduatuing with honours in School Music.

She has performed singing engagements throughout the country taking part in broadcasts and television appearances as soloist, and she was a member of the BBC Northern Singers. In addition she has accompanied many soloists (singers and instrumentalists) over the years.

Avril's husband Peter, who himself has had a distinguished singing career, joined the Choir in 2000, and we were delighted when Avril agreed to join the Choir as accompanist the following year.