Harrogate Male Voice Choir
Minutes of Committee Meeting at Woodlands Methodist Church
10.00 am on Tuesday 7 th April 2026 Draft
Present – David Bayne( DB) , Ian Ibbotson (II), Tony Goodall (TG), Stuart Berry (SB), George Cross (GC),
Apologies Chris Dunn (CD) Copy to Lawrie Coulthard (LC), Richard Kay (RK)
Item Action
1 Apologies
CD is unable to attend this meeting however he advises that Richard Hayter has
resigned and his music folder has been returned.

SB

2 The Minutes of the March meeting were approved and signed off. TG
3 Project ”Sing when you’re winning”
 Further grant applications. Applications are in preparation by David Healy for grants from
the Rotary club and the Bramhall Trust. DB has registered with the Lottery Fund but will
defer an application for a possible repeat of SWYW as applications take over 3 months for
a decision
 Timetable for course. The course starts on Wednesday 22 nd April for 10 weeks with final
concert on Saturday 4 th July.
 Number of applicants. At the time of the meeting 53 men had shown an interest
(however RK has since updated this to say that only 23 men have formally registered.)
 Promotion of SAYW. In the meeting it was decided that flyers into letter boxes and
distribution at a football match would no longer be required. (however in the light of
RK’s feedback we need to redouble our promotion efforts and ensure that posters put up
in March are still in place)
 Project Costs. RK has provided an estimate of £2705 for venue hire, music copies,
publicity, printing costs and accompanist fees. We will in addition pay RK for his
preparation work and his normal appearance fee for each SAYW session. We need to be
prepared to give up 50% of our reserves to this existential project.
4 West Park Centre
TG and GC will revisit West Park next week to look at seating and performance space.
Benches will be supplied by the schools for the Sing Out concert.
West park applied for a £150,000 grant from the N.Yorks mayors fund and has been
granted £100,000. We have booked West Park for 6 th June and 4 th July for a fee of £200
per event.

TG

5 Treasurer Report
II has paid the accompanists up to the end of March. The pro-rata sub of one new
member was agreed and if another member returns after Easter he will be asked for his
second part-payment.
II prepared a table of income and expenditure from concerts and festivals for the current
year. We made small profits from Whixley and Boston Spa but all other performances
involved only cash out. We would hope to cover the current estimated £633 deficit from
income from the Sing Out concert. II also questioned using both accompanists at
concerts , however for the Sing Out concert it was agreed to continue inviting both of
them.
There followed a brief discussion of our choir objectives regarding concerts, festivals, the
health benefits to members and fund-raising for charity, which was deferred to a future
date when RK can be involved.

II

6 Concert secretary report
The Harrogate Choir Festival on 21 st March was deemed to be a success by RK with an
“Honours” award and third place behind an outstanding young adults choir from Leeds
and a good rock choir. We fielded 25 members (including 2 new members) which was
adequate for the occasion.
Thursday 30 th April. 2.50 pm visit to Pannal primary, assembly followed by joint choir
practice.

GC

Saturday 9 th May. Harrogate Choir Festival (evening) in Royal Hall. Fees not yet defined.
Saturday 6 th June. Annual Sing Out concert at West Park Centre
Saturday 4 th July joint concert of SWYW with HMVC at West Park centre
Sunday 11 th October. Afternoon joint concert with Eastwood Collieries MVC at Starbeck
Methodist church
We were unable to sign up to the Jo Cox charity Family Fun Day on 20 th June as we have
no accompanist available. We may be invited next year if they have the funding to cover
our costs.
7 Members Secretary Report
Since the last meeting Paul Boothman and Stewart Radford have received welcome
letters, have joined the choir and paid pro-rata subs for 5 months. Uniforms are being
organised via Robin Wilkinson. SB’s audit of choir members details will start after the
Easter break.
The attendance statistics for the 12 weeks up to end of March compared to the previous
12 weeks are as follows:-
Basses 87.5% compared to 56.9%
Baritones 70.1% compared to 76.7%
Tenor 2s 87.2% compared to 66%
Tenor 1 72% (no figure available for previous period)
The following members who have not attended this choir year were discounted from the
figures: Richard Hayter, Roger Gill, Max Ford, Neil Duncan and Robet Bickford. John
Melanaphy and David Bainbridge were discounted for the last 12 weeks.
John Melanaphy and Neil Duncan are not expected to return until next choir year, Roger
Gill and David Bainbridge may return sooner.

SB

8 Social
The social scheduled for 20 th March was cancelled due to lack of interest. We will look for
an alternative date in the autumn when some new members may be available.

TG

9 Singing in care homes
This subject has been somewhat overtaken by SAYW and will be addressed next session
DB

10 Practice tracks and Google drive
Not enough members are using the practice tracks , sometimes due to lack of access to
Google Drive or confusion about how to use it. We need to issue some guidance for this.

Harrogate Male Voice Choir
Minutes of Committee Meeting at Woodlands Methodist Church
10.00 am on Tuesday 3rd March 2026 FINAL
Present – David Bayne( DB) , Chris Dunn (CD), Ian Ibbotson (II), Tony Goodall (TG),
Stuart Berry (SB), George Cross (GC (GC) Copies to Richard Kay (RK),Lawrie Coulthard (LC)
Item Actio
n
1 The minutes of the March meeting were approved and signed off TG
2 Project ”Sing when you’re winning”
The application for a grant from North Yorkshire & York council’s Men’s Health fund was
unfortunately declined. Other sources of funds are being sought including Rotary Club, the
Bramhall Trust and other local government sources.
Although other choir’s projects have asked for a joining fee or donation from participants,
it was felt that the course had been advertised as “free of charge” and any donations
should be totally voluntary. Our reserves will cover the cost of the course including a
payment to RK in addition to his expenses. Our reserves are there to ensure the
continuation of the choir.
The course will begin on Wednesday 22 nd April and continue until Wednesday 1 st July with a
joint concert with HMVC at West ark centre on Saturday 4 th July.
15 choir members have volunteered to promote the project (in addition to committee
members) and RK has briefed them via a google drive dedicated to SWYW. Proposed and
completed actions should be posted on the task list on the drive to co-ordinate coverage
and prevent duplication.
At the time of the committee meeting, 15 men had registered interest (in addition to our 3
latest potential members). This makes our target of 40 participants by end of April look
feasible.
At St Roberts social club, there is no disabled access to the upstairs room. The piano is
available to us and is of adequate standard. Although David Mawson is not available for
the first session, RK is able to take this on his own. We have still to see St Robert’s
safeguarding policy.
TG has visited the Harrogate branch of Andy’s Man Club who are co-operating on the
project but he missed the start of their session before participants split into groups. He will
next go to the Knaresborough branch at7pm.
The committee approved the press release and the FAQ sheet, with a couple of additions.
3 West Park Centre capacity
RG and GC have still to re-visit West Park together to confirm the capacity for the annual
Sing Out concert. The primary school choirs will bring about 120 children who will need
extra benches from one of the schools to seat the all. The schools have requested
confirmation of the venue.

TG/G
C

4 Treasurer Report
One £75 sub contribution is still missing. Although the person in question has resigned he
may come back after Easter. We assume Max Ford and Robert Bickford will not return but
we will hold off making a presentation to Robert for the moment.
2 new members who have completed their probationary period will be asked for a pro-
rata sub from 1 st April until end of June. We will of course subsidise their uniforms as per
policy.
At the time of meeting, the income from the Boston Spa concert was £1577, costs £711
incl. fees to HMVC and Rodillians leaving £866 for Martin House hospice. However the
donation was revised upwards to £1400 after £492 ticket sales by the Rodillians was
added.
It was noted that the card reader machine did not function at the church, but fortunately
all tickets sold at the door were paid in cash. The machine now appears to be working. It
was discussed whether printed tickets are still relevant in this day and age and whether
on-line tickets should be offed.

II

5 Concert secretary report
The attendance of choir members at the Boston Spa was adequate and we were able to
perform our songs to a full house to RK’s satisfaction. The difficult movements of HMVC
between the stage and balcony went well enough and we received positive feedback from
audience members. Although we were 2 members less at the York Choir Festival, we again
managed our 5 songs well enough and were appreciated by the audience.
Our next performances are
Saturday 21 st March. Harrogate Competitive Festival. The venue has changed from
St Mark’s church to Harrogate High School and our class starts at 2pm.
Thursday 30 th April. Afternoon Visit to Pannal primary, assembly followed by joint choir
practice.
Saturday 9 th May. Harrogate Choir Festival (evening) in Royal Hall
Saturday 6 th June. Annual Sing Out concert at West Park Centre
Saturday 20 th June. Jo Cox charity Family Fun Day. Request to be put to members this
evening.
Saturday 4 th July joint concert of SWYW with HMVC at West Park centre
Sunday 11 th October. Afternoon joint concert with Eastwood Collieries MVC at Starbeck
Methodist church.

GC

6 Members Secretary Report
The status of members who are no longer attending was discussed in (4) above.
SB will conduct an individual review of all members details (address, telephone numbers,
next of kin) using extracts of the last record sealed into envelopes.
The essential confidential record to be carried by first-aiders will then be updated.
DB emphasised that this record must be taken to all performance venues and to all
rehearsals in case of accidents or illness.

SB

7 Promotion of HMVC concerts
The work done by LC (and the church) in promoting the Boston Spa concert resulted in a
nearly-full house. This contrasts with other poorly-promoted concerts where performers
have outnumbered audience. If we cannot find a promotions officer we may have to
appoint a person to organise advertising, tickets and flyers for each concert.
8 Social
Will take place at St Roberts social club on Friday 20 th March. Final attendance lists are
required this evening and payment of £18 per person by BACS is now due.
Members needing piano accompaniment should speak to David Mawson this evening.
Parking at the church has been declined but there is adequate parking on the adjacent
streets.

TG

9 Sing Out
The visit to Brackenfield school on 13 th February went well despite the music teacher being
absent and our performance time at assembly being shortened due to a communications
mix-up about end of term awards. It did mean however that we were able to sing to some
parents as well as the pupils.
The visit to Pannal school on 30 th April will be from 2.50 in the afternoon with choir
practice to follow a performance to the school.
The capacity of West Park centre is discussed in (3) above.

TG

10 Any other business
CD raised the question about how to speak to members who are singing their “own
versions” of songs and putting other singers off. It is not the duty of section reps to do
this but we should be empowered to speak to anyone who is out of sync or let RK raise the
issue.

CD

11 Next Meeting. Although we have no rehearsal on 7 th April, the committee will meet at
Woodlands Meths at 10 am on that date.

DB

Harrogate Male Voice Choir
Minutes of Committee Meeting at Woodlands Methodist Church
10.00 am on Tuesday 3rd February 2026 Final
Circulation – David Bayne( DB) , Chris Dunn (CD), Ian Ibbotson (II), Tony Goodall (TG),
Stuart Berry (SB), George Cross (GC), Richard Kay (RK), Lawrie Coulthard (LC)
Item Action
1 The minutes of the January meeting were approved and signed off TG
2 Project ”Sing when you’re winning” (SWYW)
The focus of this meeting was once again SWYW. RK believes that the promotion of this
course which begins on 22 nd April should start almost right away, as soon as we have
identified volunteers and have printed the flyers and posters.
Instead of forming a sub-committee to drive actions on this project, we will use and
expand the task list formulated by RK, which is available to all volunteers and committee
members
From the task list
 We agree with RK’s latest flyer design showing himself as soloist
 Order 1000 (GC says 2000) flyers but add 100 A4 posters
 The google participant application form by RK is excellent
 We need to understand how the SWYW e-mail account will work
 Who has the link to the Bramhall Trust? Can David Healy progress this?
 Our grant application to NY council has not yet been approved but they have
until end of February to contact us.
 St Roberts is booked from 22 nd April and West Park for final concert on 4 th July (DB
to add to Choir Dates)
 II is already allocating funds for venue booking and flyer printing
 Excellent progress with Andy’s Man Club (AMC) in Harrogate. Extend to branches
in Ripon, Thirsk, and Knaresborough (no branch in Wetherby)
 DB’s mobile number has been printed on the flyers and he will answer all
telephone enquiries and agree a protocol with RK for passing on contacts to the
e-mail address and the person registering attendance at the course.
 DB will make up a form for volunteers to sign up to and display it tonight after TG
has addressed the members.
 Draft press release was not attached by RK (has since been received). Committee
members to comment ASAP
 Volunteers will be assigned to 5 districts of Harrogate, to Knaresborough, to
Ripon, and any other areas.
 Check with LC for contacts with local radio
 Complete checklist of press and radio contacts
 TG and DB will inform Social Prescribers of the SWYW course and ask to direct
patients there instead of to the choir
 As well as village halls and notice boards, flyers to be distributed to
– Barber shops
– Drop-in centres
– Leisure centres
– Golf/sports clubs
– Rotary/Round Table
– Probus clubs
– Mixed choirs

– Churches (J Melanaphy if fit enough)
. Draw up checklist of locations for volunteers
. Aim is to hand out flyers and posters to identified volunteers at a briefing before
rehearsal on 10 th February (as we are not rehearsing on 17 th Feb) – previous target was
24 th February
. Steve Hurdle may participate in SWYW and has offered to take participant’s details
. Mass distribution of flyers through letterboxes nearer the start of the course via
allocated volunteers.
. Hand out flyers at Harrogate Town FC home matches (RK proposal)
The date of the joint SWYW and HMVC concert has been set at Saturday 4 th July at West
Park centre
3 West Park Centre
The committee has approved a letter by TG in support of their application for Mayor’s
funds. We are also progressing plans to expand seating for our Sing Out concert

TG

4 Treasurer Report
December hall hire of £90 was paid and £150 was received from Holy Trinity
2 full year subs and one sub instalment are still outstanding.

II

5 Concert secretary report
13 th February 8.30 am visit to Brackenfield prep school. See (9) below
27 th February 7.30 pm Joint concert with Rodillians ladies at Boston Spa methodist church
1 st March York festival evening concert at 7.30 pm. We sing 5 songs in a 20-minute slot
and need to be there before 6.35 pm for a sound check. GC and DB will visit the venue on
8 th February. We must get out a good choir attendance despite the concert 2 days before.
21 st March Harrogate choir competition. Performance time confirmed as 2pm. We
assume venue is Harrogate High school as there is no further mention of St Martin’s
church in the syllabus.
30 th April. Afternoon visit to Pannal primary school
9 th May. Harrogate Choir Festival (invitation received and RK confirmed his availability)
6 th June Sing Out concert, now assumed to be at West Park Centre
4 th July Joint concert of SAYW with HMVC at West Park Centre
11 th October. Joint Sunday afternoon concert with Eastwood Collieries MVC

GC

6 Members Secretary Report
There is confusion over whether or not Richard Hayter has resigned
Robert Bickford is unable to sing and we need to assess whether he continues as a
member. John Melanaphy is back home recovering from a heart attack hopes to rejoin us
before too long. A “get well” card will be circulated this evening for members to sign.
Steve Hurdle will attend the SWYW course. Nigel Lister has moved to a new address.

SB

7 Promotion of HMVC concerts
We urgently need to identify a successor to LC for promotion of concerts, which must
continue separately from SWYW. Lawrie has a wide network of publicity outlets including
radio and we should use his knowledge to maximise SWYW coverage. Meanwhile LC has
made a sterling effort to promote the Boston Spa concert in Wetherby and the Church
has made a great effort to promote it within the Tadcaster Circuit (Boston, Wetherby,
Tadcaster and Collingham). Martin House refused to display our posers until we had
pasted their logo onto them (house rule). We should ensure that the logos of
beneficiaries always appear in our publicity! Now the choir needs to sell tickets as the
Rodillians are expected to bring up to 40 supporters.

?

8 Social
TG has distributed menus from 2 caterers to the committee (as St Roberts cannot do this
in-house). The room will cost £60 and for a minimum of 35 people, a main course plus
dessert will cost £16 with a room charge of £2 pr head making £18. TG will ask for a show
of hands for participants this evening.

TG

9 Sing Out
An early start is required for our performance at Brackenfield school assembly at 8.45. on
Friday 13 th February. We need to be there by 8.30 and allow for time to find parking in
adjacent streets.

TG

10 Choir dates
The list of choir dates for performances and breaks has been updated and checked by GC,
TG and RK and will now be issued to all members. Note that we have some noticeboard
space back in the Woodlands main hall.

DB

11 Next Meeting Tuesday 3 rd March at 10 am, Woodlands Meths. DB

Harrogate Male Voice Choir
Minutes of Committee Meeting at Woodlands Methodist Church
10.00 am on Tuesday 6th January 2026

Present – David Bayne( DB) , Chris Dunn (CD), Ian Ibbotson (II), Tony Goodall (TG),
Lawrie Coulthard (LC), Stuart Berry (SB), George Cross (GC) Copy to Richard Kay (RK)
Item Action
1 The minutes of the December meeting were approved and signed off
A matter carried over concerned the venue for the 2026 Social Evening. TG suggested
using St Robert’s social club as it has a bar and moderate prices and intends to make a
booking for Friday 13th March. Blue badge parking should be available in the church
opposite. SB commented that more consideration might have been given to Harrogate
Golf Club where last year’s successful social was held.

TG

2 Project ”Sing when you’re winning”
This was the main and urgent subject of this meeting
Organisation
Both the promotion and running of this project require capable volunteers from the
choir. A sub-committee of 4-5 people needs to be identified but the promotion of the
project will require a wider commitment. Committee members suggested 9-10 names
who might be interested and TG, GC and DB will speak to them at this evening’s
rehearsal. A committee member (in turn) should attend each of the singing sessions. A
key function will be to register attendees and collect e-mail addresses.
Presentation to Membership
The project needs to be presented to members in detail and it was decided to do this on
January 13 th from the break for as long as it takes.
DB read out a proposal from RK for the content of the presentation
Presentation points
. Need to make the choir more relevant
. Radical new project modelled on the success of other MVCs
. 10 week fixed term course from April – June pitched as a charity fundraiser for men
with little or no singing experience, culminating in a joint concert with HMVC
. No mention of HMVC or “choir” in promotion or running of the course
. Run at a different venue from HMVC
. This is a last-ditch effort to invest in the future of the choir
. Promotion begins end of February
The key paragraph of the presentation is as follows
“Alongside the agreement to commit some of our reserves, the success of the
project will be entirely dependent on how well we can publicise and recruit.
Similar projects from very similar choirs in comparable catchments show that it
is possible to attract up to 50 participants (sometimes more) but this requires
every member of the choir to be committed and proactive when it comes to
publicity. The 'support in kind' is almost more vital than the finances and we will
need boots on the ground to put up posters, distribute flyers at supermarkets,
contact news outlets, gather data etc. as well as being prepared to help with the
general organisation. We will be looking for a sub committee of volunteers to
oversee this project, but it will need everybody to go above and beyond to
promote the project, whilst not necessarily representing HMVC. There will of
course be decisions along the way that not everybody agrees with, but the united
front of positivity towards a collective goal will be the secret to success”.
Venue for Course (St Robert’s Social Club)
We have booked the downstairs room (with piano and capacity for up to 20 ) with the
option to move to a larger room upstairs. These spaces are available on Wednesday
evenings from 8th April. TG is a member here and will act as liason between HMVC and
the club, including our adherence to their rules for Health & Safety and Safeguarding.

Choice of Charity to benefit
We prefer a locally-based men’s charity even if it is part of a nation-wide franchise.
Andy’s Man Club is a UK charitable organisation that coordinates weekly peer-to-peer
support groups for men. It aims to improve mental health in men and support men at
risk of suicide. The charity organises weekly 2-hour group talking sessions at over 270
venues across the UK, led by a trained group member known as a facilitator. CD gave
some valuable information on the Harrogate branch and will pass on some connections
to TG
Dates for Course
RK has suggested 5 Wednesdays from 22 nd April a break on 27 th May then 5 Wednesdays
until 1 st June with a concert on 4/5 th July. Availability of accompanists still needs to be
checked out, but (former member) Ben might be able to help out.
Application for Grant from NYCA man’s mental health fund
The text was slightly modified in accordance with our ad hoc meeting with RK and David
Healy on 16 th December and the application was submitted by DB on 28 th December
along with the requisite attachment documents. Apart from an acknowledgement of
receipt, no further communication from NYCA has been received to date. DB will keep
the committee informed of any developments.
3 Treasurer Report
II has opened a second account for “Sing when you’re winning”. Expenditure in
December included hall hire for November, NAC membership, insurance and music
team honoraria all totalling GBP 2287. 1 expected sub in basses is still outstanding.
We received GBP 150 from Knaresborough Holy Trinity after some renegotiation due to
the very poor audience attendance. Another GBP 145 was received from the collection
concert at Woodlands Methodists. We were wrongly invoiced for 16 th December
(Woodlands concert) and this will be corrected.
II made a request for concert song lists for members to include the song library
numbers.

II

4 Concert secretary report
There have been no changes to our performance dates since December, viz
13 th February Morning visit to Brackenfield prep school
27 th February Joint concert with Rodillians ladies at Boston Spa methodist church
(BSMC)
1 st March York festival evening concert
21 st March Harrogate choir competition
30 th April Afternoon visit to Pannal primary school
9 th May. Harrogate Choir Festival (but no invitation received yet)
6 th June Sing Out concert, now assumed to be at West Park Centre
3 rd /4 th or 10 th /11 th October. Joint concert with Eastwood Collieries MVC
PS A meeting at BSMC between RK and the Rodillians MD reached an agreement about
performance spaces and the participation of Rodillians was confirmed. BSMC have
distributed our flyer in their Tadcaster Circuit newsletter.

GC

5 Members Secretary Report
SB has prepared attendance lists for section reps. which will now reflect the removal of
the names mentioned in the last report as non-attenders which now gives a total of
current members of 38, of whom four may or may not be intending to remain. They
have still been included in the current sheets so time will indicate if they are returning
to regular attendances / payment of subs. The new lists cover the first 12 weeks of 2026
which will enable a comparison to be made with last 12 weeks of attendance between
September and December of 2025.
SB has sent a letter of thanks to Bryan Johnson who joined in 2022. The photo frame
purchased on the understanding that he was a long-serving member will be retained for
future use.

SB

6 Promotion of choir and events
LC is unable to continue as promotion and marketing member and needs to relinquish
all computer-related work. He is willing to support whoever takes over this function and
the committee must urgently find a replacement. The immediate promotion tasks are
LC

for the BSMC concert in February for which LC will order posters and flyers and “Sing
when you’re winning” for which LC will order 1000 flyers.
7 Sing Out
The date for the visit to Pannal school has been finalised (see 4. Above) and RK has
issued the music to be sung with HMVC. Discussions with West End centre would
indicate that it could accommodate the anticipated number of audience and
performers, especially if the balcony can be brought back into use

TG

8 Woodlands Methodist Halls
We have been offered a return to the large hall for rehearsals at the same price as the
small hall. RK and the committee approve this move and DB will confirm with the
administrator
9 Next Meeting Tuesday 3 rd February at Woodlands Methodists DB

Harrogate Male Voice Choir
Minutes of Committee Meeting at Woodlands Methodist Church
10.00 am on Tuesday 9 th December 2025 FINAL
Present – David Bayne( DB) , Chris Dunn (CD), Ian Ibbotson (II), Tony Goodall (TG), Stuart Berry (SB),
George Cross (GC) Apologies – Lawrie Coulthard Copy to Richard Kay (RC), David Healy (DH)
Item Actio
n
1 TG opened the meeting emphasising the need to consider the application for a grant for
our course for new singers. The minutes of the November meeting were signed off

TG

2 Treasurer’s report
Hall hire £180 was paid for November and £217 was received from the Whixley concert
after £33 was deducted for additional hire of the “Green Room” 4 members have still not
paid subs however one is absent for medical operations and another is not expected to
return. Section reps are requested to follow up on non-payers.
II has opened a separate bank account for the proposed singing course in April-May

II

3 Concert secretary report
The Whixley concert was a success with a good audience, however our first 2 songs were
rather hesitant and needed more rehearsal. There was confusion about hire of space for
the choir to assemble and GC paid £33 to hire the room behind the stage
Saturday 13 th December 13 th Holy Trinity Knaresborough. GC visited once again to identify
the church hall as a green room. 2 disabled parking spaces were reserved for us and access
by car to drop off passengers is assured. (In the event, the concert was held in the hall as
the church roof had become unsafe after a storm)
Tuesday 16 th December. Woodlands Church. Concert in lieu of rehearsal. Full Christmas
programme, casual dress.
Friday 13 th February. Visit to Brackenfield prep school,. Morning visit for 2026 Sing Out
concert
Friday 27 th February. Boston Spa Methodist Church. Joint concert with Rodilians ladies’
choir. Rodilians have formally confirmed and expect to bring 40 members which poses a
problem for performance space.
Sunday 1 st March. York choir festival, Rowntree Theatre. 20 minute slot to sing.
Saturday 21 st March, Harrogate competitive festival, St Mark’s church. afternoon session
Thursday 30 th April. Afternoon visit to Pannal primary school for 2026 Sing Out concert
Saturday 9 th May. Harrogate community choir festival. Awaiting formal invitation.
Saturday 6 th June, annual Sing Out concert. Venue probably West Park centre.
October 2026. Concert with Eastwood Colliery MVC of Nottingham. Dates are 3 rd /4 th or
10 th /11 th October. An afternoon concert is preferred to allow for travel back to Notts.
Starbeck Meths could fit this into their monthly music programme but if an afternoon
concert does not suit them, we could use West Park.

GC

4 Members Secretary Report
Bryan Johnson has formally resigned from the choir on the grounds of ill-health and Steve
Hurdle (T2) has joined. The attendance statistics are distorted by inclusion in the section
reps. forms of members who have resigned or who attend only sporadically. We should
not include members who have not or are not expected to pay subs this year and section
reps will be asked to revise their attendance sheets accordingly. Tenor 1 figures are not
available yet, but the attendance figures for the 12 weeks September to December
compared to the 12 weeks April to June 2025 are given below.
Sept. – Dec April- June
Tenor 2 66.6% 73.6%
Baritones 76.7% 68.8%
Basses 56.9% 47.7%
SB also investigated the possibility of a men’s choral singing class as part of their night
school programme. This could still be included in the summer term 2026. However night
classes are only run on week days and RK would only be available at weekends.

SB

5 Promotion of Concerts (Report provided) LC

Whixley 22 nd November. Liased with Rita Lister to include 2 other performers and
provided input for posters. Despite tickets priced at £15, the concert was a success.
Knaresborough 13 th December. Early posters and tickets had advertised a start at 7pm but
this was later revised by the church wardens to 7.30pm. LC and RK provided input for
posters which were distributed by LC and Trevor throughout Knaresborough
As we could not entertain at the Boston Spa Methodist Xmas tree festival on this date, LC
has arranged to sing solo with backing tapes in the afternoon.
Woodlands 16 th December. LC prepared a poster for publication in the church news and
website and along with choir colleagues, distributed them in the local area, as well as in
Wetherby and The Manor residential home.
Boston Spa methodists, Friday 27 th February. Joint concert with Rodilians in aid of Martin
House. Poster to include ticket availability from Rodilians and HMVC with QR codes. BSMC
will promote via parish news and Rodilians will promote on Facebook. LC has contacted
Martin House for promotional assistance and info on their logo. RK has generated a first
draft of poster/flyer using AI. As noted above, Rodilians may bring as many as 40 singers
from Wakefield. Use of online ticketing was discussed by the committee but was deferred
until the next meeting.
6 Recruitment. New singer campaign
St Roberts social club has been provisionally booked for this 10 week course. A source of a
grant has been identified by RK namely North Yorkshire men’s mental health fund. RK and
David Healy (DH) have drafted a excellent project description with objectives etc, have
defined the impact and legacy our project will have and have provided an analysis of the
full costs. The risks to success have been defined along with our experience and capacity
to deliver and monitor the success of the project, using Sing Out as an example.
The committee considered the document and have requested a meeting with RK and DH
on 16 th December to address a list of questions formulated by DB before the concert.
Documents such as policies for safeguarding, health and safety together with our annual
accounts need to be attached. The application has to be made by Friday 2 nd January at the
latest. The target attendance of the course was given as 40 with possible 20 people
progressing on to other support organisations. We still have to identify a men’s charity as
partner/ beneficiary and several were discussed.
It was agreed that DB should front up the application and make the formal application
after RK and DH have updated the text and the required documents have been prepared.
The project has not yet been presented to the full membership and we need to seek
volunteers for the proposed sub-committee as well as for promotion of the course.
It was proposed to do this before the rehearsal on 13 th January
7 Website and Google Drive
There have been no new developments here. RK has trialled AI to design posters.

RK

8 Sing Out 2026 schools update
(Postscript) Pannal school has agreed to a school visit for a choir performance at assembly
and a session with the school choir on the afternoon of Thursday 30 th April
GC and TG visited Spofforth primary school with a view to including Spofforth and Follifoot
in Sing Out 2027 along with Richard Taylor school.

TG

9 Choir social
St Roberts social club would be available for our social, with a charge for a Saturday night
of £90 or £60 for a Friday night. The club has no catering so this would have to be ordered
externally, however there is a bar, which a majority of the committee would wish for. We
should attempt to promote some mixing of people instead of being anchored to a specific
table. TG suggested 13 th /14 th March if RK is available.

TG

10 Singing ability
CD raised the question of how to politely correct adjacent singers if they are off-key or too
loud. We should be able to speak to colleagues without them taking offence, or ask RK to
go over a line or page where the section is not all together

CD

11 Next Meeting (A special meeting to discuss the Singing Cours grant application to include
Richard and David Healey would be held at 6:15 before the Woodlands Concert on Grant
Application for singing course) The course will be the primary focus of the next
Committee meeting on Tuesday 6 th January at Woodlands Methodists.