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
