A MALE voice choir is holding its annual open night ahead of its forthcoming performing season.

Shiney Row Male Voice Choir draws members from across Wearside and County Durham, but is always seeking fresh blood to replace ageing and retiring members plus others who may have left after moving to other parts of the country.

The choir can be heard at a number of regular concerts and occasional one-off performances through the year.

It practices each week during the performing season at its home base, at the Trinity Methodist Church, on Chester Road, Shiney Row, between Chester-le-Street and Sunderland.

During the forthcoming season it is to introduce a new musical director, after Stephen Wroe, who has led the choir for 21 years, decided to hang up his baton.

The opening event of the autumn season is the choir’s annual Open Night, on Friday, September 4, at 7pm.

New members are welcome to attend. They do not necessarily need to have singing experience, although it is considered ‘helpful’.

Further information is available from choir secretary Ron Wilson, on 0191-527 9734.