NORTHALLERTON Male Voice Choir celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Saturday at The Golden Lion Hotel in the town.

The evening was attended by nearly 100 people comprising wives and partners, former choristers, and friends of the choir.

The special guests included Bob Barratt, the choir’s President and its founder, together with Doris Williams, the Chairman of the National Association of Choirs North East Group, the Mayor of Northallerton John Forrest with his wife Edna, and the Chairman of Hambleton District Council David Hughill with his wife Gillian.

In his welcome speech the choir’s Chairman, Peter Kershaw, made reference to its principles and standards which were established in 1968 and which still prevail to the present day.

He acknowledged the part the choir’s committee played in providing the support needed for the smooth running and the secure future of the choir. He also gave special thanks to Andrea Rhodes, the choir’s Musical Director, and Catherine Woods, the choir’s accompanist in whose hands were entrusted the broad, entertaining repertoire that the men now regularly perform.

To celebrate its Golden year the choir had upgraded their uniform to incorporate golden bow ties and pocket handkerchiefs.

Before the meal the choir sang Kirby Shaw’s arrangement of Paul Simon’s “Bridge Over Trouble Water” and John Tudor Davies’ arrangement of “Gwahoddiad”, and later in the evening Bob Barratt cut the anniversary cake.

The choir has recently recorded its second CD which is due to be available for  June 9 when the choir continues its 50th anniversary celebrations at The Forum, Northallerton. There it will perform its Summer Concert with guest artiste Rachel Orr, “The Queen of High Heels”.