Choir’s historic post-war broadcast rolls back on the airways – years after production was feared lost
AN historic post-war broadcast of a famous local choir has just been discovered in a private collection. The half-hour recording of the Derby Rolls-Royce Male Voice Choir was featured on the then BBC Home Service on Sunday 28th May 1947.
It was directed by founding conductor Mr Stan Orm with the then well-known baritone Edward Hutichinson.
According to former members, Colin Hinds and Michael Wilcockson, the choir was founded in 1941 during the Second World
War to keep up the morale of the men of the company.
Many were working on the RollsRoyce Merlin engines which powered the famous Spitfire planes, which defended our island during the dark days of the war.
The choir folded in 2018 after the sad death of its Musical Director, Hazel Wibberly. Colin, a member for over 25 years, rescued all the choir’s archives, which are now stored at St John’s Methodist Church, in Allestree.
The broadcast was discovered by archivist and writer Stephen Beet.
It had been recorded live by one of the many companies which specialised in making souvenir recordings before the days of tape.
Several copies would have been issued, but all had been thought lost.
The 78 r.p.m. records have been transferred to
CD and remastered so ex-members of the choir and their families may listen again.
Both Colin and Michael were astonished to hear of f the recording, which is the e earliest in existence, and delighted that Stephen will ll beb be donating the four original di discs iscs to the choir’s archives.
Anyone wanting a copy of f the broadcast on CD should contact on ntact the Derby Telegraph or email stephenrbeet@gmail.com