Piece of town history found in charity shop
There was a box marked ‘All items 50p’
GLYN Hatfield, from Kibworth Beauchamp, has written in to the Echo with his fascinating story of discovering a piece of Loughborough history.
Mr Hatfield wrote: “Some months ago, I was passing a charity shop in Market Harborough when I spotted a book in their window that caught my eye.
“However, on closer inspection I decide it wasn’t for me, but next to where I was standing, there was a box marked ‘All items 50p’.
“At the back of the box, there was a large wooden frame containing a well preserved photograph, dated 1938. I thought at the time, someone must have treasured this as it was in such good condition. Considering it had survived since before the second World War, I was curious to have a closer look.
“I then noticed the caption ‘Loughborough Lyric Choir - May 1938’ above the photograph and due to my interest in local history I decided to purchase it.
“The choir were displaying their silver trophies before the photographer and dressed in their Sunday best, they posed for him outside an unknown building in the town.
“I thought it would be easy to investigate the history of this musical group and find out if it was still in existence. My aim was to reunite it with the current members but alas I drew a blank. I therefore, decided that in order to preserve the picture for posterity, I would approach the Lough- borough Museum.
My wife and I visit Loughborough on a regular basis as our son and his family live there. We often take our six-year-old granddaughter to the town’s museum as she always shows an interest in the various exhibits.
“Thankfully they accepted my donation and it is now in their safekeeping. I am delighted to have found this piece of recorded history which, if not purchased could quite easily have ended its day in a builders skip!
Thank goodness I was passing that charity shop when I did, otherwise the fate of this remarkable item could have been lost forever.
“Now new generations can visit the museum and who knows, may recognise an elderly relative amongst those three rows of smartly dressed ladies who gathered for that all important photo shoot 80 years ago.”
Do you know anything about the Lyric Choir?
Looking Back has found one reference from the Leicester Mercury, dating back to March 1939, which reports on a concert given by the choir in Sutton Bonington in aid of funds for the Zion Methodist Church.
The choir was conducted by Miss Dorothy Barnes, solos by Miss Paddy Taylor, and Miss Gladys Burton.
If you have any further information on the Lyric Choir please contact Andy Rush at Looking Back on 01509 635802. E-mail andy.rush.reachplc.com