Choir on song for 70th anniversary concert
SINGERS from one of the town’s most prominent choirs have celebrated its 70th anniversary with a celebration concert.
Members of the allfemale Macclesfield Mydel Choir welcomed friends, family and local dignitaries to their birthday concert at Macclesfield Methodist Church.
They celebrated the choir’s achievements and raised money for Space4Autism, a Macclesfield charity which supports children with autism and their families.
The charity holds monthly parent support meetings, workshops and events and is one of the mayor’s chosen charities for the year.
It was also a chance to celebrate the contribution of original member and president 91-year-old Mabel Harvey, who continues to be a valued member of the alto sec- tion. Mabel joined the celebratory performance and her long service was recognised.
Mabel said: “I joined the choir when I was a young girl and have enjoyed being an active member for the entire 70 years. For much of that time I was a member of the committee.
“Over the years I have been proud to be part of a group that won trophies at many music festivals. Through the choir over the years, I have made friends that have played an important part in my life and I treasure all the wonderful memories.”
Civic leaders including the Mayor of Macclesfield, Coun Beverley Dooley, and MP David Rutley attended.
Mr Rutley said: “It was an honour to attend the choir’s 70th anniversary concert. The audience enjoyed the memorable performance and were impressed by Mabel Har- vey’s dedicated long service to the choir.”
The choir was formed in 1947 and continues to thrive and attract members of all ages. It began life as the Dormel Singers under the direction of founder Dorothy Mellor and quickly established itself as Macclesfield’s foremost ladies choir.
Over the years the choir has featured many acclaimed soloists and guests, including the late Roy Castle and cellist Julian Lloyd Webber.
Dorothy Mellor retired in 1970 and the choir was renamed Macclesfield Mydel Ladies Choir from the old name for Macclesfield. Mrs Mellor was succeeded by several conductors, Sheila Kent being the most recent. Sheila retired following 18 years’ service as musical director and the choir welcomed the talented Aimee Presswood as her replacement. The choir dropped ‘ladies’ from its name two years ago.
The choir rehearses every Tuesday during term time between 8pm and 9.30pm at Broken Cross Methodist Church, Chelford Road, Macclesfield.
The choir is on the hunt for a new musical director and a new accompanist who they hope will bring enthusiasm and new ideas to the choir, if you are interested send your CV to contact@ mydelchoir.co.uk.