Singers tune up for 50th bash

It would appear that excitement is gradually building ahead of a landmark celebration for a leading Courier Country choir.

The Monifieth Singers group, which was originally established in the Angus town in 1974, will be marking the completion of their first half-century next month.

Choir secretary Liz Pardoe tells Craigie: “We are celebrating with a special 50th anniversary concert and buffet on Friday the 19th of April at 7pm in New Kirk, Broughty Ferry, in which we will sing music from across the 50 years.

“We will also be having a celebratory dinner in May. It is notable that our chairman George Mitchelson was a founder member of the local choir and continues to sing with us every week at our rehearsals in Monifieth High School.

“We have invited our first two conductors of Monifieth Singers to attend our concert – Mr Johnston Ralston and Mr Bill Sinclair. Our present conductor is Mrs Misia Paul.”

Ms Pardoe, who says the group are keen to invite past members to next month’s big event, has provided today’s main picture, which she says was taken at one of the earliest concerts staged by the Monifieth Singers back in the mid-1970s.

She continues: “Incidentally, I can provide many of the names on this photo, which would be of interest to Monifieth residents.

“One choir member, our chairman George Mitchelson, is a founder member and is in the photo. The original conductor, who is shown front centre, is Johnston Ralston and he will be at the upcoming concert.”

Look out for more details about both the vintage photo and next month’s anniversary celebrations appearing on this page soon.

Courier Country choir Monifieth Singers celebrate their 50th anniversary next month with a special concert and buffet at New Kirk Parish Church, Broughty Ferry. Shown above are members at a performance given just after the group’s formation in 1974 – see left.