Nottingham & Loughborough Tour 2018 News

15th June: The Choir set off early for Nottingham, but courtesy of the inevitable and unenviable roadworks on the notorious M1 ended up with little time to check into the Hilton Hotel and settle down before re-joining the coach to head off to Barrow-Upon-Soar for the first Tour concert with hosts Loughborough MVC.

The welcoming concert audience was treated to a sterling performance by LMVC in both halves of the programme and I’m pleased to say an equally impressive performance by our Boys, including our staged surprise when choristers dispersed around the Church to sing an RMVC favourite Pokarekare Ana in Maori. Another unusual element during the concert finale was both choirs bringing to life the wonderful hymn Gwahoddiad with RMVC performing it in Welsh and LMVC in English – not at the same time!. Then, as always the programme finally ended with the two Choirs raising the roof while jointly performing the well-known Soldiers Chorus. It was indeed a successful concert and we were grateful for LMVC’s reviving refreshments following a long, but enjoyable day.

16th June: The following morning the Choir went shopping, though shopping with a difference. In a first for RMVC, our accompanist Richard Stannard commandeered the handy piano in Nottingham’s Victoria Shopping Mall and we bravely performed a (slightly choreographed) FlashMob with no idea how this would be received. However, to our delight and relief rapturous applause ensued from the real shoppers who’d gathered around to listen. Great fun, and a repeat performance nearer to home may yet be considered.

Saturday night we were off again to sing with our second hosts and old friends Radcliffe-on- Trent MVC for what turned out to be another very special evening of song, and once more in front of an appreciative audience. The finale bringing the two choirs together for four varied pieces including An American Trilogy was especially rousing. Then, knowing both choirs’ penchant for a good Afterglow, our hosts pulled out all the stops offering a fine spread and ‘a few’ well deserved beers

17th June: Just a little weary on Sunday morning as we prepared to take to the road to go home it seemed only appropriate to leave the hotel with a rendition of Jamaica Farewell. Admittedly not our best, but still drawing applause from the hotel lobby.

Thanks: Our grateful thanks must go to our host choirs who kindly invited us to join them in song, and we were pleased to present both Chris Higgins, Chairman of Loughborough MVC and John Bartle, Chairman of Radcliffe on Trent MVC with a now traditional Tour memento in the form of a painting by RMVC’s chorister artist Peter Larkin. Alongside these thanks we never forget the amazing Musical Directors and choir accompanists without whom concerts simply wouldn’t happen. Our own treasured MD Marion Maxey and accompanist Richard Stannard. LMVC’s MD, Chris Hill with accompanist Becky Norton and Radcliffe’s MD, Dr Michael Bonshor and the choir accompanist Eleonara Babitsky.

Finally, our special thanks go to RMVC’s Concert Secretary, Mike Bull who had the nightmare of organising the tour.

The now Annual Tour is a vital part of enjoying being part of the Choir. We look forward to our next trip to Cornwall in May 2019.

RMVC personal mentions:

• Former RMVC Chairman David Grey gave a great first solo performance in Working Man.
• After the first concert a well-deserved special gift was presented to long-time member Terry Morrison to commemorate his 100th concert as a compere – quite a record!