Month: July 2015

David Williams as conductor (1)

This is the third in a series of posts about the choir’s history. Scroll down to see the earlier posts.

When David Williams took over as conductor of the Southport Bach Society (now Choir) in 1970, the choir was definitely a going concern, with a nucleus of committed singers, a regular season of concerts, and the ambition of establishing itself as a fundamental part of the town’s cultural life.

Management of the choir

At this time the choir was governed by a committee of just four people: Chair, Conductor, Treasurer and Secretary. David Bowman had been greatly supported by Eddie and Joan Twigg, as Treasurer and Secretary, and when he left Joan Twigg resigned from her role. Joy Lea took over as Secretary until 1981, when Jean Sutton took on this important and onerous job. Eddie Twigg continued as Treasurer until 1974, when he and his wife left Southport. There were several changes of Treasurer before Peter Woodhead took over in 1977, to be followed by Bob Bride in 1980. Arthur Baldwin stayed as Chairman until 1972, when he was succeeded by John Watts, who held the chair for the next nine years. Valerie Pedlar was Chairman from 198-85, and Bleddyn Davies from 1985-1991.

By the time the choir reached its 10th anniversary in 1975, it was clear that the financial position was rather precarious. It was decided to increase the membership subscription, and the price of concert tickets, but it was felt that more attention should be given to fund-raising activities and to improving publicity. To this end, it was agreed to add extra committee members to cope with the all the work that needed to be done, and at the same time ensure that different voice parts were represented. Six new members joined the committee and immediately set to work.

At the AGM the following year it was reported that the choir’s finances had improved considerably, partly as a result of a grant from Merseyside Arts Association, but also because of the fund-raising and social activities that had been organized. Much of the money raised went towards the purchase of half a grand piano, the other half being purchased by Holy Trinity Church, but enough had been raised to ensure that there was money in the bank at the end of the season.

Another vital feature of the choir’s life is the rehearsal pianist. Mary Crayston was been appointed as accompanist in 1976 and was greatly appreciated. When she gave up in 1982, Keith Matthews was recruited and he remained as the choir’s much-loved accompanist until 2010. And he still occasionally helps out when necessary!

Fund-raising

Fund-raising events could also be fun and included Victorian evenings, coffee mornings and garden parties as well as more routine bring and buy or jumble sales. The secretary’s report for the 1982-3 season shows how busy the choir could be, since in addition to the normal three concerts in December, April and June, there were the following events:

October – 1) Second-hand book sale; 2) the choir sang at a Gala concert at Southport Arts Centre as part of the town’s Music Festival.

November – A Victorian evening at a member’s house.

February – 1) A concert at URC Church, Trafalgar Road in aid of the church re-building fund; 2) a 12-hour music marathon.

April – A recital by Emma Kirkby and Anthony Rooley at St Cuthbert’s Church.

June – A garden party in a member’s garden.

July – A social evening at Rufford Old Hall.

Energetic fund-raising by the choir meant that David could be more ambitious in his concert-planning, including professional soloists and orchestras from time to time, but the choir was also greatly helped by grants from the National Federation of Music Societies and Merseyside Arts Association. Less frequently the choir was able to attract commercial sponsors.

 

In my next post I’ll write about some of the more ambitious works that the choir performed during the first 20 years of David’s tenure.