Pride in our choir

Every so often we are proud to advertise the milestones and achievements in our wider choir family. Here are some splendid examples that have occurred in the last few weeks.

Terry Ashmore (Baritone) and his wife Carlene are so proud to have attended the master’s degree award ceremonies of their twin sons Lewis and Joseph. Lewis was awarded his Master’s in Cardiac Science from Manchester University and is currently working at Kings Mill Hospital. Joseph achieved a Master’s in City Planning from Glasgow University and is currently working for Paisley Council in Scotland. So, degrees and related employment in their chosen fields in the same year; this is the measure of success and don’t they look distinguished. Terry said, “I’m so proud of them both”.
Pictured – Terry and Lewis and Joseph in his Scottish Masters regalia.

Steve Cree (Baritone) (right in the photograph)

Steve has a long and dedicated history of community service. Among his many achievements and commitments, he was a Police Officer for 33 years and post-retirement ran a business teaching life skills to young people following the establishment of the Mansfield D.A R.E. programme.

As an accredited local preacher in the Methodist Church he regularly takes Sunday Worship and leads the Circuit Midweek Zoom worship. He is a Church Steward and Property Officer at Mansfield Woodhouse and is a trustee of both his local Methodist church and the Sherwood Forest Methodist Circuit. Steve and Joyce are also members of the Mansfield Woodhouse Community Development Group which organises a Party-in-the-Park during the summer, the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade, and the Mansfield Woodhouse Christmas Lights switch-on.

He has been involved with Scouting since 1958 as a member, Assistant Scout Leader, Group Scout Leader and District and County Explorer Scout Commissioner. He and his wife Joyce were transferred to their present Group 23 years ago when the leaders had quit and membership had fallen to 6 young people. With instructions to close the group Steve and Joyce have grown it to over 125 young people every week with a good supply of adult leaders. Steve and Joyce have been involved in organising scout jamboree trips to Brazil, Austria, Poland, Chile and Thailand. Steve was also a Duke of Edinburgh Awad Assessor and Trainer. Steve was recently presented with a certificate of recognition for 40 years as a Scout Leader (see photo) and between them, Steve and Joyce have over 80 years of providing life-skills and promoting Scouting.

John Wakeland (Bass) and his wife Lesley have three children, James, Elizabeth and Nathan. Elizabeth Wakeland is a busy lady running a family with husband Danny and two children (Emma5 and Noah 1). “Lizzi” has been extremely focused in her career, gaining a British Psychological Society accredited 2:1 degree, building 3 years post graduate work experience, completing a Health and Care Professions Council Doctorate specializing in clinical and forensic psychology), a further 5 years clinical and leadership experience to reach Consultant Level within the NHS. This is a staggeringly good achievement, and we wish her well in her first consultant role.
John doesn’t say much, but he and Lesley are immensely proud of Lizzi’s driven and elevated achievements. The photo shows John and Dr. Elizabeth in her robes for recieving her PhD.

Christopher Hadley (Baritone) joined the choir only in the last few weeks. He is already making a great contribution being well prepared and taking a day off work as a postman to join us at the International Bomber Command Centre 7th annual memorial service in Lincoln.

As you can see, he is wearing the medals of his ancestors with pride. There is a hereditary line of membership from Chris through his grandfather Terry Bingham (Baritone 1986 to 2004) and his great grandfather Geoff Bingham (Baritone 1960 to 1972). Isn’t that a wonderful example of continuance and perpetuation of strong core values. Chris said “Thank you for having me along for my first public appearance with the choir it was an absolute pleasure to be with you all today”.

Another new member Baritone and postman, Sean Grange, married Carrie Strouther at St. Mary’s Church, Ladybrook in Mansfield on 8th August 2026. Sean invited us to sing at their nuptials, and we were proud to be asked and involved. The choir sang 4 songs prior to the arrival of the bride including Unchained Melody as the bride processed to the altar, two during the signing of the register and another two as part of the recession.
It was a beautiful summer’s day and the church was packed with family members, friends and guests and of course, the service was filled with emotion and love. Thanks for asking the choir Sean and good luck to you and Mrs. Grange in the future. A wedding photograph is to follow.