Putting Something Back

Concert with Amersfoort Mannenkoor, Queen Elizabeth’s Academy – Friday 19 May 2017

“I want to put something back” – it’s something you hear occasionally  usually from those who have been successful in various high profile activities like sport or business.

Now here’s a secret for you- the “unsuccessful!” and the “nobodies” of this world (sometimes described as ordinary people and include most of us, in fact) can make a massive difference in this trouble world ( and “put something back”) if we care enough about our communities (especially those amongst us in great need) to get involved and come together.

The concert last Friday evening  was in aid of Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid. We shared the stage with a wonderful choir from the Netherlands, Amersfoort Mannenkoor,  singing in solidarity with those who provide invaluable support to those of our own community who are sometimes at the end of their tether.

Jo Humphries is the Intervention and Recovery Services Coordinator. Jo was at the concert along with many of her colleagues.

“Here at Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid we really enjoyed, appreciated and were humbled by all the time, talent, energy, and support that was shown at the concert on Friday night. It was powerful to see two male voice choirs wearing white ribbons and standing up to show support in ending violence and abuse towards women, children and young people.”

“The quote of the night for me came from my brother who said ‘it was the best 8 quid he’s ever spent.’ My mum was so proud that everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to her also.”

“The feedback from staff who attended has been really positive. The energy and feeling in the hall was really uplifting and lasted all evening.”

“Marilyn did amazing job with the raffle and you could tell she loved bolstering everyone up! The wives and partners of Mansfield choir worked so hard and together getting things sorted in the background.”

As for us here at Mansfield & District Male Voice Choir it was a privilege to make a contribution and a pleasure to make music with our guests from overseas. We look forward to singing with Amersfoort again at some point – they are a great choir.

In male voice choir tradition some guests from local choirs ( Carlton MVC, Pye Hill & District MVC) were invited to share the stage in the second half of the concert.

Ian Watts is Musical Director at Carlton Male Voice Choir and was at the concert and,

“What Mansfield & District Male Voice Choir do best is, well…just be Mansfield & District Male Voice Choir; the organisation, the efficiency, the sheer fun of the event all done exceptionally well and planned to within an inch of its life.”

“It was a pleasure to watch the boys in action and a thrill to hear your well-sung music, from Gwahoddiadd to Bring Him Home and from the African to American Trilogies a performance to match the beauty of the QE Academy Hall you sang in.”

“Excellent accompaniment and direction from the ladies behind the wheel and a very enjoyable evening out for all involved.”

“Mansfield are Mansfield and my advice would be…keep it just like that!”

Hear hear to that!

Images from the concert can be viewed on the Gallery section of the website

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