Melksham Choral Society celebrates 80 years of singing

A Melksham choir which was formed before the Second World War is celebrating 80 years of bringing choral music to the community.

Melksham Choral Society currently has around 40 members and meets each week at the Rachel Fowler Centre.

The society was formed shortly before the Second World War but paused during the conflict before restarting in the 1950s.

In 1953, the society welcomed conductor Jean Horsfall, who was able to lead the choir alongside an accompanying orchestra for the first time.

During this period, the choir regularly took part in the Devizes Music Festival, often coming away with first prize.

In the 1970s, the society was twinned with a French choir in Avon, leading to two trips to France for concerts and reciprocal visits to Melksham.

The choir has also played a part in the social life of the town over the years, performing for members of the Gateway Club and the Twinning Association.

Chairman Joy Ackland has been involved with the society for 44 years.

She said, “Other highlights have also included a performance at Melksham Oak Community School in the theatre.”

To mark its 80th anniversary, the society has been holding special concerts throughout the year.

Its summer concert included display boards charting the society’s programmes and conductors as far back as records could be found.

Joy said singing was both physically and mentally beneficial.

“Singing choral music is good exercise and it is hard work because you sing in four parts and sometimes eight. It’s good when you have got the hang of it. At first, you think, why are we doing this. It is also good for the brain as well,” she said.

The society began rehearsals for its Christmas concert on 3rd September and is welcoming new members.

No auditions are required.

Anyone interested in joining can contact Joy at joyackland52@gmail.com.