Background
At a social event following a concert by the Radcliffe-on-Trent Male Voice Choir in May 1991, a sing-song took place. Many wives who were present sang with such enthusiasm that it was suggested by the guest artist, Roslyn Griffith, that perhaps Radcliffe had enough talent for the formation of a Ladies Choir.
Vivienne Havery (our current Chairman) approached Pauline Howarth, wife of Richard Howarth, the conductor of Radcliffe-on-Trent Male Voice Choir, and a singer & musician herself, who agreed to lead a Ladies Choir if sufficient ladies were interested. Following a notice distributed by Vivienne to all wives of Radcliffe-on-Trent Male Voice Choir Members, a meeting took place in a local pub to discuss the formation of a ladies choir, the meeting being attended by 12 ladies. On September 11th 1991, 14 ladies met in St. Mary’s Church Centre and sang together for the first time as a group. It proved to be so enjoyable that it was decided to continue to meet each Wednesday, charging 50p for each session to cover the costs of the Hall. An 'unofficial' committee was formed and a young man named David Byrne agreed to play the piano for the group. It was decided to meet until Christmas when the situation would be reassessed.
In January 1992 when rehearsals began again, numbers had increased to 32. It was then decided that the choir should be firmly established and a vote should be taken to elect a 'formal' committee.
At the first meeting of the committee it was agreed to call the group 'Radcliffe Ladies Chorale', however, when this was generally announced to the ladies it was felt that 'Radcliffe Ladies Choir' would be a more appropriate name and the latter was, therefore, duly adopted.
It was also agreed that our choir motto would be 'Friendship Through Singing'.
Since the first public appearance at Cotgrave Parish Church in 1992, the choir has given concerts at many venues in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire for various charities and organisations and hold two popular annual concerts in Radcliffe-on-Trent each summer and winter. We have also taken part in several concerts within the Midlands East group of the National Association of Choirs and were proud to host the NAC Midlands East Group Concert in our home village in May 2009 which proved to be a very successful and highly acclaimed event.
The ladies were absolutely delighted when Alex Patterson joined them as musical director in May 2010 and under his directorship have worked hard extending their repertoire, progressing musically and increasing their already considerable performance skills. Alex, as well as being a very talented composer, has proved to be an inspirational conductor and has injected so much fun into practice nights.
The choir is currently celebrating 20 years of singing and friendship.