Singing for our supper

During my first year in the Hartlepool Male Voice Choir since I joined in 2017, I shied away from concerts as I barely had heard let alone known any of the songs that were performed in churches, community halls and workingmen’s clubs. For several months, every time the sheet came around for members to tick their name for the next concert, I crossed mine out. My genuine excuse was that I needed more time to learn the lyrics to songs that were totally foreign to me. 

Both David, our excellent musical director, and our secretary, Mick, who often sends me tasty photographs of his chip-loaded sumptuous dinners for my “expert” culinary approval, suggested that I would benefit from attending the concerts even if I had to mime some of the lyrics that I didn’t know. So, that’s what they call lip-synching! 

In the last year, I’ve plucked the courage and attended several concerts, mainly in local churches and clubs where sometimes the choir outnumbered the audience, but I must say that my song repertoire has improved massively.

When the attendance sheet for last week’s concert was circulated, I was pleased that it was covered with ticks, meaning that there would be a full turnout. Several senior singers explained: “You don’t want to be missing this one! The ladies really do look after us.” Warning lights began flashing in my head. 

My curiosity was only satisfied at the end of the concert when, as soon as we sang the last note, the seasoned choristers swooped like gannets to form an orderly queue at the buffet table, laden with tasty goodies from sandwiches and pies to cakes and desserts. The Wheatley Hill Mothers Club had delivered once again.  Plenty food and a standing ovation. 

What more can a travelling troubadour ask for?