The Herefordshire Masonic Choir is Born

A report compiled by W Bro M L Foord, JP

About 18 months ago, at the beginning of 2010, a brother who had enjoyed singing as a youngster thought that it would be good if Herefordshire had its own Masonic choir. After all, we all sing the opening and closing odes with great gusto, so clearly most Herefordshire Freemasons can sing (although they won't always admit it). The brother with that vision was W. Bro. John Mayo-Evans, a retired diver (I wonder if his favourite song is “I'm forever blowing bubbles”). John talked to other Masons about the idea, and in time a notice of the intention to form a choir was announced at Lodge meetings.

The Herefordshire Masonic Ladies’ Luncheon Club

With the summer break now upon us, we are looking forward to recommencing rehearsals in September.  We have decided to rehearse twice a month, and we took a census of members to ascertain the most suitable days of the month.  The members unanimously agreed on the second Wednesday and fourth Thursday of each month.

So, if any brother would like to join an enthusiastic bunch of Freemasons who all enjoy the fun of singing together, then please come along and try us out.  You will be made most welcome.  It is not necessary for you to be able to read music, nor do you have to be able to sing like Pavarotti or Bryn Terfel.  However, we do not simply sing in unison.  The voices are split into four different parts which make beautiful harmonies together.  It really isn’t difficult, so why not give it a try?  You will almost certainly surprise yourself, and hopefully become a member of what we are convinced will be a truly great Masonic Choir.  Please contact the Secretary, W. Bro. John Davis, on 01544 327264, or by email by clicking here. Alternatively contact any of our founder members:

The Herefordshire Masonic Choir

A musical director was required, and W. Bro. Lt. Col. (Ret'd.) Roger Tomlinson offered his services. He was, after all, very qualified, as he had formerly been a Director of Music in the Household Cavalry, and the army's Principal Director of Music at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall. Conducting bands, choirs and orchestras was like falling off a log (neigh - a horse) to him. He immediately set to work sorting out a selection of music suitable for the choir to sing, and rearranging it for 4-part (male) harmony. Choir practices were organised, and everything looked good for what we hoped would be a magical, musical future within the Province of Herefordshire. With the blessing of the Provincial Grand Master, we were all set to go.

Although there were initially over 30 registered members, we got off to a very slow start. We found that rehearsing at the Masonic Hall, Kyrle Street, was nigh impossible because of the many Masonic activities going on there. Sundays were an exception, and we tried these, but Sunday rehearsals were not popular. In addition, because of other commitments, such as work, and membership of other choirs, many members found it difficult to attend on a regular basis. Consequently our membership declined from its original 30 plus, to under 20, with rehearsals often taking place with less than half of that number. Should we call it a day, we asked ourselves?

The bar beckons for thirsty singers

It seemed such a shame to do that, as Roger Tomlinson had given us such interesting songs to sing, and the ‘faithful few’ were thoroughly enjoying it. So, as Herefordshire Freemasons are made of much sterner stuff, we decided to grab the (Hereford) bull by the horns, and present a couple of performances. A new rehearsal venue was found, courtesy of one of our members, Bro Peter White, whose ‘Heritage Home Improvements’ warehouse has proved to be an excellent location. Not only are the acoustics very good, but it is right next door to the Grandstand Pub (a big bonus!!).

Our inaugural performance took place at the Masonic Hall, Kyrle Street, on Monday 20th June when we sang at the festive board for a Bishop Sara Rose Croix meeting (pictured below). To our delight and surprise we were warmly acclaimed, and it was somewhat embarrassing when, having exhausted our limited repertoire, we were asked to sing an encore! Roger defused the situation by declaring “Thank you, but I think we’ll stop while we’re up”!

This successful first performance was then followed a few days later when we sang for the Herefordshire Masonic Ladies' Luncheon Club. This time our repertoire was augmented by performances by Roger Tomlinson on his trombone, and Robert Green on piano. Once again we were very warmly received, and we were both delighted and greatly satisfied that the audiences at each of our initial performances had openly “sung our praises” (sorry for the pun).

Inspired by this beginning, we formalised the choir at a general meeting a few days later, and appointed the following officers:

President:  W. Bro. J Mayo-Evans (fitting that he should be our founding President)

Musical Director:  W. Bro. R G Tomlinson

Accompanist: W. Bro. R M Green

Secretary:  W. Bro. J R Davis

Treasurer:  W. Bro. D H Duggan