Plumpton Church

The Dalston Male Voice Choir paid their 6th visit in 13 years to Plumpton Church on Saturday May 10th and an appreciative audience of about 60 people much enjoyed their programme of 'Songs from the New World and the Old'. The 22 strong choir was conducted by Michael Deakin, who has been their Musical Director since Hilary Hodgson retired in 2011, and it was clear from their performance that they respond well to the energy, enthusiasm and expertise of his leadership.

The programme ranged widely over popular, sacred and light classical pieces, from 'All The Things You Are' to 'Cwm Rhondda' and 'Nessun Dorma'. There was much chuckling over the animal noises in 'Old McDonald Had a Farm' and the Welsh accents in 'Tydi A Roddaist' had to be heard to be believed! Lennon and McCartney's 'Yesterday' was beautifully articulated and sung with real feeling, but the theological highlight of the evening was 'The Gardener's Lament' by one of the choir members, Bernard Stout, receiving its world premiere and reminding us that God certainly did create everything – including greenfly, frost, slugs, mice, pigeons, nettles and weeds!

The Choir is well known for encouraging young local talent, and the soloist this evening was Hannah Scotson, who gave of her best in numbers that included 'There's a Place for Us' and 'Linden Lea'. The accompanist for all the choral pieces was Lorraine Gash, whose delicate expertise is always so much appreciated, and the witty compere for the evening was Robin Woodworth.

The great thing about this group of men is their sheer delight in singing, their rapport with their audiences, and their bubbling joviality. Their musical ability is self-evident and there is an excellent tenor/bass balance in their voice. Those present left with a song in their hearts and hoping for another helping in the not too distant future.