On 1st March 1923 a letter was circulated around the mining village of Haydock proposing the formation of a male voice choir. A meeting took place four days later at the Haydock Conservative Club attended by 21 gentlemen and from it Haydock Male Voice Choir came into being. Most, but not all, of the founder members worked in the offices of Rich’d Evans & Co. Ltd who were the local colliery owners. The choir’s first conductor, R A (Dickey) Foster was one such official. The first Secretary was, however, Jack Evans, the local Health Inspector at the Council Offices.
At the outbreak of World War 2 the choir went into limbo but activity was restored in April 1944 when a meeting was held at which a new conductor, Llew Powell, was introduced. He replaced R A Foster who had died during the period when the choir was inactive. The meeting was chaired by Mr W L Banks who was the Company Secretary of Rich’d Evans & Co. Mr Banks was duly elected as the first choir President. This photograph was taken in 1946 and, remarkably, pictures a man still active in the choir. George Anderton, then 17 years of age is now 90 and still singing in the first tenor section.
1955 was the year that Albert E Gleave became the choir’s conductor. He had been deputy to Llew Powell but was overlooked in favour of an outsider, Ed Grimshaw, when Llew retired at the end of 1952. The choir was close to extinction through falling membership and lack of interest when Albert was prevailed upon to take up the reins. Albert was a fine tenor who had trained with the famous operatic tenor Tom Burke. He had first joined the choir when a lad of 15 and continued until called up for service in the RAF during WW2. He set about restoring the choir’s fortunes and in a long reign as choir MD he oversaw a transformation in the choir’s strength and reputation. The photograph taken in 1966 illustrates how the choir had grown in number and the display of trophies tells of competition success.
In 1972 there was a change in the choir’s administration which saw Bill Ireland and George Anderton became Secretary and Treasurer respectively. The following year was to be the choir’s 50th anniversary and it was wished to celebrate the occasion in style with a gala concert for which the choir would, for the first time, wear a uniform. The new officers set about raising the necessary funds and thus it was that, in 1973 the choir took the stage at St Helens Town Hall resplendent in new wool barathea dress suits. The following year the choir applied to enter the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. Although accepted there was such a large entry that Haydock, being newcomers, had to pre qualify in the local Town Hall. Being successful they joined the twenty plus choirs in the main competition. When the adjudication was announced it was found that Haydock had been placed 4th which turned out to be the top place of any of the British choirs. The photo opposite shows the choir before they took the stage at Llangollen. In October 1974 the choir recorded its first LP titled “Haydock Sings”. It was under the Grosvenor Records label, a Birmingham Company with a great reputation. The choir would go on to sell over 2300 discs.
In 1975 the choir made its first overseas tour to Stuttgart in Germany the “Twin Town” of St Helens. They gave concerts at Stuttgart’s main concert venue, the Liederhalle, and in neighbouring towns Fellbach and Goppingen. The choir sang to capacity and enthusiastic audiences and in each case received fulsome praise in the German press. They were treated like royalty throughout the visit and on one occasion were accorded police motorcycle escort when they went by coach to visit the Cannstatt Bierfest. The photo opposite shows the choir giving an impromptu performance on the steps of Stuttgart Town Hall where they were given an official welcome to the city. Throughout the tour the choir had been chaperoned by Siegfried Baur (Siggy) who was the Secretary of the Stuttgart choir the Cannstatter Chorvereinigung. A month after returning home a letter was received from Siggy inviting the choir to send a deputation the following March to attend his choir’s 125th anniversary celebrations. Thus began an association between the two choirs that lasted for many years.
Greg Warren takes his first competition at Biddulph and goes on to win.
The committee start planning Albert Gleave’s Silver Jubilee year celebrations, this would turn out to be a dinner and a dance held at the Town Hall visiting choirs were also invited.
Haydock are published in the Lancashire life with a 2 page spread written by Tony Foster who had spent sometime interviewing the choir.
January 1980 sees a school choir from Dallas come to join Haydock at the Town Hall.
The second trip to Germany, the fundraising had been so successful, the choir then decided to buy a second uniform. The choir bought a blue uniform to have alongside the dinner suits.
This was also the first the choir took part in the 1000 voices concert at the Albert Hall. Haydock took no less of 5 coach loads down for the trip. Haydock also travels to America for the first time with visits to St Louis, Dallas, St Antonio and Tulsa.
The Champion Years HMVC Reaches Diamond Jubilee. Haydock celebrates with a joint concert with Rochdale at Wigan Queens Hall. It was well attended with an audience of 900.
The choir also sings at Cardiff Town Hall at the invitation of Ardwyn Singers, this concert was conducted by Greg Warren.
Goff Richards is commissioned to write a piece of music to commemorate the choirs 60th year, the piece of music was Psalm 150.
The choir also goes on to compete in an A class festival at Blackpool and goes on to win.
HMVC host the Chicago Youth Chorale at St Helens Parish Church.
The choir returns to the Llangollen Eisteddfod after a gap of 8 years, but a broken-down coach sees much of the choir’s arrival severely delayed, and once they finally perform the choir finishes the competition in 11th place.
In October the choir sets off on their sixth oversees tour, with a total of 69 singers and 40 supporters heading to Vienna and Stuttgart.
Another joint concert is held at St Helens Parish Church, this time welcoming the Sapulpa High School Choir from Oklahoma.
Gledholt MVC from Huddersfield create a new invitation only competition, and upon receiving an invitation to participate, HMVC comes a creditable third, and performs Goff Richard’s Psalm 150 at the evening celebration concert.
A return to the Llangollen Eisteddfod sees an improvement on the previous year, the choir finishing in 8th place.
The Grosvenor Studio in Birmingham plays host to the choir recording their new cassette release, “Haydock in Harmony.”
An invitation to the second NMVC Championship results in an astounding win for Haydock, which was followed by a joint concert with the Cannstatter Chorvereinigung just days later.
Another entry into the Radio Wales Choir of the year results in a semi final place for HMVC.
The choir returns to the NVMC Championship, successfully defending their crown with their highest marks in the competition thus far.
Gary Hill is appointed Deputy Conductor.
HMVC falls one short of a hat-trick of wins at the NMVC Championship, securing second place, however they have never finished less than 3rd in what has now become recognised as the premier male voice choir competition.
The choir travels to Germany for their latest oversees tour, finishing with a joint concert with Liederkranz Widdern.
Another low finish at Llangollen sees members questioning if the choir should continue in the competition.
The choir receives an invitation to tour California.
The choir records an album of Goff Richards’ arranged or written pieces with the Leyland DAF Band, titled “It’s Most Unusual.”
HMVC play a small part in a charity event that sees Bolsterstone MVC perform at 9 UK airports in one day, by performing with BMVC at Manchester Airport. Top Tenor George Anderton joins Bolsterstone for the entire event.
Haydock wins the fifth annual NMVC Championship, the choir’s third in 4 years. Part of the competition is televised in a Yorkshire TV programme.
The choir performs three open-air concerts on consecutive evenings at Gawsworth Hall in Cheshire.
Towards the end of the year Greg Warren announces he will be leaving the choir early the following year.
The new decade begins with a concert at York Opera House, compared by Goff Richards.
The choir tour California for the first time, with concerts in Porterville, Reedley, Yuba City (twice), Madera and Whittier, the latter of which is the final concert for HMVC under the baton of Greg Warren. On the choir’s return to the UK, Paul Mather takes over as conductor.
The choir return to Llangollen with the new man at the helm, and achieve 5th place.
The summer sees concerts at Gawsworth Hall and Southport Theatre, the latter conducted by Albert Gleave.
In February, Albert Gleave passes away after a long illness. The choir sing at his funeral, singing the final page of “Martyrs” as the coffin leaves the church.
The choir’s 9th overseas tour returns to Stuttgart for a 6th time.
HMVC comes third in the National Championship at Huddersfield.
The choir takes part in the World Choir event at Cardiff Arms Park, which stars guest celebrity Shirley Bassey.
A memorial concert is held for Albert Gleave at Haydock Christ Church.
The choir host the Kings River Singers from Reedley, California, at St Helens Parish Church.
Paul Mather steps down as Conductor, but remains a member of the choir. Gary Hill is appointed as the new Conductor of HMVC.
The choir celebrates its 70th anniversary with a celebrity concert at Warrington Parr Hall, involving Richard Evans and the BNFL Band.
Haydock comes second at the National Championship.
The album “We Ain’t Got Dames” is recorded at St Helens URC in November.
The choir embarks on its second tour of California, every bit as much a success as the first 4 years earlier, a highlight of the tour being a concert on board old British liner the Queen Mary, now a floating hotel at Long Beach in California.
Another second place at the National Championship is followed by joint concerts with the California Redwoods Chorale, and BNFL Band, the latter at Preston Guildhall.
The latest international tour takes the choir to the Harz Mountain region in north east Germany, with concerts at St Andreasberg, Bad Harzburg, and at Bad Grund in a joint concert with the Osterode Frauenchor.
Haydock place 4th in National Male Voice Championship in its new home in Rhyl.
Members of the choir take part in the massed male voice choir concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
The choir perform at St George’s Hall, Blackburn, with the JJB Sports Band (formerly the BNFL Band).
The latest tour to Stuttgart is part of the celebrations of 50 years since the twinning of St Helens and Stuttgart, and is seen as one of the choir’s best overseas adventures.
The 75th anniversary of HMVC is celebrated with a gala concert at St Helens Parish Church, and also featuring Gledholt MVC, and former conductors Greg Warren and Paul Mather. as well as president Goff Richards.
Another 4th place at the National Championship in Rhyl is followed by a concert with Morriston RFC Male Choir, at the Morriston Tabernacle Chapel, making Haydock only the second English choir ever to perform at the venue.
The album “Spirit of Haydock” is recorded at St Julie’s Church, Eccleston, under the watchful eye of Goff Richards.
The choir hosts the Chicago Youth Chorale for the 4th time.
Haydock return to the Llangollen Eisteddfod for the first time in 9 years, finishing a creditable 4th place.
A carol concert at St Helens Parish Church includes a performance from a 66-strong children’s choir from Bleak Hill Junior School, and the whole event is seen as a tremendous success.
In honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, the choir holds a charity concert at St Helens Theatre Royal, compared by Goff Richards, and featuring the Leyland Band. The concert raised funds of £1000 each for two local charities.
Another visit to Llangollen provides another 4th place finish in the Eisteddfod.
A Christmas CD, “Christmas Cheer”, featuring modern arrangements of well-known carols by Goff Richards, is released for the festive season and quickly sells out.
The annual Christmas concert at Haydock Conservative club sees the introduction of a hotpot supper for the first time.
Gary Hill steps down as conductor of HMVC, and is replaced with Alan Herbert.
Talented pianist Ruth Hollick becomes HMVC’s Principal Accompanist, a position held to the present day.
HMVC takes part in the Isle of Man Festival of Choirs, and comes first in the Male Voice category.
HMVC President, arranger and writer of numerous pieces, and a huge presence in the world of choirs and brass bands for many years, Goff Richards, passes away. The position of President of the choir is taken up by his wife Sue, and is held to the present day.
The choir returns the Isle of Man Festival of Choirs, winning the Male Voice Section once more.
Alan Herbert Steps down as HMVC conductor.
Dan Craddock becomes the new Musical Director of HMVC, only the tenth person in the choir’s history to take up the role.
The Choir sing at Langtree Park for St Helens vs the Sydney Rabbitos, with Rabbitos co-owner Russell Crowe in attendance.
HMVC performs with Welsh National Opera singer Geraint Dodd for “A Grand Night for Singing” at St George’s Hall in Liverpool.
The choir sings at a concert to raise funds for Newton-Le-Willows Sea Cadets, and the queue is down the street, standing room only!
The choir welcomes Beaufort MVC to St Helens Parish Church, and between both choirs there are 100 men on stage.
HMVC Sing at St George’s Hall in Liverpool, alongside Northrop Silver Band, as part of celebrations for the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.
The choir sing on a single to celebrate the Euros in support of radio station Key 103, it reaches the top 20 in the charts.
The choir competes at the Manchester Amateur Choral Competition, the first competetive attempt under MD Dan Craddock, and finish 4th.
HMVC returns to the Isle of Man Festival of Choirs, their first voyage to the Crown Dependency under the lead of Dan Craddock, and finishes 2nd in the Male Voice section to Flint MVC.
The choir sing at the King George Hall in Blackburn to celebrate the Freemasons movement.
The choir changes to a new, more modern suit, with different coloured ties throughout the group.
The choir hosts the Chanterelles at St Helens URC in a very successful joint concert that sells out 6 weeks before the night.
HMVC are invited to sing at two concerts commemorating separate mining disasters, in both Haydock and Golborne.
Haydock sing at a service in Newton-Le-Willows for the presentation of a posthumous Victoria Cross, and the unveiling of a statue, for WWI soldier Norman Harvey.
The choir takes part in the Prescot Festival, in a fabulous concert on a warm summer’s evening.
Haydock MVC holds a special concert, entitled “Bless ‘Em All,” to commemorate the centenary of the end of WWI, over Armistice weekend.
The choir performs an unprecedented 5 Christmas concerts in the space of ten days, ending in the customary hotpot supper concert at Haydock Conservative Club.
The choir takes part in a joint concert with the Chanterelles in Leicester.
HMVC are invited to join Valley Brass at a concert for Willowbrook Hospice, held at St Helens Town Hall.
In a bid to erase the memory of two years previous, the choir spends all summer prepping for the Isle Of Man Festival of Choirs, determined to win the Male Voice section. Not only is this feat acheived, but HMVC are then declared the Choir of the Festival at the finale. The win is one of the choir’s greatest moments in a number of years, and the finest hour under the leadership of Dan Craddock.
The choir hosts Dunvant MVC in a joint concert at St Helens Town Hall, capping off a fabulous year for HMVC.
The choir learns that former conductor Alan Herbert passes away.
HMVC plans a big joint concert at the Town Hall with Rossendale MVC, but this becomes the first casualty for the choir of something that takes over the whole world for most of the year – COVID 19….
The choir stays together during lockdown thanks to Zoom and Whatsapp, taking part in online rehearsals, quiz nights, “an evening with…” events, and even the Great HMVC Bakeoff! Whilst being essential in keeping the choir going during this unique time where many others just folded, these events also allow the men to get to know each other not just as fellow choir members, but as people and friends.
Later in the year, HMVC are invited by the Chanterelles to take part in an online lockdown recording of “Spread a Little Happiness.” The ladies release the video to raise money for charity.
Choirs and singing groups are prohibited from gathering for the remainder of the year.
The choir continues to meet online, until late spring when singing groups are finally allowed to rehearse again, outdoors! This sees the men singing in a playground belonging to a church hall for a number of weeks.
Indoor rehearsals are finally allowed to recommence in August, some 17 months after they were suspended.
HMVC’s first concerts in two years, at Haydock Conservative Club at Christmas, take place to great success.
The choir holds a special rehearsal celebration to promote its 99th birthday, inviting lots of former members to join in. The countdown to the Centenary is officially on!
HMVC Finally host Rossendale MVC at the Town Hall, two years after the concert was supposed to take place.
Haydock holds a very successful concert at the Church of St Thomas the Martyr in Upholland.
The choir hosts City of Newport MVC at the URC, a choir who Haydock MD Dan Craddock has sung with in the past.
HMVC take part in a recording session and appear on tracks released by the band Gustafson.
The choir are invited to sing at the arrival of the Tongan Rugby League team for the Rugby League World Cup.
Haydock travels to Rawtenstall in September for the return concert with Rossendale MVC.
A pair of successful Christmas concerts are again held at Haydock Conservative Club.
Haydock Male Voice Choir reaches 100 years old.
The choir travel to the North Wales Choir Festival in Llandudno, securing a mid-table finish.
HMVC host good friends the Chanterelles, in the first of two concerts at the Town Hall the celebrate the centenary. The ladies present the choir with a beautiful birthday present, a pin badge with the choir logo, noting the centenary, surrounded by a ring of Chanterelles blue. The badge greatly compliments the choir’s new centenary tie.
The choir travels to Chester for a highly enjoyable joint concert with Chester MVC.
HMVC’s victory at the Isle of Man in 2019 is featured on the cover of the National Association of Choirs Magazine to commemorate the choir’s centenary.
The second centenary concert in September sees a huge celebration of the choir’s history, including the returns of conductors Greg Warren, Paul Mather and Gary Hill, to lead the choir in pieces of their choosing. The concert is a huge success.
The choir perform a joint concert with Old Hall Brass Band at St Helens Parish Church.
The Christmas Concert at Birchley St Mary’s, Billinge, is conducted by top tenor Nick Garbutt, with MD Dan Craddock on paternity leave.
HMVC host Chester MVC at the URC in a return from last year’s concert in Chester.
A joint concert with Roberts Bakery Band at St Helens Parish Church is a personal high moment for MD Dan Craddock.
Returning after two years, the concert at Upholland is again a great success.
Haydock’s tireless MD Dan Craddock announces his decision to step down at the end of the year, meaning the Christmas concert at Birchley St Mary’s will be his final engagement with the choir.