Bolsterstone Male Voice Choir, described as England’s largest village choir, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year (2024). Based in a small village near Sheffield on the edge of the Peak District, the choir was born in St Mary’s Parish Church in 1934. It has grown into a choir of international reputation with an array of trophies on show at its social headquarters, the Castle Inn, next door to the church where it all started. From humble beginnings, the choir went on to twice win the male voice section at the International Eisteddfod and other leading competitions, has toured extensively abroad and raised many thousands of pounds for charity. Lockdowns failed to weaken the choir: in fact, we now have more members than pre-pandemic. There is a great feel-good factor. The choir last year won first prize in the male voice class at Don Valley Festival. Warm responses from audiences at recent concerts are a great tribute to our young music director, Daniel Timmins, who is strongly supported by deputy MD Francis Wells and accompanist Kim Kaye. Daniel took the helm in 2018 in a friendly change of roles with Fran Wells who had conducted the choir with distinction for 22 years. Daniel studied music at Royal Holloway, University of London, also at Tulane University, New Orleans, and gained a masters in music education at the University of Cambridge. He is leader of music development for north-west Derbyshire local authority and recently completed a masters in strategic leadership. He is also music director of Steel Valley Beacon Performing Arts. Kim Kaye studied piano, cello, harpsichord and piano accompaniment at the Royal Academy of Music in London. As well as teaching piano, flute and music theory, she is music director of Holme Valley Singers and the Kirklees Choir and is accompanist for Marsh Ladies’ Choir.
Country representing: England
Have you been to the Llangollen Eisteddfod before? Yes
How would you best describe your group? Old established male voice choir, 90 years old this year.
Website: https://bolsterstonemvc.co.uk
