choir history
From the Jacksdale Choral Society in 1903, four male singers formed a Male Voice Choir. They practised in the Pye Hill Providence Chapel, (demolished in 1950).
Joe Bonsall (M.D.) had 22 members, by 1904. They competed in Music Festivals, at Pinxton, Heanor and Codnor Park that year, and won 1st Prize at every venue.
In 1905,`The Quartet`, from within `The Choir`, (Joe Bonsall, his brother Chris, and two other members) entered for the Nottingham Music Festival, and won 1st Prize.
Figures, that are evident and have been proven, show that the Pye Hill Male Voice Choir, from 1903 up until 1946, took part in Musical Festivals, and that time they achieved 87 1st prizes, 46 2nd prizes and 17 3rd prizes.
In one particular day, they entered two different Festivals, quite some distance apart, and came top in both and were awarded first prize.
The Jacksdale War Memorial, was `unveiled` on Saturday July 9th. A very prestigious occasion and attended by all the people of the village including the ambulance and fire services personnel and religious dignitaries. The Pye Hill Choir sang hymns for the service. Memorabilia of the occasion, and most of the history of `The Choir`, is held by Joe Bonsall`s two Grand Daughters, Jean Graham and Enid Lamb. They live locally and were able to provide important information about The Pye Hill Choir that has been passed down from their Grand Father and Father. All this and much more has been recorded and entered into `The Choir` archives.
Joe Bonsall, (the Founder Member) was a very meticulous man both in his music and personal appearance. He would prepare himself hours before a particular contest.
He dressed in his black suit with shoes highly polished and he wore `spats`; he had the `lightest` of batons. He would sit in his leather armchair hours before a contest concentrating and preparing himself for the venue.
A very well respected gentleman, not only by the Choir members but also by the local community.
Joe's very good friend William Edwards was Chairman of the Pye Hill & District Male Voice Choir for 43 years.
Joe Bonsall (M.D.) had 22 members, by 1904. They competed in Music Festivals, at Pinxton, Heanor and Codnor Park that year, and won 1st Prize at every venue.
In 1905,`The Quartet`, from within `The Choir`, (Joe Bonsall, his brother Chris, and two other members) entered for the Nottingham Music Festival, and won 1st Prize.
Figures, that are evident and have been proven, show that the Pye Hill Male Voice Choir, from 1903 up until 1946, took part in Musical Festivals, and that time they achieved 87 1st prizes, 46 2nd prizes and 17 3rd prizes.
In one particular day, they entered two different Festivals, quite some distance apart, and came top in both and were awarded first prize.
The Jacksdale War Memorial, was `unveiled` on Saturday July 9th. A very prestigious occasion and attended by all the people of the village including the ambulance and fire services personnel and religious dignitaries. The Pye Hill Choir sang hymns for the service. Memorabilia of the occasion, and most of the history of `The Choir`, is held by Joe Bonsall`s two Grand Daughters, Jean Graham and Enid Lamb. They live locally and were able to provide important information about The Pye Hill Choir that has been passed down from their Grand Father and Father. All this and much more has been recorded and entered into `The Choir` archives.
Joe Bonsall, (the Founder Member) was a very meticulous man both in his music and personal appearance. He would prepare himself hours before a particular contest.
He dressed in his black suit with shoes highly polished and he wore `spats`; he had the `lightest` of batons. He would sit in his leather armchair hours before a contest concentrating and preparing himself for the venue.
A very well respected gentleman, not only by the Choir members but also by the local community.
Joe's very good friend William Edwards was Chairman of the Pye Hill & District Male Voice Choir for 43 years.
"Presented to Mr Joseph Bonsall by the members of the Pye Hill and District Male Voice Choir in grateful recognition of his services as conductor for 50 years" 1903 - 1953 |
|
|
Centenary Wine Glass
presented to all members of the choir 1903 - 2003 |
|
|
|
|
The Kings Tankard, presented to Mr Bert Bonsall by the Pye Hill and District M.V.C. 1919 - 1969
Coronation Mug (May12 1937)
presented to all members of the Pye Hill & District Male Voice Choir Coronation Mug made at the Langley Mill Potteries. |
|
|
|
