Hartlepool Male Voice Choir

Choir History

The Hartlepool Male Voice Choir was formed in 1958, then known as the Hartlepool Old Boys Glee Club. With approx, six or seven lads having a sing song in the Hartlepool Old Boys Rugby Club in Friar Terrace. One of their number, Ralph Kidson, was at the time also a member of the West Hartlepool Operatic and Dramatic Society and such was his enthusiasm that he approached their Musical Director to help the lads along. As a joke Mr Guy said to him, ”Give me sixteen lads and I’ll see what I can do”. The bold Ralph appeared the following week with 26 names and asked when they could start. The challenge was there and duly accepted by Mr Guy and although for various reasons, the rehearsals had been somewhat intermittent, the Glee Club had now developed into a very keen ensemble of some thirty voices.

When the Old Boys moved from Friar Terrace to Easington Road the accommodation, so graciously given at Friar Terrace, was no longer available but St. John Ambulance Brigade generously offered the use of their premises in Sandringham Road, where the club rehearsed every Friday evening. The Glee Club principally did concerts for the elderly, disabled, church restoration or building funds, etc., or any cause they considered worthwhile. The founder members recognised Reg Guy's contribution and after Reg had retired from professional work changed the name from The Hartlepool Old Boys Glee Club to The Reg Guy Singers. The membership has since increased to the present level. The numbers varied at the time but a hardcore of sixteen was the basis of the choir. Founder members still with us include Stan Lindridge and George Watling.

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	Choir History The Hartlepool Male Voice Choir was formed in 1958, then known as the Hartlepool Old Boys Glee Club. With approx, six or seven lads having a sing song in the Hartlepool Old Boys Rugby Club in Friar Terrace. One of their number, Ralph Kidson, was at the time also a member of the West Hartlepool Operatic and Dramatic Society and such was his enthusiasm that he approached their Musical Director to help the lads along. As a joke Mr Guy said to him, ”Give me sixteen lads and I’ll see what I can do”. The bold Ralph appeared the following week with 26 names and asked when they could start. The challenge was there and duly accepted by Mr Guy and although for various reasons, the rehearsals had been somewhat intermittent, the Glee Club had now developed into a very keen ensemble of some thirty voices. When the Old Boys moved from Friar Terrace to Easington Road the accommodation, so graciously given at Friar Terrace, was no longer available but St. John Ambulance Brigade generously offered the use of their premises in Sandringham Road, where the club rehearsed every Friday evening. The Glee Club principally did concerts for the elderly, disabled, church restoration or building funds, etc., or any cause they considered worthwhile. The founder members recognised Reg Guy's contribution and after Reg had retired from professional work changed the name from The Hartlepool Old Boys Glee Club to The Reg Guy Singers. The membership has since increased to the present level. The numbers varied at the time but a hardcore of sixteen was the basis of the choir. Founder members still with us include Stan Lindridge and George Watling. Site Design & Coding by Peter Gibson \| Admin