MINEHEAD Male Voice Choir will recognise its own historic success story with a milestone 25th anniversary concert in the town on Saturday, March 22.

About 250 people are expected to attend the concert in the Avenue Methodist Church, including MP Rachel Gilmour, Minehead Mayor Cllr Craig Palmer, and local dignitaries.

There will also be a performance by special guests Côr Meibion Cwm Rhondda, a male voice choir from South Wales which puts on concerts to raise money for a variety of charities.

They will be joined by eminent Welsh musical director Neil Topping, while the Minehead choir’s founder and current president Robert Green will direct a choral piece on the evening.

The 41-strong choir has seen a remarkable rise since its formation with just 12 members in March, 2000, attending last year’s International Male Choral Festival in Cornwall alongside many of the world’s award-winning choirs, and performing before audiences in the Eden Project and Truro Cathedral.

Musical director and guest soloist Jackie Butterworth said: “I am tremendously proud to be directing this very special choir.

“They make such a full strong sound when required, but can equally sing softly and sympathetically.

“And what is great is the support they have for each other, their dedication, and their camaraderie.

“This concert is going to be a wonderful occasion.”

Baritone George Gardner, now aged 90, said his life had been transformed by the choir after joining in 2001.

Mr Gardner said: “I had never sung anywhere really, except down the pub.

“They asked me along, and I have never regretted it for one moment, and I have made many friends.

“I always come away from rehearsals and concerts feeling uplifted.”

The choir’s sole remaining founding member Glenn Baker, who joined aged just 29 in 2000, described the group as ‘a true band of brothers’.

Mr Green and accompanist Keith Halstead called the first meeting of the choir in the millennium year, with their first concert performed in Minehead in November the same year.

It was billed as a musical evening of bells and voices, involving Minehead Handbell Ringers.

Since then, the choir has undertaken tours, collaborations with other choirs, outdoor festivals, special events, charity fund-raising evenings, and gala concerts across Somerset and wider Westcountry and Wales.

Thousands of pounds have been raised for charity and good causes.

Former chairman Phillip Manvell said: “Everybody enjoys the singing, but it is a privilege to be associated with this very friendly choir.

“We are going from strength to strength right now.”

Rehearsals are held weekly on Mondays in Alcombe Methodist Church with accompanist Alan Hemsley.

The choir will perform a full programme on March 22 from 7 pm, with Cwm Rhondda choir directed by Jackie Butterworth and Neil Topping.

Tickets at £10 for the 25th anniversary event can be purchased from the Regal Theatre, in Minehead, or on the door.

The Minehead choir is also planning to take part in the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations being organised by Minehead Town Council in Blenheim Gardens.