Committee

I was lucky enough to go to schools which placed a great emphasis on music so that I have always enjoyed singing which I find exciting, liberating and up-lifting. My career as a general surgeon brought us to Leicester in the 1990’s – I joined the Leicester Bach Choir in 2022 but my wife Helen has been a member for many years so that I have been a loyal supporter for a long while and have enjoyed the experience of hearing a wide range of music, some very familiar but some rarely performed.

Being part of LBC is stimulating and challenging but we are extremely fortunate in having a wonderful Musical Director who creates really interesting programmes and not only helps us to reach our best level but also manages to make every rehearsal entertaining and fun so that it is a highlight of our week.

Choirs face many challenges but we are a close and supportive group excited to see LBC flourishing as it approaches its centenary season in 2027/28.

I joined the Leicester Bach Choir in 2019, encouraged by Sally and Rachel. Having sung with community choirs previously, I initially felt a bit daunted. However, I was immediately made to feel welcome and have thoroughly enjoyed meeting such a wonderful group of people and the challenge of learning new music. With my newfound confidence, I joined the St James the Greater choir, which has certainly pushed me out of my comfort zone but has significantly improved my singing and is fostering a deep love for choral music. I am excited to contribute to the committee to help maintain our fantastic choir and bring great music to Leicester.

Currently, I work as a Research Development Manager at the University of Leicester, supporting research partnerships and grants in the Medical School. Before this, I worked as a postdoctoral research scientist, focusing on cell division in disease. I have been involved in youth work for many years, currently running a Beaver Scout group and occasionally supporting Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions, with a bit of minibus driving thrown in. I have three teenagers who keep me busy and entertained. I enjoy travelling, cooking, and running.

I first became aware of the Leicester Bach Choir when my wife, Yvonne, joined in 1971. After several years of child-minding duties on Wednesday nights and concert days, I started to go to all of the concerts.

In the mid-1990s I became Front of House manager for the Choir, and when John Comyn resigned as Treasurer I took over this role as well, a position which I held for 9 years until 2009. At that time, I also relinquished my Front of House position, having done this for 14 years.

My working background was in finance as a bank manager with HSBC. When I took early retirement, I changed direction and took on the challenge of teaching ICT at Loughborough College. Since full retirement, I have been able to concentrate on my roles as Chair of Governors of a primary school and Treasurer of a local, 250 strong, community choir.

Although I have no musical ability, I appreciate the importance of music. Our 3 daughters all played at least two instruments as they were growing up, and all now teach music in their professional lives.

I am delighted once again to be part of this wonderful Choir (albeit in a non-singing role!).