2024

Well, that year flew!!

I can hardly believe it’s time to write another year end report: an opportunity to just breathe and reflect on the past 12 months.

2024 has been a year of ‘hellos’ and ‘goodbyes’; new opportunities and comfortable familiarity; precious memories …… not to mention, challenging weather!

Over the course of the year an amazing 21 new members have joined us and we’re looking forward to welcoming even more in 2025.

We endured such a long absence from doing what we love that our first, much-anticipated concert since December 2019 simply couldn’t come fast enough! A lot of hard work went in to ensuring we were performance ready and we absolutely nailed it: a deserved standing ovation bearing testament to this. ‘A Summer Serenade’ staged in the beautiful Brookfield Hall, Westhoughton, on a balmy summer’s evening, was everything and more that we hoped it would be; especially for those for whom this was a new experience. It was a proud moment for all who had poured blood, sweat and oceans of tears into getting the Choir back together, regardless of the mountain of challenges.

Despite the euphoria of the night, there was no escaping the fact that it was also tinged with great sadness, being the final appearance of our long-standing Accompanist – Mark. After 11 memorable and fulfilling years with Bolton Cancer Voices, retirement beckoned. Mark’s been an integral part of our musical team almost since the start and it was a wrench losing him: his energy, enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication being second to none. He’s helped build the Choir into what it is today and we can never thank him enough for the outstanding contribution he’s made. It was perfect that Mark’s time with us should come to an end on such a high.

A couple of weeks later we held a farewell meal for Mark at our usual stamping-ground – The Crofters. Charged with emotion, it was not easy saying ‘goodbye’ but he’s given so much of himself to us that we can only wish him well on his exciting new adventures.

In early September Stephen entered the life of the Choir, appointed to the vacant position of Accompanist. Replacing key roles in the organisation is always an anxious and testing time, as we balance requisite skills and experience for the role with finding that special someone who’s the perfect all-round fit for us and wants to be involved with us because of who we are and what we do. From our initial meeting it was obvious that Stephen more than filled the criteria. We’re overjoyed that Stephen accepted the appointment and delighted to have him on-board: he’s settled in really well and hopefully feels right at home. We look forward to making many wonderful choral memories together. We’re so incredibly lucky to have such an awesome musical team in Katie and Stephen.

Our profound thanks go to all who expressed an interest in the vacancy: it was a pleasure to meet so many talented individuals.

Mid-November saw the first snow of the season in our region and we faced the prospect of getting to Chester Racecourse in rush-hour, to perform at the inaugural Gala Dinner of Business Beats Cancer in aid of Cancer Research UK: a real honour to have been invited to contribute to such a high-profile event.

With the life of every one of our members having been impacted by cancer research in some way or another, the Choir epitomized what the night was about. The dinner was a great success and we received some lovely feedback from organisers: our Congratulations to all concerned; we know such events involve a lot of hard work!

The weather still hadn’t done challenging us and when we stepped off the coach on our return, it was like taking to an ice rink! It was TREACHEROUS!! Thankfully, everyone made it home safely.

‘Christmas With Friends’ saw us at a new venue for this year’s festive concert – Bolton Parish Church; a stunning Church, holding a special place in the heart of many Boltonians. It was our immense honour to welcome Bolton Parish Church Hand Bell Ringers and Tutti Flooti, as our special guests: with the surprise addition of dancers from A Touch Of Class Dance Studio, accompanied by Katie on her violin and Stephen on piano. The night was once again not without its challenges thanks to inclement weather, responsible for events across the country being cancelled or postponed and a dose of flu, which threw our Treasurer – Emma – front and centre on the night. Usually to be found steering a smooth course front of house, she suddenly found herself with the additional role of Presenter: calm and in complete control she took it all in her stride and did an awesome job! We’re eternally grateful to everyone who helped front of house or behind the scenes, contributing to the night’s success. We received some fabulous feedback, the event being much-enjoyed by audience and participants alike, getting everyone’s festive season off to the most wonderful start.

The year closed in jovial fashion with our traditional Christmas Meal at The Crofters, where we’re always exceptionally well looked after: we truly appreciate this and thank all concerned.

2024 brought thrilling news that we had been nominated for a prestigious Kings Award for Voluntary Service: an unbelievable honour to have been nominated, we were humbled that anyone would consider what we do worthy of such recognition. Having got through to the final stage in the process, we were crestfallen by the outcome; ultimately advised that there are a number of cancer Choirs throughout the country and whilst the work undertaken by our group is very good, it is not exceptional.

The year was peppered with other noteworthy activities including attendance at 2 Macmillan Health & Wellbeing Events; great networking opportunities and the chance to introduce the Choir to potential new members: and our Founder & Chair – Karen – was delighted to be invited as a guest speaker, to share our story with members of Horwich Ladies Probus Club. In June one of our members organised a Theatre Supper at Bolton Little Theatre: again, the weather got in on the act and it had to be one of the hottest nights of the year! A tasty buffet, glass of wine and a performance of ‘Allo Allo’ made for a wonderful social event and added some coffers to the pot. On several occasions throughout the year, we held longer rehearsals with a break for tea – either bring your own or complimentary pasties and peas: not only do these provide a focus for forthcoming performances but a relaxed, invaluable opportunity to connect with one another, seeing the blossom of many a firm friendship.

With no regular source of income, increasing costs and Choir membership free, with many of the associated costs also being met by us, fundraising and donations are the life-blood of the Choir. This year we have gone from book & magazine sales and participating in Turton Rotary Club’s Annual Duck Race, to setting up a Just Giving Page, specifically to meet the cost of our Accompanist. Heartfelt thanks to all who have supported our fundraising in whatever way.

And so we look to 2025 with bated breath: may it be filled with endless laughter, learning, fun and lots of lovely singing.