Enjoyable and rewarding Christmas/early New Year events
Wednesday 19th February 2025: Crossford Concert
We were delighted to be asked to sing again for the Crossford Ladies Group! It was a wonderful evening and very enjoyable to perform for such an appreciative audience. The Concert also raised £135 to add to our ongoing support for Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS)
Saturday 26 January Linlithgow Rugby Club’s 33rd Annual Burns Supper
The Supper had to be postponed from 25 January because of the Red Warning for Storm Eowyn. Following a stoic effort from all involved, the Supper went ahead the following evening under the expert Chairmanship of the Choir’s Rory Malone. A great programme - underpinned by Choir Members - was very much appreciated and enjoyed by all who attended. A Supper Raffle raised £385 which, was later donated to Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS)
Thursday 19 December: Last Christmas performance for the “Santa Paws Appeal”
Our final Christmas performance was at Linlithgow’s Pets at Home Store in support of its “Santa Paws Appeal”. The evening was enjoyed by both staff and customers and raised c£400.
Sunday 8th December: Festival of Christmas Trees, St Michael's Parish Church, Linlithgow
Singing Carols in St. Michael’s is always a memorable experience for us and it was again a pleasure to support this Festival. Thanks to the effort of the Organising Committee and the many supporting
Groups, the outcome was truly outstanding! The following summary by the Committee says it all:
“What can we say, you were all amazing. In the end 79 trees on display and over 3,600 people visiting the event. The feedback was amazing.
The three charities which we were supporting this year were Linlithgow Link, River Kids and Bethany Christian Trust. Well, I can now tell you that we raised the amazing amount of £12,439.66 and each charity will receive £4,146,55. This amount surpasses all expectations so THANK YOU all so much.”
Friday 6th December : Linlithgow Day Care Centre Christmas Concert
It was great to be joined by Linlithgow Primary School Choir and singers from The Linlithgow Carollers and LAMP (Linlithgow Amateur Musical Productions) in a Concert for such an important local cause. An outstanding evening enjoyed by all and which raised £1,161 for the Day Care Centre.
Saturday 30th November - a “2-venue start” to our Christmas programme!
(12 to 1pm) Fund raising event for Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS)
Almondvale Shopping Centre, Livingston
A fun opening to Christmas that continued our fund-raising support for CHAS. The event raised £1,650 for CHAS and we were delighted to play our part.
(2pm to 3pm) Fund raising event for FACE (Fighting against Cancer Edinburgh)
Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, 11 Pilton Drive North, Edinburgh
After a chase across the city, we enjoyed performing again in support of FACE and were delighted that the event raised a total of £6,205
Our Christmas Schedule
We have four performances in total, which will be hugely enjoyable while helping to raise funds for several Charities. The details are:
Saturday 30th November:
Time: 12 noon to 1pm
Venue: Almondvale Shopping Centre, Livingston, EH54 6HR
Charity : Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS)
Time: 2pm to 3pm
Venue: Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, 11 Pilton Drive North, EH5 1NY
Charity: FACE (Fighting against Cancer Edinburgh)
Friday 6th December
Time: 7pm
Venue: St. Ninian's Craigmailen Parish Church, Falkirk Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7AW
Charity: Linlithgow Day Centre
Sunday 8th December
Time: 4pm
Venue: St Michael's Parish Church, Kirkgate, Linlithgow EH49 7AL
Charities: The Festival of Christmas Trees will help to support:
Linlithgow Link
River Kids
Bethany Christian Trust
October Concert with Dursley Male Voice Choir
We had a wonderful October Concert with our friends from Dursley Male Voice Choir which ended with a standing ovation from an enthusiastic audience. It was a truly memorable evening and the "Afterglow" did not disappoint! The Dursley party were truly excellent guests.
Following the Concert £852 was donated to the Longfield Community Hospice near Dursley and £909 to Children's Hospices across Scotland (CHAS). Our Choir has supported CHAS consistently over the years and the £909 increased our total funds raised to £19,330.
HOSPICES TO BENEFIT FROM OUR OCTOBER 5TH CONCERT
Two of the joys of singing in a choir are that the choir members take pleasure from entertaining - and the audience, hopefully, enjoy what they are hearing. The third positive outcome from our next concert is that two important charities will benefit financially.
We’re delighted to be joined In Concert by the Dursley Male Voice Choir from Gloucestershire and the funds from the concert will be divided between CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland) and Longfield Community Hospice, Stroud.
TICKET INFORMATION
£10 for an adult, £5 for primary school aged children
Available at Far from the Madding Crowd on Linlithgow High Street,
or telephone the Ticket Hotline on 07823 884802.
If there are spaces available, payment can be made at the door.
Both Hospices depend so much on donations for the running of their charities and speaking on behalf of CHAS, fund raiser Zhenya Dove explained “We are so grateful to Linlithgow Male Voice Choir for their extraordinary support in raising to date £18,420. For many years, their performances have entertained audiences and made an incredible difference to the lives of children and families across Scotland.”
Kirsty Murray, fundraising manager with Longfield Community Hospice comments “we provide care and support to those with a life-limiting condition and also their Carers and loved ones. Without people like Dursley Male Voice Choir we couldn’t help those who rely on us and it’s fantastic that they have selected us for this very special concert. We are forever grateful for their continuing help.”
OUR CHAIRMAN HARRY LYNCH ADDS
“The support for the charities is essential for their future and we are delighted to be able to help provide this financial help. Both choirs have been practicing hard to prepare for this concert, so:
PLEASE JOIN US FOR A WONDERFUL EVENING’S ENTERTAINMENT.”
For any further information please contact Harry on 07540 634550 or Chris Thomas on 07823 884802.
Choir Open Evening: 7.30pm Monday 2nd September 2024
If you’re new to the area or “joining a Choir” is something you’ve often thought you’d like to do – please come along and meet us at our annual Open Evening!
New members are always very welcome and we make sure they are well supported as they settle in to sing with us.
As well as local and regional performances we enjoy the new experiences of travelling further afield and in the past we have toured in China, Canada, France (twice), the Netherlands, Belgium, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In May 2025 we will be breaking new ground as we make a debut visit to perform in Denmark.
Fund raising is very much part of our DNA and over the years we are proud to have helped to raise substantial £000’s for various Charities and Good Causes. We have also had the privilege of joining with other Choirs for major Charity events at London’s Royal Albert Hall and the Usher Hall in Edinburgh.
And as research from the University of Oxford confirms: Singing in a choir is also beneficial in a number of different ways.
Singing exercises the brain and is particularly beneficial for improving breathing, posture and muscle tension
learning new songs is cognitively stimulating and helps the memory
Increasing evidence suggests that social connections play a vital role in maintaining our health
Singing has been shown to improve our sense of happiness and wellbeing. Research has found that people feel more positive after actively singing than they do after passively listening to music
If you want to talk to anyone beforehand, please telephone or email Harry Lynch (Choir Chairman) or Gerry McLean (Choir Secretary):
Harry: Telephone: 07540 634550
Email: hlynch388@btinternet.com
Gerry: Telephone: 07722 107067
Email: gerryjmclean@gmail.com
May 2024
On a beautiful spring afternoon the choirs sang to a full abbey. Opus 8 sang wonderful harmonic madrigals and both choir finished the concert with a rendition of Morte Christe, the setting and the sound could not have been better
Here are details of our end of season May concerts at the Henderson Theatre in Shotts on Friday 10th May and in the spectacular Culross Abbey on the afternoon of Sunday 19th May 2024. We will be singing with other guests at both venues and look forward to seeing you there.
February and March and April 2024
Practices continue every Monday evening in the clubhouse at Mains Park at 7.45pm. New members will always receive a warm welcome. We will continue preparing for our end of season concerts in May.
26th January, The choir produced the Linlithgow Rugby club 32nd Annual Burns supper superbly chaired by the eminent Professor Iain Woodhouse, a global expert in earth sciences at Edinburgh University. As well as songs from the choir, the highlight of the evening was a performance of The Immor(t)al memory , sketch written by the late , great Eleonor Bain.
January 2024
Looking ahead to the second half of our season, our weekly practises recommence on Monday 8th January at 7.45pm and each week thereafter in the clubhouse at Mains Park. Our immediate focus will be on preparing our songs for our Burns Supper on 26th January. We will feature a first public performance of a new version of Star o’ Rabbie Burns arranged by our very own Martin Burns.
The Choir wishes all our friends , sponsors and supporters a happy and prosperous 2024.
December 2023
Our festive programme over the past four weeks has been a fun filled period of singing at several locations as detailed earlier below. We have been an important part of a collective of good people who by their skills and unselfish effort have created events which promoted the goodwill of the festive season while raising money for charitable causes. We are proud of our help with the resultant fund raising;
FACE Fayre………………………….£3700 Linlithgow Day care Centre…….£1210 St .Michaels Church in aid of Quiet Waters charity among others…..£10,000
Pets at Home animal charity………..£250 nett of the free beer and mince pies they provided us
Our final event of the year was a concert at Erskine Care Home for Veterans in Gilmerton in Edinburgh. It was a wonderful evening of singing to and chatting with ex service veterans and their families. These wonderful residents will have undoubtedly given much for us in the past.
December Christmas Programme
Monday 18th ……We are singing for residents , family and friends at Erskine Care Home, Gilmerton, Edinburgh at 6.30pm. Our long standing member Bob Anderson was a resident here recently until his untimely passing a couple of months ago. RIP BOB
Thursday 7th …. Join us for festive fun and singing at Pets at HOME at the retail park in Linlithgow . We are singing from 7.00pm .
Sunday 3rd… We are are featuring at this wonderful event in St Michael’s parish church at 4.00pm. Come along and view the spectacular display of decorated Christmas trees by town organisations. A fantastic community effort.
Friday 1st ….. We are joining Linlithgow Ladies Choir and Springfield primary school choir to present an evening of carol singing. The event is being held by Linlithgow Day Care, a fantastic local charity managed by a volunteer committee to help frail and elderly people living in the town and surrounding areas who are suffering from varying degrees of dementia and providing relief for families and carers. The event is being held at St Ninian’s Church at 7.30pm
August 2023 Recruitment
Treasurer Allan handing over cheque for £3024 to Aspire following our May concert
May 2023 THREE CHOIRS FOR A TENOR
Our annual concert this year was held at St Michaels Parish Church, Linlithgow on Saturday 20th May. We were joined by guest choirs Morriston Male Voice Choir from Wales and Septimus , a mixed voice choir from Denmark. a huge audience of nearly 300no supported us , thoroughly enjoyed the evening and rewarded our joint finale of “ You’ll Never Walk Alone” with a standing ovation. We are looking forward to possible reciprocal visits to Wales and Denmark sometime in the future .
Tickets are great value at £10ph ( £5 for children under school age) and are available from:
Far from the Madding Crowd, the town’s famous book shop on the High Street or from any choir member or by email choir@lochan.org
Be fast or you will be last
April 2023
Our choir was humbled to be asked to provide choral assistance on a recording being produced by TARTAN TALKERS, a charity whose mission is to prevent young men committing suicide. Of all suicides committed in Scotland, 75%are of men, mostly young men.
The recording is a song with specific words written to the tune of Highland Cathedral. The lyrics tell of a mother’s despair and ignorance of the silent torment and demons her son must have been experiencing before his passing. Perhaps if he had spoken of his problems ,the burden of despair could have been replaced by a vision of hope. The final chorus gives a powerful message:
“ Never give up don’t let those demons win.
Let’s hear your voice , there is a choice ye ken
Shout from the roofs your life is worth it boys
Let’s hear your voices make a massive noise”
TARTAN TALKERS hugely deserves support and success
April 2023
January 2023
For the first time since 2020, following the end of Covid restrictions we had our successful Burns Supper at the rugby club. A great night was had by all , the choir making a huge contribution to the evening. We were also able to donate a £400 cash surplus to our charity CHAS
Our weekly Monday practice sessions resumed in preparation for our concerts over the next few months . New members always welcome. We are performing in February at Charlestown community hall in Fife and our primary focus thereafter will be our annual concert in St Michaels Parish Church on Saturday 20th May
November
We are delighted that twelve new members joined us following our open day in September. Following excellent attendances at our practices, we are ready to join the seasons festivities and look forward to seeing all our supporters at the events below:
Saturday 26th…Join us at the community carol singing at the cross following the Advent Fair procession and prior to the switching on of the Christmas lights at 6.00pm
Friday 2nd December…NOT TO BE MISSED… The Linlithgow Day Care Annual Carol Concert in St Michaels Parish Church at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 per adult with children free. Pay at the door.
Sunday 4th December… Come and hear us carol singing in St Michaels Parish Church at 4.00pm while exploring the Festival of Christmas Trees
Thursday 15th December…We are singing at Pets at Home at Linlithgow Retail Park at 7.00pm. Come and be entertained with Christmas carols while shopping for your pet’s present from Santa. Late night shopping.
August and September
Our new season started with an open day for new members following an active marketing drive. We are back practicing weekly each Monday in the clubhouse at 7.45pmwhile still being conscious of the risks of the still virulent Covid. New members are always welcome at any time.
The month finished with an end of summer social outing on the Uniion canal boat. Although numbers were reduced due to a nasty Covid spike, a great time was had by all.
29/7/22
Burgh Beautiful Judging for 2022
Today is judging day for the UK judges assessing our town for a Burgh Beautiful award. The army of town volunteers has brought the 124 hanging baskets, 98 planters and 35 flowerbeds to perfection. Also, appreciation should be given to the less glamourous work of scaping and collecting weeds, fag ends and debris from the verges and footpaths. A wonderful job has been done and surely another Gold Award will be forthcoming. Being a community choir , we feel it is important to support efforts like this and you can see below our sponsored floral display having pride of place at the cross.
19/07/22
The Heatwave
While we in central Scotland have mostly been enjoying the hot weather, we send our condolences and support to our close choir friends at Le Choeur Des Rugueux in Langon in south west France. Our choirs have a close relationship, with many reciprocal concert visits since 2012. Their region is being devastated with forest fires. One of their members tells us’ “We are indeed very affected by this disaster which has swallowed up more than 10,000 hectares on on 2 fires, the first at Arcachon where the Dune du Pilat is threatened and 20,000 people displaced. The second is between Langon and Arbanats, a fire of 7000 hectares with evacuation of the inhabitants of 13 villages, 12no water planes operating and fire visible from 40km. We pray that the 1200no fire fighters are well protected with their commitment. We remain vigilant. The fire is 10km away from home here in Arbanats. The power of the swirling wind has has calmed down since this morning and allows the firefighters to work better. Thank you for your concern.” Many of the choir members are involved with logistical support of displaced people. Below is a short video of Le Choeur Des Rugueux giving an impromptu song for their hosts , the late great Tam Dalyell and our own Mike Wheatley at The House of the Binns while visiting us in 2016.
7/07/22
Holiday Break
The choir is now on our summer break and will resume practise on Monday 1st August for a full programme of events for the 2022/23 season. We will also be starting a recruitment drive for new members. If you are a sociable guy and enjoy singing, please get in touch. We would love to hear from you
18/04/2022
Post Lockdown Update
Following two years of pandemonium, pandemic and uncertainty, the phoenix which is our choir has cautiously risen into the new air of freedom, a bit battered and bruised, counting our physical and human costs but looking forward to our musical future with enthusiasm and an enhanced bond of family and togetherness.
During lockdown, we soldiered on meeting and practising via zoom and some of the fruits of our labour can be seen below in the news items posted previously. Our MD Jim and wonderful accompanist Pamela even went the extra mile giving us music reading tutorials. For most of us anyway, asking us to differentiate between our minims and crotchets was a step too far.
Over the years we have prided ourselves in our annual fundraising via concerts and functions etc. with subsequent donations to charity. The universal restrictions have resulted in zero income over the last two years. However, we have still contributed to worthwhile causes namely Burgh Beautiful whose efforts make the town a joy to behold and the annual Christmas tree festival at St Michaels Parish Church which enhances the joy of Christmas. Motor Neurone Disease fundraising has been close to our heart since the afflictions suffered by the rugby legends Doddy Weir and Rob Burrows and many other less high profile people. We contributed to the fund raising effort by Kevin Sinfield of Leeds Rhinos who, last July, unbelievably ran seven marathons in seven days and raised over two million pounds for MND.
The tragedy that has been Covid and related illnesses over the past two years has been unkind to our choir family. We have lost former members and friends. The passing of current members Jimmy Chalmers, former chairman Sandy Bain and founding conductor and musical director Joe Lavery saddened us greatly..
Our choir raison d’etre is , of course, to sing and it is a pity that due to understandable reluctance and caution we have had to cancel our planned concert in May with the Danish choir Septimus from south of Odense on Funen.
This year has been a case of “ From little acorns…………….” We had a members and partners informal social night February when we performed a mini concert. This was well received and enjoyed and hopefully it is now…..onward and upward.
Three Choir Concert
We start our 2017/18 season starts with what I’m certain will be a wonderful evening of music, when we join the Hart Male Voice Choir (visiting from Hampshire) and the Toccata Ladies Choir (based in Livingston) for what I’m sure will be a wonderful Concert at St. Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow on Friday 29 September
Christmas Concert In Aid of Linlithgow Day Care Centre
We are singing in a Christmas Concert at St. Ninian’s Craigmailen Church on Friday 9th December starting at 7.30pm.
Fantastic CHAS Milestone Achieved
The Children’s Hospice Association Scotland issued a special certificate congratulating the Choir on achieving a magnificent total contribution to CHAS of £10,658.96. CHAS remains a very important focus for the choir’s fund raising activities and we will be trying to increase the total contribution year by year.
The Choir's 25th Anniversary Concert 14th May 2016
The Choir's 25th Anniversary Concert will take place at St. Michael's Parish Church, Linlithgow on Saturday 14th May 2016, starting at 7.30pm.
Club Burn's Supper
The Choir performed at the Rugby Club’s 26th Burns Supper and supplemented a great evening’s programme chaired by David Bennie and including an outstanding Immortal Memory by Fiona Hyslop MSP
Bag Packing & Carols
Choir members took part in the annual "Bag Packing & Carols" event at the M&S store in The Gyle, raising funds both for the Choir and The Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS). A great time was had by the Choir, the M&S staff and the customers. A brilliant way to kick off the Festive Season in earnest!
Christmas Concert 2015
The Choir performed in the Annual Christmas Concert raising funds for Linlithgow Day Care Centre. Also performing were the Linlithgow Ladies Choir, The Linties Children’s Choir and soloist Sarah Gillan. A very enjoyable and successful evening!
Charlestown Concert
The Choir entertained a full house for a Concert in Charlestown, raising funds for the maintenance of The Queens’ Hall. A successful evening very much enjoyed by all.
Choir Sponsor Red's Home Game
The Choir sponsored the Reds v Hawick Linden game. Reds won 53-0. A cracking afternoon was had by all!
Korenfestival Dordrecht 2015
The Choir (plus partners) enjoyed an excellent visit to Dordrecht in Holland to participate in the “Korenfestival Dordrecht 2015." As principal guests of home choir KNA Dordrecht, we enjoyed fantastic hospitality and performed in three formal venues – including the prestigious “Augustijnkerk” cathedral.
The End Of An Era!
After a fantastic 25 year contribution Joe Lavery finally retired as the Choir’s Conductor. Joe was a constant inspiration from the choir’s formation to overseeing several international tours plus performances at The Royal Albert Hall in London and the Usher Hall in Edinburgh.
22nd April 2015 Annual Concert - An International Choral Trilogy
We are delighted this year to be joined by Koninklijk Dordrechts Mannenkoor KNA from Holland and the Linlithgow Linties Children’s Choir.
The Riding Of The Marches 2016 Proudly Present: Four Choirs For A Tenor
On Friday 13 February 2015 the Linlithgow Male Voice Choir will be one of four vibrant, modern and exciting community groups performing a spectacular musical concert that is set to entertain.
The Club's 25th Annual Burns Supper
Another great Burns Supper at the Club with the choir very much to the fore in providing many of the key speakers as well as performing.
Carols & Bag Packing
Another great day of Carol Singing and Bag Packing at M&S at The Gyle. Great fun and festive spirit with The Children's Hospice Scotland being the main beneficiary of the funds raised.
Carol Service At St. Ninian’s Craigmailen Church On December 12th
We are singing in a Carol Service at St. Ninian’s Craigmailen Church on Friday 12th December starting at 7.30pm.
The Kilt Meets The Beret For A New Chapter In The Auld Alliance
A passion for singing and rugby was shared last week when Linlithgow Rugby Club’s male voice choir visited Langon, 30 miles south east of Bordeaux and home of Stade Langonnais Rugby club.
Choir Sponsors Match vs Dalkeith
We had a cracking lunch and afternoon when we sponsored the Reds v Dalkeith – who were on an unbeaten 6 match run. The Reds won an exciting game with the last kick of the match –which was well celebrated by all!
Riding of the Marches
Tony Drennan and Bob Anderson took time off to play in the Linlithgow Reid band on June Marches Day and the Choir helped decorate the town for the big day with a sponsored planter at The Cross.