Swansongs for Maureen

9:08am Thursday 26th June 2008

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The Glen Singers are marking the retirement of musical director Maureen Handby with a gala performance at Bradford Cathedral this weekend.

Maureen was a founder member of the Bradford choir, right, when it was launched 24 years ago.

She placed an advertisement in the T&A to try and gauge the interest in the formation of a new choir.

“That first Thursday evening in March we got 24 people. Now we have 81,” she says.

Now based at Thackley Methodist Church, the Glen Singers perform several times a year to raise money for local charities and have so far raised around £20,000.

Maureen is succeeded by new musical director Tony Hamilton, from the choir’s tenor section.

Her retirement will be marked with a gala performance featuring songs the choir has sung over the past 24 years.

Members also enjoyed a recent celebration at Bingley’s Ramada Jarvis Hotel where Life president Geoffrey Ellison spoke of Maureen’s long, professional and devoted service to the choir.

• The gala performance, which is Maureen’s final concert, takes place at Bradford Cathedral on Saturday from 7.30pm. To book seats ring (01274) 408809.