Carlton Male Voice Choir enjoyed a trip to Northampton and Bournemouth during the weekend of May 19-21.
The trip was meticulously planned and carried out by Musical Director Ian Watts and Treasurer Joe Bean, with Chris Davison as Bus Captain.
They arranged three full days of enjoyment to include Concerts at Christchurch, Northampton, and St Ambrose near Bournemouth with some informal performances along the way.

A full coach of 53 singers and their wives, partners, and friends plus a few travellers in cars set off from various points mainly Carlton Square. With the usual traffic delays there was just enough time to get an early Tea in the hotel and get ready for the set up and performance of the Friday Concert.
The Concert organised by Northampton Male Voice Choir, was in aid of the Northampton Health Charity, Daisy Suite Appeal supporting the SANDS Charity. (Stillbirth and Neo natal Death Charity)
Northampton MVC were led by Musical Director Stephen Bell and accompanied by Andy Poole and Sue Raymont.
Carlton were met and entertained by the Northampton Choir and all enjoyed a varied programme of music including no less than 5 joint items. There was an “After-glow” laid on at the Old Scouts Rugby Club with supper and bar, and of course a lot of hearty inter-choir singing.
On Saturday, after a good breakfast, the Choir travelled to Bournemouth with a small delay due to congestion, and a lunch stop half way.

This time the travellers were split into two nearby hotels. After Tea, the Choir went to the next venue St Ambrose Church. Bournemouth MVC were led by MD Mark Burstow and accompanied by Rob Dishington. The two choirs shared the programme and performed just one joint number, the concert raising money for this beautiful performance space.
Again, there was ample food and drink provided including a local brew! After a little while Carlton had to get back to the hotels and there was time to relax in the bar (with yet more singing with an audience from the wedding party next door) while some explored the nightlife of Bournemouth until the early hours.
On Sunday there was time to look around Bournemouth in daylight and an impromptu performance was given near the Pier. The area was very busy and what was not expected was the arrival of 800 Bikers from the Distinguished Gentleman’s Riders club who were riding for charity and were received by the Mayor; this provided an immediate and large audience.

After lunch the Choir travelled back the long way to Nottingham playing games and quizzes led by Chris Davison and Yvonne and Geoff Brooks.
A special mention to Steve the Coach Driver from Wilfrida Beehive who really helped our journeys and supported the Choir during the weekend.
The Choir is looking forward to its next Trip away to South Wales in the Autumn.
The Choir always welcomes new members.
Further information and contact details for the Carlton Male Voice Choir can be found on their facebook page HERE or from carltonmvc.org https://carltonmvc.org/concerts-events-new