Chapel en le Frith Male Voice Choir
The Choir - 2024

Upcoming Concert Dates

Venue Date Performance Info
Palace Hotel, Buxton Sunday, 8th December, 2024
@ 7:00PM
Public

Remembering our Founding Fathers

Our Centenary Project

Poster images by kind permission of The Imperial War Museum

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2018 was CMVC’s centenary year. In recognition of this historic milestone, and thanks, in large part, to a grant from The Heritage Lottery Fund, we were able to indelibly mark the occasion in two ways.
Firstly, we were able to employ the services of local historian Jonathan d'Hooghe. With Jonathan's expertise and guidance, coupled with extensive research from choir members, a comprehensive booklet was produced -

A look at the effects on family life in Derbyshire's High Peak during The Great War 1914-1918
(This document is available to download below)

Secondly, we staged three concerts in Glossop, Chapel and New Mills with the theme of World War One. The concerts had a narrative constructed from local research carried out by choir members, which illustrated what life was like for local people both at home and at The Front. The narrative was blended with songs contemporary with the period. The songs themselves were subject to research; some are still familiar today, others are rarely heard these days. The final song in the concert was specially commissioned (again, thanks to The Heritage Lottery Fund grant). Written by Ian McMillan and Luke Carver-Goss, it uses extracts from the research to provide a powerful, touching and fitting end to the concert and the project. The concert performed at New Mills Town Hall on 23 February 2019 was recorded by RAS Audio Services, so we are able to share it with a wider audience.

We dedicate this recording to those men a century ago.

We hope you enjoy.


CONCERT FIRST HALF



CONCERT SECOND HALF

Scroll the poppy to follow the concert narration

Nick Rider
The First World War began on the 4th August 1914 when Britain declared war on Germany. Germany having refused to withdraw its army from neutral Belgium. It came to an end on November 11th 1918. By Christmas of the same year, the choir that soon became Chapel en le Frith Male Voice Choir was formed.
Geoff Read
In our concert this evening we’d like to share with you music from the war period, some still familiar today and others that been rarely heard for the last 100 years. As we go through our programme, which is generally in chronological order, we will give you small insights into what local life was like at the time, not just for the servicemen but for the people at home. All the information and the music has been researched and gathered by our own choir members with the assistance of WW1 historian Jonathan D’Hooghe. This concert and the whole project has been made possible thanks to a grant from The Heritage Lottery Fund.
Nick Rider
The outbreak of World War One was met with patriotic fervour throughout the country.
This was a report from a Buxton Advertiser in August 1914:
Simon Leefe
In London, Trafalgar Square was impassable owing to dense crowds. Continual cheers were raised for King and for England. Outside Buckingham Palace crowds once more collected and sang the National Anthem over and over again. A hostile crowd gathered outside the German embassy and indulged in groaning and hissing. The police had considerable difficulty in restoring order.
Geoff Read
Britain’s army was small compared to the German war machine. And Lord Kitchener, the minister of war, realised that more men were needed as soon as possible. A massive recruitment campaign was launched and within a few weeks large groups of young men from every town and village had responded to the call to fight for king and country.
A report in the Buxton Advertiser November 1914 reads:
Steve Vardy
A thousand were asked for and by the end of a fortnight about eleven hundred had come forward. These men are to form the new 6th Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters.
Geoff Read
Initially they were billeted in Buxton in the Empire Hotel, a 300 room hotel which was demolished in the 1960s.
The report continues:
Steve Vardy
The arrival of the first company was hailed by a great crowd. Opposite the Post Office the men broke out into ‘It’s a long way to Tipperary’. “They’re a fine lot of lads, God Bless ‘em!” an elderly lady with her grandson was heard to exclaim.
Nick Rider
It’s a long way to Tipperary was written and first performed in Stalybridge in 1912 by Jack Judge and Harry Williams, allegedly as the result of a 5 shilling bet. At the outbreak of war it was very quickly adopted by the troops and soon became the most popular of all marching songs.
It’s A Long Way To Tipperary
Geoff Read
Everyone and everything was affected by the war to some degree or other. At the beginning there was a big drive to commandeer horses.
This is from the Buxton Advertiser in Aug 1914:
David Jenkins
A party of Buxton and Fairfield gentlemen drove to Bakewell for The Show. And in the Rutland Arms Hotel yard their horse was “seized”, a halter put round its neck, the price paid and the trio were left to return in whatever way it pleased them best. It was only one of scores of other incidences.
Nick Rider
In Chinley there was a worrying incident.
Also from the Buxton Advertiser Oct 1914:
Richard Foulkes
Some little stir was caused in Chinley on Tuesday when it became known that a man had been given over to the police, being suspected of spying. It appears that he had been observed acting, as it was thought, suspiciously on a train. He had a camera in his possession and the police were informed. Enquiries were made, and it was found that he was an Englishman, and everything was satisfactory. He was, of course, not detained.
Geoff Read
There are many accounts of fund raising activities throughout the war. Initially there was a lot of knitting – Her Majesty the Queen asked women of the Empire to provide 300,000 body belts and pairs of socks for troops at The Front. A body belt was a deep band of wool worn around the abdomen. There was a widespread feeling (not shared medically) that it was essential to keep the abdomen protected from chills. The soldiers had a slang for body belt – louse trap. This was a poem written in praise of the Queen and her appeal.
Andrew Freeman

A man can work or to battle go,
But the average man, well, he can’t sew;
And, good as men are, from peasants to kings,
It takes a woman to think of things

The mother thinks of her bonny son,
The Queen’s mother of everyone,
Her sons are serving her cause in the fray,
She asks her daughters their part to play.

For women to fight is - well, not fit.
But women can sew and women can knit,
And many a comfort the needle brings
It takes a woman to think of things

Her Majesty asked her womankind
To keep the cold of winter in mind;
The cold that is not so badly felt
If you’ve got warm socks and a body belt.

For men who lie in the cold and rain
Waiting the signal to fight again,
"Send socks and belts!” the message rings
It takes a woman to think of things

The need is now and it must be met,
Before the season of cold and wet,
So buy at once, if your purses permit,
Or else in your parlours sit and knit.

There’s no denying the gracious thought
The love of a queen for her men has brought;
And especial value forever clings
To the name of a queen who thinks of things

Nick Rider
Our next song was written in 1914 and quickly became very popular both at home and with the troops. It was a first success for Ivor Novello.
Keep the Home Fires Burning
Nick Rider
By the time we reach the end of 1914 there are large numbers of men at The Front and a lot of recruits going through their training. Letters began to appear in the local papers giving accounts of their experiences.
Pte Standbridge of Buxton wrote from his training camp:
Dave Platts
Capt Viner offered a prize of 10 shillings each month for the platoon which could sing best on a route march. We have in our platoon (commonly known by the men “spittoon”) some good singers, I am expecting Kennerley to distinguish himself in this direction. Prior to buglers sounding lights out (9.30) they sang with a heartiness which was quite catching for all to join in.
Geoff Read
Joe Pearson, from Chapel, founder member of the choir, when setting off for The Front said:
David Jenkins
I am going out with a good heart and confidence, and a strong arm to fight for my King and Country. I have gone to The Front and hope to come back safe.
Nick Rider
Here’s an alarming letter from Pte Claude Grimshaw from Buxton:
John Goodchild
We have been removed from Sutton on Sea to Gainsborough. The other night however, whilst parading the sands at Sutton, I heard a rustle in the tent where the meat and tea was stored. I made a hiding place in the sand and after about half an hour, I saw a man emerge from the tent in civilian clothes. I could only just discern for the night was very dark. I shouted “Halt! Who goes there?” and the man did not answer. He started running away so I took aim and shot him dead. We had a very merry time afterwards. The man had plenty of money on him, a gold watch, but no papers that would give clues to his name and identity. He, however, was of foreign nationality. We are kept on the look-out every night and are expected to be sent to The Front sometime in January. I should like to have a “pop” at the Germans. I'm expecting to get a medal for the spy business.
Geoff Read
Pte Berrisford of Fairfield wrote to his mother:
Andy Barnes
We have been in the trenches for 14 days and look like being so for a bit. You must not get upset if you do not get a letter. It is a bit thick here I can tell you. It is over 6 weeks since I had my boots off and is now 15 days since I had a shave. Your loving son, Bill. PS. Received your cake, it was very good. I hope to post your letter today, it's been wrote for a bit.
Nick Rider
Cpl T Sims from Glossop in the Dragoon Guards gives an account:
Rob Williams
How I’ve got through has been little short of miraculous. We’ve been in a number of engagements. In the second one our cavalry brigade was practically wiped out. We charged in front of one hundred heavy guns while thousands of infantry kept up terrific rifle fire. The bullets and bursting shells were like rain. Men fell in their dozens. My squadron went into action 180 strong. After our gallop across that awful valley we numbered 70 horse and men. Great praise was bestowed upon the men for their bravery. We were told that the charge was practically a sacrifice to find out the strength and dispositions of the enemy, but at what a cost! Everyone who went through could thank God for having survived such an ordeal.
Geoff Read
The next song was written before the war but had a revival in popularity for obvious reasons.
Where Is My Wandering Boy Tonight?
Nick Rider
The first Christmas of the war was greeted with a degree of optimism. At that point it was felt it wouldn’t last much longer. Princess Mary famously sent a Christmas gift tin to every serviceman. It contained tobacco, cigarettes, cigarette lighter, a Christmas card and photo from Princess Mary and in some cases chocolate or sweets. Officers received a silver tin, the men brass.
From the Buxton Advertiser in December 1914:
Andrew Freeman
The children of Burbage Infant School bought the ingredients and two big cakes were made by parents. Enclosed with the cakes was a letter from pupil John Milner aged seven –
‘Dear Soldier, We are sending you a cake and we hope you like it. We hope the Germans won’t shoot you. Thank you very much for going to war to save our lives. With love and best wishes for a happy Christmas and New Year.’
Geoff Read
An extract from a letter from Sgt H A Barrs of the Cyclist Corps written on Boxing Day:
Steve Thomas
On Christmas Eve both troops were singing to one another and on Christmas morning a German shouted ‘be British and come half-way.’ Our officer went to meet him and the German suggested “You no shoot, we no shoot.” That started the ball rolling. And they all came out and had a spree exchanging souvenirs, of cigarettes, cigars and autographs.
Geoff Read
Bert Longson was one of our founding members. At the choir’s 60th anniversary he was the only surviving founder member. He was a very well known local figure in Chapel.
This is an account from the Buxton Advertiser as to what befell him in July 1915.
Richard Foulkes
Pte Bert Longson of Town End, Chapel has been more fortunate than the others. He was severely wounded but the injuries were such as to necessitate the amputation of both legs at the knee. The Chaplain has communicated with Mrs Longson as follows – “I am writing to tell you that your son is going on well and I hope that before very long he will be able to be moved to a hospital in England. I know that you will be glad to hear that he is very comfortable and he is receiving every attention and kindness from the doctors and the nurses. He could not be better looked after. Some of his fellow patients have specially asked me to tell you how they admire his pluck and patience. Your boy is very anxious that you should not worry about him.” Pte Longson is 20 years of age. He has communicated with his mother – “Dear Mother, just a line to prepare you for some bad news. Luckily brother Will was not among us. A big shell dropped in the middle of us killing and wounding twenty. I have had both legs taken off below the knee, so I've done my fighting…” Pte Longson evidently had some difficulty in writing.
Nick Rider
Walter Hyde was a member of Birch Vale Male Voice Choir who amalgamated with Chapel MVC in the 1950s. Walter’s two sons and one of his grandsons are current choir members. His great-grandson wrote this account for a school project – These are his words:
Martin Mullis
Walter Hyde was 19 when war broke out. He recruited for the army at Chatsworth House, along with his brothers Sam, Alf and their friend. They were in the Sherwood Forester Regiment and were taken to Ripon, North Yorkshire for training. Then from there the three brothers and their friend were transferred to Ypres in Belgium, for the battle of Ypres, which was fought from 22nd April - 25th May. On arriving at Ypres all three brothers and their friend were ready to go into battle. Their friend said that he could not kill anyone. I’m sure they were all very scared! The day came that they went into battle, but Walter’s friend who didn’t want to kill anyone, just ran and ran until he was unfortunately shot. While out in the battlefield one day, Alf did not return. My Great Granddad and Sam were very scared and worried, so they went to look for him and they found him and he was fine. While guarding an officer’s tent one day, something tragic happened. My great granddad Walter got his foot blown off! The wound was so bad and because in those days they did not have the medical equipment we have, his foot got infected and he ended up with gangrene. So he was taken back to Norwich where he had his leg cut off. Later on Sam and Alf got gassed. It did not kill them straight away, but it slowly killed them, over the years. My Granddad and Great Uncle Walter told me that the brothers got through the war by singing. They were all in the Birch Vale Male Voice Choir and to raise their spirits they would often sing with fellow soldiers. Legend has it that my great-granddad put his medals in the bin on the outbreak of WW2, saying "What was the point in that!!"
When This Lousy War Is Over
Nick Rider
The war put ordinary men in extraordinary circumstances. Their experiences are difficult to imagine today. Jim Gerrard was born in Glossop in 1888 and he was part of the Cheshire Regiment. He kept diaries while he was in the trenches which are now held by the Regiment. His great-niece, Mrs Pat Ellison-Reed, very kindly shared some of her memories and his diaries with us.
Here is an extract –
Geoff Read
This were my first experience of gum boots, which went up to our thighs. We got to the communication trench at dusk and walked along the top some distance as the trench were 18 inches to two feet deep in water. We had not received our gum boots yet but as we got nearer we had to jump into the water as the Germans commenced fire at us. We were the 1st Platoon and we got wet to over our knees. Then we received our gum boots from those we relieved and they had to get wet coming out. What a system! Our Platoon were about 40 strong going in and we came out 3 strong. We had 3 or 4 casualties. The remainder had gone into hospital with Trench Foot. The first night in those trenches I shall never forget. It were worse than all the fighting I ever saw. Until I got dry I shivered until every bone in my body ached. I were glad to splash about in the trench with my gum boots on to try and get warm, but it were an hopeless task. The only relief I could get were to climb up on some ammunition boxes, take my boots off in turn and rub my feet with a couple of dry sandbags I'd got. These two sandbags were my best friends for the time being. It were a lot of trouble with everything being so wet and muddy but it saved my feet.
Nick Rider
Jim served as a trench guide taking platoons to and from the fighting line and as a runner taking messages backwards and forwards from the line.
Geoff Read
When my pals asked me what made me go this way or that way I used to reply “I just follow me nose”, which I find is the best answer I could give you today. I wonder sometimes if it was a guiding spirit. Some will say it’s just my luck but it happened too often. When I were on my own running from shell hole to shell hole I used to sing “Lead Kindly Light” in my head. It always made me feel safe.
Lead Kindly Light
Geoff Read
Conscription was not introduced until 1916 but there was a steady demand for more men. Standards were revised accordingly.
the Buxton Advertiser of February 1915 carries this report on a newly formed “Bantam Battalion” of the Sherwood Foresters:
John Morley
Men who have previously been rejected on account of height standards can now be accepted. The minimum height is 5ft, maximum 5ft 3in and chest minimum expanded 34 inches.
Nick Rider
And this one the following month headed “Bad teeth no bar”:
John Morley
An official intimation reached Nottingham that the War Office has sanctioned an important change regarding recruits and defective teeth. Men will now be allowed to be attested if otherwise fit and willing to undergo dental treatment.
Geoff Read
By October of 1915 feelings were riding high about those eligible men who had not volunteered.
Here is an extract of a letter from a Tideswell resident typical of the sentiment shared by many:
Gordon Simmonds
I will not use the mild term of shirkers to them, but I will correctly designate them as what they are – cowards. In conclusion, we have a Roll of Honour and I would respectfully suggest that we should have a roll of cowards placarded at every bill posting situation.
Nick Rider
The situation at The Front was not improving. Here’s a letter from a Buxton officer to his wife:
Ian Laing
The regiment we relieved lost one, killed, 15 wounded and 125 frost bitten men lying in the village unable to walk. They have been kept in the trenches 24 hours at a stretch and we heard with some satisfaction that we were only to be in the trenches 12 hours at a time. The whole trench was lying three feet in water at its shallowest places and we either had to stand in this all night for safety or lie a little way out of the trench if we did not want so much water and take the chance of being hit by the Germans. Standing in a trench with water well over one’s knees all night is no joke. Luckily it did not rain. It is some consolation to know that their trenches must have been as bad as ours. On our way back they'd send rockets up into the air to show us up to them. We had to lie down in the mud every time they did this. These rockets is the same as they use in fireworks. I, for one, shall not appreciate this so much in the future. It took me 2 to 3 hours to feel my legs again.
Geoff Read
There were lots of examples of soldiers’ songs and ditties. This next song is more suitable for a public performance than some of the others – it's a parody of a love song originally performed by Gertie Gitana.
Never Mind
Nick Rider
Despite the war there appears to have been a very good postal service, not just domestically but between home and The Front. Letters and postcards were the main form of communication between estranged loved ones and we have a very good example of this in our exhibition with the letters between Fred Heather and Ada Braddock, Chapel en le Frith sweethearts who later became man and wife. Parcels could regularly be sent, enabling families to ensure their loved ones were supplied with a few home comforts. Imagine how devastated the parents of Pte John White from Glossop were when they received this letter - the first notice they received on the death of their son – shortly after sending him a parcel:
Matthew Hulley
Dear Mrs White, I regret to say that your son No 16406 Pte John White was killed in action on November 1st. Offering my deepest sympathy I remain yours faithfully, R Colgate Sgt. PS – A parcel having been received this day has been divided among his comrades.
Geoff Read
Sgt Furniss of Glossop wrote this highly descriptive and moving pen picture of Christmas at The Front in 1916:
Martin Mullis
Picture a long cellar over an arched roof – an underground storage space for barrels of beer. Of the large building that once stood proclaiming itself the Brasserie of the village, a series of such cellars is all that remains. The heaped up debris overhead renders our refuge practically shell-proof and fortunately so, for tonight the enemy’s artillery is particularly active. A steady downpour of rain ruffles the temper of my billet guard and as each man returns he mutters his opinion of the weather, and all sorts of things. A drop of hot tea prepared by his resting comrades over our bucketful of fire soon restores him, and then he calmly and simply remarks "The night is a dirty one”. Around the fire we sit, my platoon and I, our rifles, clean as new pins and well oiled, rest along the walls, and, given an alarm, we can be on the move in two minutes – an efficient unit ready to meet any demands. We cannot lie down to sleep for we know we must be ready to move and act on the instant. So we sit round our cosy little handful of fire and we sing. What do we sing you may wonder? Well naturally our thoughts are in keeping with the season and we sing of Christmas and of home. We sit and sing Christmas carols – Old King Wensislas and Noel are popular. Then someone suggests music hall ballads which can be remembered and so we sing The miner’s dream of home, Two little girls in blue, Honeysuckle and the Bee. Presently someone timidly commences singing Home, Sweet Home. And we half laugh, you know, that uneasy laugh that you force when you try and persuade yourself that you don’t want to cry – but we sing, softly and feelingly, our voices vibrating with emotion as our minds dwell on favoured memories.
Home, Sweet Home

INTERVAL…

Geoff Read
So, what was happening on the home front? In Wartime as in Peacetime there is always someone doing things for the greater good.
Here's an article from the Buxton Advertiser 1915:
Peter Bowes
Under the strain of war-time, thousands of people are unconsciously approaching a breakdown. Their forces are being burned out without being replaced. To meet this situation the late Surgeon General of HM Forces, Sir William Taylor, now directs the production of Sanaphos the new addition to the diet which counteracts the effects of this strain. Sanaphos is of course all British. It completely supersedes the German preparation Sanatogen and its many imitations. Sanaphos!
Nick Rider
What about this from the High Peak News in 1917. The following words accompany a picture of a soldier at home in the kitchen with his wife:
Peter Baxter
Home in every sense of the word to this war-torn Tommy home on leave. In place of the general rush and discomfort of an ordinary wash day he finds a bright little wife doubly happy in the joy of his visit, and in the knowledge that by merely soaking his clothes in cold water and Rinso the clothes have washed themselves, enabling her to devote all her time to his comfort and every need.
Geoff Read
It may have been strained, there may have been great sadness and personal tragedy in abundance, but life went on.
In November 1915 the Buxton Advertiser carried, in equal prominence, separate reports on the deaths of two local men killed in action, the wounding of another and the results of a ploughing competition in Bamford.
And in January 1917 at a point when British military deaths were reaching around 400,000, the High Peak News had this report:
Dave Hodgson
A girl who lives on Church Brow, in Chapel, was toboganning down that hill on Saturday when she came to grief. She dashed across the main street at the bottom of the brow and into the window of the Victoria Café, which was smashed, and the girl was slightly hurt.
Nick Rider
George Robey was a popular music hall star of the period. Although a name that may be largely forgotten today he was something of a superstar then. He used his influence during the war to raise over half a million pounds for charitable war causes. During the war there was one song that made him even more popular. Written for the musical revue The Bing Boys are Here, starring Robey himself, this song immediately found popularity and has subsequently become a standard.
If You Were The Only Girl In The World
Geoff Read
The war made its mark on every family one way or another. Over 100 years some stories still get passed down, but other stories will be lost. What's certain is that no family came out of the war unscathed. Here is a personal story from our current longest serving choir member Edward Green. Edward can’t be here tonight so his story will be read by another member.
Rob Williams
Edward Yates
Son of Frederick James and Mary Yates of Bolt Edge Farm, Dove Holes. He was a private with the 2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters. Killed in action on Tuesday 5th October 1915, aged 16. Now rests in a cemetery in Ypres in Belgium. I was told by Edward’s sister (my mother) that Edward, her youngest brother, on seeing many of his local friends and neighbours marching off to Chesterfield from Chapel, passing his father’s farm just below Sparrowpit, he wanted to join them but was underage. So against his father’s wishes, he hid his better clothes in a barn close to the road, then late one evening or early the next day he set off to sign up for the King’s Shilling giving his age as 18. When the family found out they begged my grandfather to intervene but he said "He’s made his bed and he must lie in it.’ A sergeant from the same battalion who visited my mother after the war said “He could not keep his head down in the trenches and was shot by an enemy sniper.” His name is recorded not only on his gravestone but memorials in various places. And at my last count, over seven of these memorials.
Nick Rider
Clearly this is something that Edward’s family has never forgotten and it will have had a big influence on our Edward when he was a boy. It has given him a lifelong interest in World War One and artefacts relating to the period. He has also been a singer and music lover all his life. It is not surprising to learn then that Edward has a collection of postcards published during the war which depict songs of the period. Typically they were issued in sets of 3 or 4 depending on the number of verses. Some of these can be seen in our exhibition and we have reproduced cards in larger format which illustrate our next song.
There’s A Long, Long Trail A-Winding
Geoff Read
The cost of food more than doubled during the war years. Some prices went up by even more than that. A pint of milk cost a penny in the early 1900s. Just after the war, people were expected to pay sixpence a pint. In 1916, it became illegal to consume more than two courses while lunching in a public eating place or more than three for dinner; fines were introduced for members of the public found feeding the pigeons or stray animals. As the fighting dragged on, fresh fruit, vegetables and meat got harder to find.
By 1918 there was food rationing and this article in the Buxton Herald and Gazette:
Harry Hutchinson
The RSPCA humane killer has been adopted by the military authorities for slaughtering horses at the Metropolitan Cattle Market. The horses are to be used for human consumption.
Nick Rider
About a month later in the same paper there was this article:
Gordon Simmonds
Two women in a food queue in a working class district were talking about horse beef. “My husband” says Mrs A to Mrs B “swears he won’t touch it” “So does mine, but he’s eaten it twice without knowing it, and if there’s no other meat to be had tonight he’ll get it again!"
Geoff Read
In the High Peak News in early 1917 was this snippet:
John Hall
Corn is wanted to feed the nation not the birds. Corvusine D G keeps away the birds, rooks, pheasants and pigeons. Make sure you get a harvest from every grain sown.
Geoff Read
Then, a few months later was the headline “Peak Invaded!”
John Snowdon
A host of insects are advancing from a northerly direction over a frontage of five or six miles. The Peak District, Edale and part of Chapel are already invaded, and there will be very serious loss to farmers and allotment holders and the public generally, unless energetic action is taken without a day’s loss of time. A correspondent has written to say that the plague was caused by the mass killing of birds and until the order to kill birds was revoked it would continue.
Nick Rider
In other words, by tinkering with the balance of nature the caterpillars’ natural predators were greatly reduced giving the insects free reign to eat the crops. Despite the various privations people still tried to enjoy themselves. Roller skating was popular at the Pavilion in Buxton. There were still weekly programmes in the picture houses and music halls of Buxton and Glossop. And lots of locally arranged entertainments and soirees. Glossop as a mill town still continued with their annual wakes week even in the darkest days of the war.
Here is an article from the Glossop Chronicle for August 1918:
Neil Allcock
Next week the majority of inhabitants, war weary and completely tired by the strenuous exertions of the past 12 months will be off in crowds to seek health and strength in fresh fields and pastures new. There is no denying folk have been working at high pressure and long hours and despite the dark clouds it is essential that minds and bodies should have much needed rest. We understand that the through train to Blackpool has proved how great demand is for a short stay at this queen of all health and amusements resort and we only hope holiday makers will be favoured with fine weather.
Geoff Read
And what was the favourite seaside ditty of the time?
Oh! I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside
Nick Rider
As more and more men went to fight the role of women became increasingly important at home.
From the Buxton Advertiser in November 1915:
Keith Hufton
Necessity is a creator itself. And at Chapel en le Frith the lack of men is being keenly felt. A lady, Miss M Chapman, engaged at the Post Office, has patriotically offered her services. The instance must be unique in the postal history of the old Peak Capital but it reveals that an excellent spirit still imbues this old country. Miss Chapman takes the morning delivery and commences at about 6.30 finishing at about 9 o’clock. We are informed that the letters are delivered most expeditiously, and on this all will heartily congratulate Chapel’s latest postal recruit.
Geoff Read
In the High Peak News, November 1917:
Jack Richards
There is now urgent need of women over 20 years of age for motor tractor work. The terms offered are free training, outfit, and travelling expenses. After training the wages will be 25s a week for the first 2 weeks, 30s per week for the next 2 weeks then a regular salary of 30s with a bonus of 1s per acre ploughed.
Nick Rider
And from the Buxton Herald and Gazette in April 1918:
Martin Ellis
The turn has come for the married woman who cannot work outside her home to take a man’s place. Every woman whose husband has a little shop or a little business owes it to him and her country to spend time before he is called up in learning to carry on in his place. Millions of French women have done this – and what French women have done, English women can do when the need arises. It was easier for them than for us because Frenchmen have always had the habit of talking over business affairs with their wives. English people have been inclined to make out that there was something mysterious and difficult about keeping a small business going and that women would be sure to make a hash of it. Perhaps they cannot be the best possible grocers but England has come to a time when the best of everything is wanted for the army. The second best kind of grocer is good enough for us.
Geoff Read
A backhanded compliment I think! But, apart from those wives who were asked to take on their husband’s businesses, there had been since the beginning of the war, a steady stream of single women, generally of the more affluent classes, volunteering to become nurses. Many were at The Front witnessing the horrors that the war was inflicting on its sons.
Here is an extract of a letter from a Buxton nurse:
Alison Bletcher
We are very busy and have not nearly enough nurses. As to comfort, we are much better off than the others in this respect, but of course one does not expect comfort. If one can get through the necessities of life one is thankful. The wounded come here straight from the trenches. The poor things have to travel a long journey on a train, packed like sardines, so you can imagine they are nearly dead with fatigue and other sufferings. Sometimes we get as many as 150 at a time, sometimes 50 come. They are nearly all French, Turks, Algerians or Germans. I have been for 7 weeks on night duty, I have 80 beds to look after and am on duty for 12 and half hours at a stretch, although often longer. We have no hot water yet and no gas. The place is lighted by electricity which just goes out when one most wants it.
Nick Rider
The men were very appreciative of the nurses and many a romance was formed. This next song illustrates the high regard in which they were held…
Rose Of No-Man’s Land
Geoff Read
In the later part of 1918 the age of conscription for men was raised to 51. The newspapers carried many reports about local military tribunals where appeals were made for exemptions from conscription.
Here’s one from the Buxton Advertiser in 1918:
Ray Clark
Application for a coal porter to be exempted: This man was 41 years of age and married. The employer’s statement was to the effect that the man was fully employed in the retail coal trade and it was impossible to get a man over military age to take his place.
This man fills the bags, weighs them and puts them on the lorry. Bagged coal is particularly supplied to poor people who would suffer if he could not be replaced.
“Couldn’t a man with a wooden leg do it?”
“We have a hunch-back, a man with a wooden leg and a deaf and blind man, but this is the only man I could send to your house to get a load of coal in and yours is not as difficult as some.”
“How many boys have you?”
“We have two but they’re only fit for chopping sticks.”
A boy couldn't lift a bag of coal off the scales and put it onto a lorry.” The application was refused.
Nick Rider
By 1918 news as reported from The Front became more matter of fact.
Here are the headlines from one page of the High Peak Advertiser in June 1918 –
Pte Stokes of Glossop dies of wounds;
Glossop Lads prisoners in Germany;
Soldier’s suicide at Glossop;
Another Glossop hero dies from wounds;
Splendid effort for Glossop’s wounded soldiers – cricket match realises £50.
There are instances of men returning from The Front suffering nervous breakdowns.
Here is another article from the High Peak Advertiser:
Bob Marsden &
Derek Boardman
On Tuesday morning a soldier in hospital gown was found floating in the reservoir at Dinting. He was identified as William McMath who was being treated for an injured arm at Ashton military hospital. At the request of one of McMath’s fellow inmates, Alexander McDonald gave evidence. The coroner asked McDonald if he knew of any reason why McMath should take his own life. McDonald said…
"He used to tell me that he'd stuck a German through the neck with his bayonet, and was preying on his mind. He used to imagine that he saw him in his sleep. And he was continually worrying about it, and that, in my opinion, is why he did it."
Oh! It’s A Lovely War
Geoff Read
By the second half of 1918 food became a recurring subject in the newspapers.
Here’s an article from the Buxton Herald and Gazette from September 1918:
Rout Rodents! Millions of mice and rats are robbing us of food. Every mouse and every rat must be regarded as a menace to the nation’s larder. A mouse in your cupboard nibbling your bread and cheese, and a rat in the stack stealing your corn, are both of them helping the Germans.
Nick Rider
By November 1918 it was clear that the war was coming to an end.
The Buxton Herald and Gazette of the 2nd November reported:
Jim Mason
The Munitions Parliamentary Secretary says that if there be not work for everyone after the war the women must stand aside and make way for the men who come back. And so say all of us! The men from The Front must be in front of the queues of civilians whether it is a question of work or pay, or food or fuel.
Geoff Read
And then eventually news came on 11th November that the war was over. There were scenes of great celebration in all towns and villages.
This report from the Buxton Herald and Gazette is typical of how the armistice was greeted:
Alison Bletcher
The children cheered deliriously and the occasion was such as to make an impression on their minds that they will never lose. The band played 'Tipperary', Keep the Home Fires Burning and other popular songs after which they formed into one huge procession such as was never seen before. The spirits of one and all were “top hole”. The celebrations continued well into the late evening.
Nick Rider
And so eventually the men came back. But not all of them. The total number of military and civilian casualties in World War I was more than 41 million: there were over 18 million deaths and 23 million wounded. Generally, the men who had been at The Front experienced unimaginable horrors and when they returned home they were reluctant to talk about it.
This next song, a parody of the Jerome Kern love song, They didn’t believe me, illustrates the point. Entitled: We’ll Never Tell Them
We’ll Never Tell Them
Nick Rider
Chapel en le Frith Male Voice Choir began in December 1918.
Here is an account of the choir’s beginnings written in 1979 by Bert Longson, at that point the only surviving founder member -
Mike Wright
One night after I had been to choir practice at Town End Wesleyan’s church, I was talking to George Muir, Joe Lomas and Joe Pearson at the bottom of the schoolyard. Then we started singing and a schoolmaster who was staying with Alice Middleton came across the road and said “With voices like that you ought to be able to form a male voice choir.” So we went round all the ex-servicemen. Amongst them was Sam Ibbotson and Tom Sidebotham and we went carol singing. We gave the money collected to the Amateur Dramatic Society which was effective in starting the amateur players. After a while we couldn’t carry on as we were losing members, so we threw it open and three dear friends of mine, Alf King, Joel Potter and Wilton Ward joined us. By the way, Mrs Tom Shepley was our first accompanist and Tom Longson, my uncle, was our first conductor.
Geoff Read
We’re proud to be part of a choir which has celebrated 100 years of camaraderie through singing. We must never forget our ex-servicemen founding fathers, nor must we forget those who never made it back. Our final piece was commissioned by us from the poet Ian McMillan and his musical partner Luke Carver-Goss. Entitled From the Trenches, it draws on our research and echoes our sentiments.
From the Trenches

Download the full concert narration (PDF)

A LOOK AT THE EFFECTS ON FAMILY LIFE IN DERBYSHIRE’S HIGH PEAK DURING THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918

by Jonathan d'Hooghe

Download the full booklet (PDF)


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Genuine postcards printed by Bamforth & Co Ltd of Holmfirth

Join Us

  • Do you enjoy social events?
  • Like to learn something new?
  • Like a proper challenge?

We are confident you will join the whole experience. The choir are extremely friendly and there is no need to audition - we let you learn at your own pace.

When you experience the thrill of singing with other people you will be glad you took those first steps.

Dove Holes Methodist Church, Monday evenings at 7.30pm.

Learn More …

"No auditions, no windy hillsides"

Chapel Male voice Choir in full voice

In full voice

Hire Us

  • For family events
  • For special occasions
  • For social gatherings

We are available to hire for individual concerts, private functions, weddings and funerals, indeed any gathering where music is required.

Our rates are very reasonable.

Book Us Today

choir members landing in Italy for a series of concerts

Italy awaits

choir members relaxing enroute to foreign climes

Not so wise monkeys

choir with musical director preparing to perform

Performing at Derby Cathedral

Do you live in or near any of the following places?

  • Buxton
  • Buxworth
  • Chapel
  • Chinley
  • Combs
  • Disley
  • Dove Holes
  • Fairfield
  • Furness Vale
  • Glossop
  • Hayfield
  • Hazel Grove
  • High Lane
  • Peak Dale
  • Whaley Bridge

Joining the choir

Many men think they can't sing, won't be as good as the others, don't like their voice, are afraid of trying something new, are reluctant to attempt a new skill in front of others or think they need to understand music. We embrace all those fears and doubts and we are offering to train you.

Everyone was once a beginner, you don't need any musical knowledge or experience, you won't be asked to sing solo. It is quite alright to be a bad singer (you won't be) before you learn to become a good singer; never be frightened or feel you are not good enough.

If you sing in the car or shower you are on the right track, so come along and give it a go.

The name can be off-putting can't it? For many people, 'Male Voice Choir' evokes images of men standing on a windy hillside singing Men of Harlech. Chapel Male Voice Choir is not like that.

choir members relaxing before a rehearsal

No auditions are necessary

choir members relaxing before a rehearsal

Under the baton of the M.D.

Not only is our music diverse - spanning everything from Faure to Les Miserables - but the diversity of our members' ages and interests means that CMVC has something for everyone.

If you are male, enjoy singing and good company, we would urge you to consider becoming a member of the choir.

Just bring enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. If you decide to give it a go (you can do so without any initial commitment) you will receive a warm welcome, and plenty of support.

We will supply you with CDs or MP3s to learn from and you will be assigned a designated member of the choir to give advice and help when needed. Though some choir members do read music, many don't and that doesn't matter at all as pieces are learnt note by note.

Rehearsals are held every Monday evening at 7:30pm at Dove Holes Methodist Church ( SEE MAP ABOVE ) and last for two hours.

JOIN US TODAY!

close up of the choir logo

We are pleased that our strong local connections have resulted in the Choir being sponsored by Chapel bar and restaurant REMS. Here two of the Choir members proudly display their newly embroidered REMS sweatshirts.

"Proud of our past, looking to the future"

Chapel en le Frith Male Voice Choir on tour
The Choir in The Dolomites

Some words from our boys

No matter what sort of day I’ve had, I always feel better after going to a rehearsal...well, nearly always!

photo of choir chairman Geoff

Geoff
(1st Tenor)

It is great friendship with a group of men who enjoy singing, and it's healthy. It's just good for you

photo of choir bass David

David
(Bass)

The choir brought me up

photo of choir baritone Edward

Edward
(Baritone)

That’s one of the challenges the choir rises to, blending together all these different people

photo of choir 1st tenor Martin

Martin
(1st Tenor)

I like being a member of the Choir because of the camaraderie, and it is completely different from everyday life

photo of choir 2nd tenor Andrew

Andrew
(2nd Tenor)

We have a real sense of group identity and enjoy each other’s company - and you get to know everybody over time

photo of choir bass Nick

Nick
(Bass)

It’s like that old TV series Cheers, a place where everybody knows your name. Even before you open your mouth to sing, you feel part of it

photo of baritone Ray

Ray
(Baritone)

I enjoy the Choir because of the teamwork, the sense of creating something, and the fact that singing makes you feel good

photo of choir bass Tim

Tim
(Bass)

"It’s a cliché but we are one big happy family!"

Chapel en le Frith Male Voice Choir performing in prison!
An impromptu concert inside the old Lincoln Prison Museum

A brief history of the choir

The Choir was formed in 1918 by young men returning from the Great War, and was originally known as Chapel en le Frith Ex-Servicemen’s Choir – although soon afterwards it widened its membership base and became Chapel en le Frith Male Voice Choir. The first long serving conductor was Tom Longson, who held the position for thirty years, until 1949.

During World War II, CMVC’s membership was much reduced as many members were away on active service, but the choir still managed to stage a number of fundraising concerts for charities such as TOC H, with very well-known singers of the day such as Dame Isobel Baillie, Heddle Nash and Norman Allin.

In 1951 the choir appeared on Wilfred Pickles’ radio show “Have a Go” and continued its commitment to concerts in the High Peak area - by its 50th anniversary in 1968, CMVC was giving 30 concerts a year.

In 2015 the choir even appeared on the BBC TV series Pointless when a choir member appeared on the show. When he was stumped, he gave the choir as an answer, and hey presto! fame for the choir on national TV.

Membership has fluctuated since the '70s, but the choir has developed strongly from the beginning of the 21st century and, as we move into its second century, the choir’s numbers are in rude health and fine voice. Under the musical direction of Alison, and ably accompanied by Celia Maylor, we look forward to the next 100 years!


Our Pointless claim to fame!

Our Pointless claim to fame!

The choir in full garb

And here we are...

The choir in all its glory

In all our glory

The choir singing inside a kelpie

Singing INSIDE a Kelpie

Chapel en le Frith Male Voice Choir with family and friends at The Kelpies
With family and friends at The Kelpies

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