The Glee Club started in October 1948 under the leadership of Stanley Mortimore. Eight people met at that first rehearsal, one of whom is still in the choir. The Club is a registered charity, whose objects are the advancement of the appreciation of the public in the art and science of music, and in particular the art of choral music by the presentation of concerts.
Stanley Mortimore stayed with the choir, apart from a period of 3 years job relocation in Plymouth, until his untimely death in May 1986. After a short period of reflection, Brian North was appointed as Musical Director, and has taken the choir from strength to strength.
Over the years this now 130 strong, 4 part, choir has appeared in such places as the Portsmouth Guildhall, Fairfield Hall in Croydon, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Festival Hall, also in London. They have had, as guests for their concerts, such stars as Rostal & Schaefer, David Hughes, Roy Castle, and Tom O’Connor, to name but a few. They have also had a very long relationship with the Royal Marines Bands and Orchestras. They also have a long standing friendship with a male voice choir from the Ahr Valley in Germany the Bölinger Männergesangverein.
Not all of their music is light. At Easter they perform more religious works, such as Requiems and “Hallelujah Chorus” at two local churches, still as part of their charity work.
During their 52 years of existence, the choir has helped to raise many thousands of pounds for local charities, and we hope to continue with this for some years to come.