Milestone for choir members

Cliff Cheetham, Saddleworth Male Voice Choir chairman (centre), presents Stuart Iles (left) and John Redfearn with long-service awards

LONG-SERVING members of Saddleworth Male Voice Choir were honoured during a presentation evening.

The choir, established in 1955, awarded two members gifts for 90 years’ combined service.

John Redfearn, the choir’s longest-serving member, joined in 1959 when his father was also a member.

During his 50 years as a member and 40 years as a committee man, John has held every committee position and is currently the choir’s stage manager.

His passion for the choir has extended beyond singing when he married the musical director’s daughter.

Stuart Iles joined the choir in 1969 and has achieved 40 years of unbroken service.

Mr Iles is currently the choir librarian and has served on the choir committee for many years in various roles.

He has also sung many solos during his time with Saddleworth, singing concurrently with the Colne Valley MVC in Huddersfield for the past 23 years.