Sylvia bows out of male voice choir

The only woman in the Male Voice Choir, Sylvia Hoare, is presented with her vice-president’s certificate by Malcolm Hill

Great-grandma was only woman in the group

THE only woman in the Saddleworth Male Voice Choir has played her final tune with the group after 17 years of dedicated piano playing.

Sylvia Hoare (81) went out on a high at a concert at St George’s Church in Mossley, in what was her poignant swansong before retiring.

Choir member John Watts said: “Her contribution to the choir cannot be measured.

“Her commitment, polished performances and empathy both with the music and musical director have been instrumental in the choir’s successes.

“She is dedicated and just a lovely person and it will be sad to see her go.”

Sylvia was presented with a certificate to mark her appointment as the vice-president of the group by the current president, Malcolm Hill.

Sylvia said: “It was quite emotional when I played the last song but it has been absolutely fantastic.

“It’s been a fellowship and a friendship with some great music along the way.”

The great-grandmother, who has travelled to Germany, Slovakia and Spain with the group, may have bowed out, but she has promised to return on an occasional basis to play with the group.

As the final note of “Gwahoddiad”, a Welsh hymn, rang out, Sylvia closed the book on the final chapter of her journey as the only female in the male voice choir.