Join Us
Sung in a choir before?
Not sung in a choir before?
Want to try a singing session ?
Simply turn up any Wednesday from 7.30 to 9.30 pm at:-
Saint Hilda's Church
Stanton Road
Preston Gate
North Shields
Tyne & Wear
NE30 3PH
Don’t worry if you can’t read music or you are not sure
about whether you are a tenor, baritone or bass. You will be given
expert guidance, encouragement and an opportunity to develop your
musical talents.
Or for an informal chat about Backworth Choir please contact the Secretary or ring Gerry on 07963515190
BBC THE REPAIR
SHOP
Backworth Male
Voice Choir participation.
The BMVC concert/venue officer, Graham Bennett
recently finalised arrangements for a choral event at
BMVC were then asked to assist in the
production of the BBC programme “Repair Shop” relating to the repair
of the Banner of Backworth Miners Union Lodge. The banner being an
important historical symbol of the mining community spirit. It
was in a poor condition, seriously in need of repair and a very
suitable object for inclusion in the BBC programme.
On the 25th of August 2026, recording
commenced, with choir participation in interview and in song. The
narrative referred generally to the historical influence and
importance of the Banner to the past mining community and to “The
nostalgic and historical relevance of the Banner to the present
community”. These comments referred to past
difficulty, danger, conflict and the endeavours, of a local
community to produce the energy needs of yesterday from COAL. The
only energy source then available.
The Banner expresses the historical
contribution made by so many mining men to the advance of
living standards we now know and enjoy. It is of great relevance to
the present local community.
A successful and interesting experience for all concerned.
Andy Rutherford (BMVC and a miner at Backworth Colliery over 50 years ago
