A new name for an established choir
Dear Supporters,
For over 60 years we have been known as the ‘Odd Fellows’. Geoff Waller in 1960 built a male voice choir by ‘raiding’ the local church choirs by persuading the ‘odd fellow' from here and the ‘odd fellow’ from there to join a choir created to celebrate the Aldershot Festival. However, the choir had greater ambitions, to reach out to men who enjoyed singing and raising money for local charities whilst doing so. For over the last 60 years the choir, affectionally known as ‘The Odds’ have enjoyed wonderful local support.
Unfortunately, the pandemic and tempus fugit have had a serious effect on the number of choir members, and we are now embarking on a serious, and expensive, recruiting campaign. We are reaching out into a wider area to recruit, way beyond Aldershot/Farnborough/Farnham/ Camberley/ environs, into Guildford/Alton/Godalming areas and, perhaps, even further. The people we are reaching out to are unaware of the history of ‘The Odds’ and in today’s culture, would find the name somewhat strange and off-putting! Thus, we must change our name, both recognising the current sensitivities and the new geographical reach,
The new name “Hampshire and Surrey Hills Men’s Choir” reflects this new era. We shall, of course, remain ‘The Odds’ to our established supporters and continue to honour our history, the legacy of Geoff Waller, Colin Wilson and Stephen Petch, our past Musical Directors. We will hope to see you soon and demonstrate both our heritage and musical prowess under the baton of our new MD Philip Viveash-Brainch.
Peter Viveash
Chairman
Table of Contents - News
- The Odds becomes Hampshire and Surrey Hills Men's Choir
- A Pie, A Pint and A song Taster Evening
- First outing for new songs at Sindlesham
- Choir raises over £1,000 for Farnham ASSIST
- Upcoming Events
- Camberley Sing Out - Sun, 17 Mar 2024, 12:00pm
- Farnborough Sing Out - Sat, 13 Apr 2024, 11:30am
- The Hope Hub Variety Show - Sun, 14 Apr 2024, 7:30pm
- A Pie, A Pint and A Song - Mon, 29 Apr 2024, 6:30pm
- Summer Concert - Fri, 28 Jun 2024, 7:30pm
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Latest News From The Choir
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The Rushmoor Male Voice Choir has announced that it is being renamed the “Hampshire and Surrey Hills Men’s Choir” to reflect today’s reality and is embarking on a major recruitment drive to boost numbers as the choir develops further going ...
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The Hampshire and Surrey Hills men's Choir is now opening its doors to any man interested in having a go at singing by holding a free “Pie and a Pint and a Song” taster evening at Camberley Heath Golf Club ...
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For our first performance of 2024 we stepped outside of the borders of Hampshire and Surrey into Royal Berkshire. The concert was hosted by the Berkshire Freemasons at the Masonic Centre in Sindlesham on Saturday 17th February. The concert raised ...
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January 18, 2024 – At their recent Monday rehearsal evening The Rushmoor Odd Fellows Male Voice Choir welcomed Rodney Bates, Manager of Farnham ASSIST, to receive monies donated by the audience at their Christmas concert in December. With Gift Aid ...
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Concerts and Choir Events
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Introducing the choir to Camberley shoppers! Listen to us, ask us about the choir and even join up!
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Introducing the choir to Farnborough shoppers! Listen to us, ask us about the choir and even join up!
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The Hope Hub are excited to be hosting their very 1st Variety Show fundraiser event at Camberley Theatre which will showcase local talent whilst raising much needed funds for The Hope Hub. Acts include show tunes by Bruno Santino and ...
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MEN! You are invited to join us for a FREE snack and a drink plus a short group singing "taster" session No audition - just join in No need to read music - if you join us we'll help you ...
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Get ready for an unforgettable evening of beautiful harmonies and the wonderful sound of a brass band, all for a great cause! The Hampshire and Surrey Hills Men’s Choir with special guests, Cactus Brass, are teaming up for a concert ...
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