The choir predates, but has always been closely associated with the English Electric Orchestra (later renamed the Stafford Orchestral Society, then the Stafford Orchestra). Since the closure of Stychfields Hall in March 1995, the rehearsal rooms and the venue for the Annual Carol Concert has been moved to the St Leonard’s Sports and Social Club, on the GEC Alsthom St Leonard’s Meters, Relays and Instruments factory site in Stafford. This site continues under the company Areva.
Both the choir and the orchestra have moved their orientation from company-based organisations to town-based leisure associations, and links with English Electric or its successor companies are no longer required. The Alstom Singers are best regarded as a community choir of mixed voices (SATB), about 50 in number, predominantly consisting of people who like singing. New members are always very welcome, especially more male voices.
English Electric Association Choir 1962 – 1969
Conductors: Leon Bailey (1963-1965) – Grammar School, Stafford;
Heather Coupe (1965-1967) – Grammar School, Rugeley;
Clifford Kershaw (1967-1969) – Hixon School
From 1962 until 1989 the English Electric Association Choir and GEC Association Choir performed in conventional evening dress:
Ladies: White high-necked long-sleeved blouse and black ankle-length skirt
Gentlemen: Black dinner jacket and trousers, white long-sleeved shirt, black bow tie.
GEC Association Choir 1969 – 1989
Conductors: Clifford Kershaw (1969-1972) – Hixon School;
Martin Brown (1972-1973) – Fair Oaks School, Rugeley;
David Belford (1973-1977) – Lichfield Music Centre;
Leslie Smith (1977 - 1986) – Head of Music at Graham Balfour High School;
Peter Jones (1986 - 1987) – Teacher of music at Coton College, Oakamoor;
Mrs Joy Atkins (1987 - 1989) – Music Centre, Staffordshire Education Department;
Accompanist: Alan Sykes – Organist, United Reformed Church (1971 - 1989)
GEC Alsthom Association Choir 1989 - 1998
Conductors: Mrs Joy Atkins (1989 - 1990) – Music Centre, Staffordshire Education Department;
Paul Michael Smith (1990 - 1992);
Felicity Theobald (1992);
Musical Director: Dr J. Kenneth H. Rose M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D. (1992 - ) - Organist and Choirmaster of St Bertelin's Church, Stafford; former conductor of two choirs; former Director of 16 operas, mainly for Stafford & District Operatic Society; soloist and duettist in competitive festivals;
Assistant Musical Director: Mrs Cathy E. Garside, BEd, MA, (1992 - 1998) – violinist with Coventry Youth Orchestra, teacher of music in a Stafford school;
Accompanist: Alan Sykes – Organist, Trinity Church (1989 - );
The GEC Alsthom Association Choir designed New Uniform 1 in 1989:
Ladies: High-necked long-sleeved blouse in white with vertical narrow green stripes, green neckerchief, and black ankle-length skirt
Gentlemen: Black dinner jacket and trousers, white long-sleeved shirt, green bow tie, green breast pocket handkerchief.
The GEC Alsthom Association Choir wore this uniform until 1998.
Purchase of new keyboard 1989
Alstom Singers 1998 -
Musical Director: Mrs Cathy E. Garside , BEd, MA, (1998 - );
Assistant Musical Director: Mrs Karen W. Smith (1998 - );
Accompanist: Mrs Amanda Wells (1998 - );
Alstom Singers designed New Uniform 2 in 1998:
Ladies: White high-necked long-sleeved blouse, floral waistcoat, black ankle-length skirt, black shoes. The white blouses were later replaced by pink blouses.
Gentlemen: Black trousers, white long-sleeved shirt, pink waistcoat, pink floral bow tie
Alstom Singers wore this uniform until 2007.
Alstom Singers designed New Uniform 3 in 2007:
Ladies: Black round neck top, green jacket, black trousers, black shoes.
Gentlemen: Black trousers, black long-sleeved shirt, green tie
Alstom Singers wore this uniform from 2007 onwards.
The choir has a varied repertoire ranging from madrigals, folk songs, ballads, opera and show excerpts, to the finest classical choral works. The choir meets for rehearsals every Monday evening 1930 – 2130 from September to June (except Bank Holidays) at St Leonard’s Sports and Social Club, and performs at numerous venues, especially around Christmas time. You will be very welcome to attend, especially if you are a Tenor or Bass. All members pay an annual subscription and must also be members of the St Leonard’s Sports and Social Club.
A folder of music is provided, for which you will be responsible, and this is collected in at the end of the season (June) for updating by the Librarian. A black folder for use at concerts is also provided. A uniform is required for concerts which is as follows:
Ladies: Black trousers, black round neck top, green jacket (provided), black shoes and tights or stockings. No jewellery should be worn with the exception of small earrings.
Gentlemen: Black trousers, black long-sleeved shirt, and green tie (provided), black socks and shoes.
You may also be provided with a stage box to stand on at concerts where there is no appropriate staging. You will be responsible for bringing it along to concerts when requested to do so.
Most of our concerts are fairly local, but for those that are some distance away a coach will be provided for which there will be a small charge.
An Annual General Meeting is held towards the end of the season and the elected committee meets as and when necessary.
Throughout the year we try to arrange social events and always end the season in June with a Social Evening. Any ideas or input for events are most welcome.