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 Ian
McGilvray
Ian McGilvray, who lives in Knutsford with his wife Brenda, retired
from the Choir (bass section) in 2002. He joined the
Choir in the early 1970s, when rehearsals were held in Wilmslow Parish
Church, and Ian remembers it being “very cold".
Before joining The Barnby Choir, Ian sang in a well known local madrigal group,
which had to disband due to a shortage of tenors. When Ian sought membership of
the Choir, Bertie Barnby asked him if he was “any good”, whereupon Ian replied
that he had been in Bill Minay’s choir in Edinburgh. Bill Minay had been
assistant organist at Manchester Cathedral in Bertie’s time, so Bertie informed
Ian that “anyone good enough to be in Bill Minay’s choir was welcome in The
Barnby Choir”, or words to that effect.
Ian served as Chairman of The Barnby Choir for a total of 9 years, for two
separate periods, between which he served as Treasurer for 3 years. His wish was
always to foster the spirit of fellowship that characterises the Choir. Ian was
responsible for the Constitution and for setting up the Gift Aid scheme, whereby
members can gift the tax relief on their subscriptions. During his last stint as
Chairman, Ian led the Choir committee in the recruitment of Peter Stallworthy to
the post of Conductor. On his retirement, Ian was made an Honorary Life Member
in recognition of his long and outstanding service to the Choir.
 Norman Bland
Norman Bland joined the Choir in 1946, just after the Second World
War. In those days the Choir was based at Manchester Cathedral and
rehearsed there every week. However, Norman remembered that they could
not perform there because the organ was damaged in the Manchester Blitz,
and so their performances were held in St Ann's Church, a few streets
away in St Ann's Square.
Norman was a professionally trained singer, and one time he was
taught by Elsie Thurston. Until about 1980 he was the Bass soloist at
most of our concerts. Norman had to stop singing a few years ago and,
like Ian, was made an Honorary Life Member in recognition of his many
years of service to the Choir. He is shown here receiving flowers and a
card from Carol Leather, our Chairman.
Sadly, Norman passed away in September 2006. A group of singers from
the Choir sang at his funeral.
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