Legendary Rossendale choir commemorated after 100 years of music

A memorial commemorating 100 years of a renowned choir has been installed.

Last week saw the culmination of two years’ work to create a public and lasting memorial to the first 100 years of the Rossendale Male Voice Choir (RMVC). Rawtenstall Town Square now houses a tourist information panel recounting the choir’s history.

Several members brought their various skills to the project, from designing the memorial to the building of the frame and its installation. The project was supported by Lancashire County Council and Rossendale Borough Council who supported the plan with both funding and enthusiasm, for which the choir say they are extremely grateful.

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The Project Leader said: “From the outset, we’ve had nothing but encouragement from Councillor Anne Cheetham, through a LCC Member’s Grant; Jaid Flatley, Rawtenstall Regeneration Officer; and Claire Bradley and Stephanie Thornton at the Planning and Communities departments of RBC.

“We’re immensely grateful for all their support and hope the panel gives many people an insight into the amazing history of the choir and its role in the culture of the borough.

“We’re also celebrating the choir’s centenary with an exhibition in the Whitaker Museum until August, a plaque in Rawtenstall Library, and three special concerts at St James Church, Haslingden (June 15), St Mary’s, Rawtenstall (June 29) and the Royal Court theatre, Bacup, with Seán Ruane (September 28).

“It’s going to be a busy but very memorable year.”

The choir is on tour to Belgium Ghent on May 10, including a concert at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral in the centre of Ghent on Saturday, May 11.

On Sunday, RMVC will travel to Ypres to pay their respects to the fallen at the Memorial Graves and other memorial locations in the area before they sing at the Menin Gate for the memorial service at 8pm.

At the Last Post Service wreaths will be laid from the RMVC and on behalf of the British Legion and Rossendale Borough Council.