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DAVE GETS HIS MUG

Retiring bass and choir founder member Dave Binge was presented with an engraved pewter tankard at choir rehearsal on May 2.  Dave retired from the choir after a sterling 37 years last November.  The presentation was made by choir master of ceremonies John Ward Turner, to generous applause from choir musical director Richard Hoyle and the assembled choir members.

 

JOHN WARD TURNER WRITES:

David Binge, one of the choir’s longest serving members, retired from the choir this year. David joined in 1975 under the Musical Director and founder David Neil. He was a member of the Bass section although he originally joined the Second Tenors moving down to the Baritones.

David was Choir Secretary for many years retiring from that post in 2000. He is married to Margaret, a great supporter of the choir, who rarely misses any of the concerts; they have two sons John and Paul.

David worked as a computer engineer from the early days and must have witnessed the huge growth and advancement in this field from its infancy to the computerized world we live in today.

During his time with the choir, David has sung under the direction of five different musical directors: the founder David Neil, then Phil Ratcliff who was followed by Ozzie Arnold, then Richard Hoyle when Ozzie moved to South Wales.  Richard Hoyle was followed for a short while by Stephen Hope but then resumed his role as the current musical director.

Although retired from singing, David will still keep in contact with the choir as a social member and he has been made an Honorary Life Patron in recognition of his outstanding support to the choir.

 

JWT presents Dave wiith his tankard