This weekend will see a very special anniversary concert take place in Douglas, celebrating one of the island’s oldest musical institutions.

The Lon Dhoo Male Voice Choir was formed 80 years ago this year, and will be holding an evening of song and celebration on Sunday, November 19 at St George’s Church, Douglas, to commemorate the event.

Joining the choir will be the fellow Manx choir The Regal Singers, along with the talents of five former Cleveland Medal winners, including special guest soloist Ruth Tickle. Former Young Musician of Mann Josh Brown will also appear.

Stan Kewley, from the Lon Dhoo Male Voice Choir, said he hoped the concert will make a fitting celebration.

’It will be a very special musical occasion, definitely one not to be missed,’ said Stan.

’Along with the five Cleveland medal winners performing with us on the night, we are lucky enough to have three of them in the choir with us, Geoff Corkish MBE MLC, Terry Qualtrough and Peter Cringle. They have all won the medal many times between them.

’The Regal singers will be performing alongside us for the concert. We will be singing separately and will also come together for part of the night. That will be very special.’

The choir formed in 1937, and was first put together by Fred Buxton, who was a highly involved and influential figure in the island’s music and entertainment scene in the pre-war years. ’I myself joined around 20 years ago, after I retired, and have loved every minute of it,’ said Stan, 82.

’In that time we have managed to play all over, in some interesting places.

’We have also performed in Wales, especially in Llangollen, where we took part in the annual Massed Choirs event. We have been there about six times now.’

The most stand-out moment for Stan came at the end of a once-in-a-lifetime tour around various locations in Canada in 2001, even performing at the bandstand at Niagara Falls.

The choir found themselves caught up in the chaos in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, when many flights were grounded and travel plans disrupted.

’We were due to fly out the next day, after the attacks,’ remembered Stan.

’We ended up being diverted to Toronto, after all the planes were cancelled. There were so many people in the airport, it was quite incredible to see people so packed in together.

’We all decided to give the people a song. We sang "Ellan Vannin". That has to be one of my most memorable moments in my time with the choir.’

The choir rehearses every Wednesday evening at the Coloumba Club, Circular Road, Douglas, and new members are welcome.

Tickets for the concert, which begins at 7.30pm, are £7 and can be obtained from any choir member or at the door of St George’s Church.

by Mike Wade

twitter:@iomnewspapers