BUILTH Male Voice Choir have been back performing again of late after the pandemic, and now they’re launching a recruitment drive to find more people to sing from the same hymn sheet as them.

If you think you can hold a tune or would like to try something new, you can join the choir for an open practice from 8pm at the Victoria Hall in Llanwrtyd Wells on Monday, July 11, with anyone encouraged to attend.

“We are holding an open practice night on Monday, July 11, at the Victoria Hall, Llanwrtyd Wells,” the group announced last week on its Facebook page.

“Members of the public are welcome to come along and listen. We would like to encourage any prospective new member to listen and join in the practice session. Everyone will be made very welcome.”

The choir performed their first post-Covid public concert at St Andrew's Church in Presteigne to support the Judge's Lodging on May 20 – a welcome return to action following restrictions placed on mass gatherings over the last two years. A packed and very appreciative audience was treated to a feast of music performed by the choir, as well as the Dolau Mixtures Choir and Duncan Gibbs on the Appalachian dulcimer.

On the choir website, Builth MVC describe themselves as a group of around 50 or so men of varying ages (though they have had much younger members in the past and always welcome younger voices) who enjoy singing to entertain and raise funds for good causes. Adrian Morgan is the musical director with Ann Bufton the accompanist.

Members come from Builth and beyond, with the choir’s headquarters at the Greyhound Hotel, which is where weekly practices are normally held, every Monday evening.

The choir was formed in 1968 and a number of founder members still sing with them. As well as being a sociable and fun group, the choir is also a registered charity. As well as performing at charity concerts, they perform at weddings, private functions and funerals.

“We are always seeking new members who will enjoy singing a wide variety of songs in a wide variety of places,” the choir says on its website.

“We don’t have formal auditions and you are welcome to sit in on a rehearsal to see if you’d like to join.”

As well as performing across Wales, the choir has toured extensively in Europe, including Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Ireland and the Czech Republic.

For more information about Builth Male Voice Choir, visit the website www.builthmalechoir.org.uk.