THIS week in Down Memory Lane I hear voices! Well the Thurrock Male Voice Choir, which is celebrating 75 years of singing.

Working with John Pope, the current chairman, I was helped to look at their 75 years of programmes and development.

The choir was formed on May 9, 1938, by Arthur Jones, who was from a Welsh family that had settled in Grays. Two long-standing members of the original line-up were Eric McCastby and Stuart Whatmore.

The programme included Elgar’s “As torrents in summer” and Holst’s “I vow to thee my country”.

The choir had its first concert on October 19, 1938, at the Congregational Church, New Road, Grays, which was soon to be destroyed by enemy bombing.

The choir practised and put on concerts, including entertaining soldiers stationed in camps across the area. The choir’s first BBC broadcast was heard on November 21, 1950, which helped to increase its membership.

An extended programme of events included many national and international events.

In 1982, the choir took a trip to Gibraltar, for instance. More recently, the choir’s main concert is its “celebrity” concert at the Thurrock Civic Hall, which occurs annually.

The choir still takes part in many events for charity, often working with another musical group, and has won many awards in 75 years for helping charities and large events, showcasing members’ talents.

To celebrate its 75th year, a temporary display of the choir’s memorabilia is on display in Thurrock Museum and on May 11, at the Civic Hall, starting at 7.30pm, a special charity concert, raising funds for the Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in London, will be held.

Admission is £10 for adults and children are free. Contact 01375 383775 for more information. Please support them and a worthwhile charity!