Some other things you might need to know
About the choir
Nankersey Male Voice Choir has come a long way since their first concert at Flushing Primitive Methodist Chapel in 1950, but throughout the years, they have held true to the original Choir Motto “to sing for and to give pleasure”.
Nankersey Male Voice Choir was formed in 1950. Originally “called” The Nankersey Glee Singers’, the twelve members joined together to pursue their mutual interest in close harmony singing.
The choir’s name is the old Cornish name for the village of Flushing .
However Flushing’s location, on the opposite side of the harbour to the town of Falmouth , sometimes provided more than a few problems for members from ‘across the water’. The only public transport to Flushing in the early days was by a ferryboat, which finished at 7pm . After that time it was by rowing boat, which on a dark and stormy night could be very hazardous.
Older members quite clearly remember standing on Flushing Quay for half an hour or more, shouting ‘Over’ to the boatman who was waiting for passengers on Falmouth’s Greenbank quay, or possibly in the bar of the Greenbank Hotel!
Our signature song is therefore ‘Row Boatman,Row!
The Choir recovered so well after the 2020 pandemic and are now back up to strength with nearly 50 members.
Our 75th Anniversary sees us celebrating with concerts across the County with 10 other Choirs. The repertoire is mixed and varied with old favourites, classic songs for four part male choirs as well as new items.
Our members come from all walks of life and backgrounds and this mixture gives us a rich and valuable community.
With one member , Brian Brewer clocking up 55 years , David Pinhay and Roger Furse celebrate 50 . Our Musical Director, Elaine Tangye has guided and led the Choir for 35 years.
A truly remarkable record of service, dedication and commitment.
This builds our culture and togetherness, always enjoying our heritage but with a warm welcome for new members who will take us forward for the next 75 years.
It’s all about ‘Singing for Pleasure’ ‘Kana rag lowenhe’
Elaine Tangye
Musical Director
From an early age, I have always loved music and singing. I began learning piano at age six and continued my musical journey at Tretherras and Newquay School under the guidance of Goff Richards. I also learned percussion and clarinet, performed in school concerts, and was part of the choir and clarinet ensemble. I later joined the Cornwall Youth Orchestra.
After leaving school, I continued piano lessons and completed my grades with the Associated Board of Music. I moved to Stithians in 1978 and joined the Stithians Ladies Choir in 1979. Over 34 years, I served as chorister, accompanist, and, from 1996 to 2013, Musical Director. I also accompanied Stithians Male Choir (1982–1985) and Nankersey Male Choir (1990–1998). Inspired by workshops with Dr Roy Wales, I pursued choral conducting and became Musical Director of Nankersey in 1998—a role I proudly continue today.
Since 2016, I have also directed the Tresillian Singers. In 2003, I led the Kernow Male Choir on tour in Australia, conducting at the Sydney Opera House with the Sydney Youth Orchestra. I was Musical Director of the Trelawny Male Choir during tours to Singapore, New Zealand (2007), and Eastern Canada (2015). I participated in recordings for the Eden Project and have been involved in every Cornwall International Male Voice Choral Festival since 2003.
In 2013, I was honoured to be one of four conductors at the Massed Male Voice Concert at the Royal Albert Hall. In 2005, I was made a Cornish Bard for “services to music in Cornwall” and awarded the same by the Gorsedh.
Music is in my blood. Watching new members grow into confident performers and sharing the joy of choral singing continues to inspire me.
Michael Uren
Accompanist
“Music has always been a huge part of my life. I joined Penzance Choral Society and Helston Choral Society while I was still at school. I also became Organist and Choirmaster of High Street Methodist Church, Penzance early on in my life. I joined Four Lanes Male Choir in September 1982 as a second tenor. I progressed through the ranks to Accompanist and eventually Musical Director. I had the honour and privilege of joining Nankersey Male Choir as Accompanist in September 2014. To be able to accompany one of the most prestigious Male Choirs in Cornwall, and beyond, is indeed the pinnacle of one’s accomplishments. I have also for the last 20 years been the Organist at St Erth Church”.
David Lansdowne
President
In July 2006 I was walking on Flushing Quay with my young son, just around the corner from home. It was a beautiful evening and the tide was high, right up to the top of the wall. The Enterprise Boat was on a mooring just off the quay and started its engine. We stood back as the skipper brought it alongside and then, as if by magic, the quay was full of people. Nankersey had arrived to catch the ferry to St. Mawes for their annual concert in the village hall. My son and I stood listening to the men singing as they glided away downwind on the gentle westerly….
I decided there and then that I should join the choir. In March 2007 I popped my head in the door at the Church Hall and was warmly welcomed by Elaine. She introduced me to the choir, there was a huge round of applause, and I was in!
The next summer it was me boarding the Enterprise Boat and heading over to St. Mawes. The concert that night was followed by a “shout” outside the Rising Sun. There were people all around us, hanging out of the windows, listening, videoing, some even joining in. My daughter fell asleep in her mum’s arms on the ferry home, lulled to sleep by “Calm is the Sea”. What a memory!
Both of my children have grown up watching “Dad”, and they often mention their fond memories of being able to stay up late for the summer concert in the Methodist Chapel and at Christmas in St. Peter’s Church. They have both gone on to become very happy and successful musicians. I know that Nankersey played a big part in helping them on their way.
Annual Subscription:
£120 – this can be paid monthly by standing order, cash or cheque. This can also be paid in full at the start of the year.
Current membership – 51
Top Tenors – 12
Second Tenors – 11
Baritones – 15
Basses – 13
AGM
An Annual General Meeting is held in February every year. It elects officers and committee, and also makes key decisions about how the choir is run.
Noticeboard
The secretary asks that you take note of important notices and information, which you can view in the members area. Minutes of recent meetings are also available.
Our Badge and our Logo
THE BADGE
This badge has been part of Choir history and we cherish it and wear it with pride and honour. Once you become a member, then you are entitled to wear the uniform and the badge.
THE LOGO
The Logo and strap line – ‘Sing for Pleasure’ is our visual representation of our Choir. It’s what we do!
The logo identifies us and will build recognition that reminds people about Nankersey Male Choir.
It’s a talking point that will be on display on all media, publicity and press information.