Ramsbottom Choral Society & Orchestra

On Friday 15th May 2009, 82 members and friends of Ramsbottom Choral Society & Orchestra gathered at the Red Hall Hotel and Restaurant to celebrate their 60th Anniversary of making music since the society was re-formed in 1949.

The Mayor of Bury, Councillor Sheila Magnall attended the dinner accompanied by Counsellor Barry Theckston and Councillor Diana Ashworth who is the hard working and very supportive Chairman of the Society.

An excellent meal was enjoyed in the very pleasant surroundings and guests were entertained after the meal by David Cahill from the Societies orchestra and his very talented friends who played a wide variety of big band pieces ending with a well deserved encore to round off a most enjoyable evening.

The speeches were under the direction of Toast Master Robert Beedie, treasurer of the society. Chairman Counsellor Diana Ashworth, Conductor Barry Sugden, long serving choir member David Burns and visitor Harry Butterworth (Musical Director of Saddleworth Musical Society), reflected on the commitment, love of music, hard work and quality performances that were part and parcel of the society.

A highly unusual element of the society is that it has its own orchestra led by Pat Butterworth. The orchestra was formed shortly after Barry Sugden became conductor 25 years ago and has grown to become an essential part of concerts given by the society adding depth to each performance.

One of the key themes running through all of the speeches was the friendliness encountered by new members which is present in all the society’s activities, developing into long term friendships over the years.