Police choir has been hitting the right note for 60 years

23 November 2023

From taking the stage at the Royal Albert Hall to socially-distanced singing in a barn during the pandemic, the Hereford Police Male Voice Choir certainly have some fascinating tales to tell from the past 60 years.

Originally formed exclusively for police officers in 1957, the group - which currently has 70 members - now consists of male musicians from all walks of life, including doctors, dentists and undertakers.

And with the choir actively inviting others to join their ‘band of brothers’, West Mercia Police Federation thought it was a great opportunity to find out more from its current members.

“The choir is a family in itself, and we would now welcome any new members who want to join us,” said chairman Ray Williams, who told how the choir have travelled internationally to sing at events, including the likes of Berlin and Ireland.

“We really are a ‘band of brothers’ and there is a definite sense of camaraderie between us. Our members travel from across the country to practice and perform with us, which speaks for itself really.

Hereford Police Male Choir with their Musical Director Alison Houlbrooke.

“From small churches to performing at the Royal Albert Hall, along with singing at charity events - the choir has sung all over. In fact, we have raised more than £1 million in total for charities since we first launched in 1957.

“You don’t have to have any experience singing - all male musicians and singers are invited to come along.”

Ray, 63, joined the choir in 2011, having retired from West Mercia Police, where he served for 30 years, with his last role being a detective sergeant.

He is married to West Mercia Police Federation’s conduct lead and treasurer Lesley Williams, who supports the choir by volunteering as treasurer.

“I was born and raised in the South Wales Valleys and male voice choirs are the backbone of the community there. So it came naturally for me to join Hereford Male Voice Choir when the opportunity arose,” added Ray, who has been chairman of the group for eight years.

The choir was initially formed to mark the centenary celebration of Herefordshire Constabulary. Back then, there were just 12 officers, led by Brian Williams MBE, who formed a choir to sing at the anniversary event in Hereford Cathedral.

Although it now welcomes male musicians from all backgrounds, the choir continues to have a close link with the Force, with the serving Chief Constable named President.

Brian sadly died in 2017 having been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). He was secretary of the group when he died, with fellow member David Coulson then taking on the role and vowing to keep Brian’s memory alive.

Long-serving member David said: “There’s a real comfort felt in being part of the choir. There’s a sense of family in the police, and that’s the same in the choir.”

David, 64, a retired inspector, joined the choir in 1988, after transferring to West Mercia Police Force from the Met that year.

“Admittedly, it’s just as much about socialising as it is singing,” continued the father-of-three and grandfather-of-four.

“It’s a chance for members to meet other like-minded people, who come from various walks of life, it’s very uplifting.”

A milestone for the choir was appearing on Last Choir Standing in 2008, a competition that was broadcast on the BBC and involved choirs from across the country competing against one another.

They reached the last 12, with David calling it a ‘fantastic experience’.

Acting Deputy Chief Constable at West Mercia Police Richard Cooper
and Choir Chair Ray Williams.

Fellow member, Rob Bowen has described the choir as an ‘escape from everyday life.”

“There is no doubt in my mind that singing is good for you and your mind,” said the father of two and grandfather of three.

The former police constable originally joined the choir in 2013, four years after retiring from West Mercia Police Force in 2009.

“I moved away from the area and nearer to South Wales, to be closer to family. I ended up singing for a choir in South Wales and also the Hereford Police Male Voice Choir - driving back to West Mercia to sing.

“I moved back to the West Mercia area in 2017, and have been singing for only Hereford Police Male Voice Choir ever since.”

Many describe the choir as a ‘lifeline’ and a ‘support network’, both of which were clearly felt when the world was brought to a halt by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The choir was a lifeline for us during the pandemic. Obviously, everyone was restricted and had to stay at home, with some of our members living on their own,” explained Rob.

Around 30 to 40 members of the choir would meet virtually via Zoom each week, to catch up and also practice.

“We would have a chat and also try and get a bit of practice in,” continued Rob, adding: “It was a huge help for so many people, during dark times.”

When restrictions were relaxed, the group started to meet in person again - but this time, outdoors, and in a lambing shed.

“To comply with social distancing, we would meet in a barn that belonged to one of our Patrons. We would sing to an audience of sheep, cows and birds - looking back, it was such a surreal experience really.”

As well as raising money for charity, the choir also holds an annual bursary competition, which gives young people the chance to perform with them on stage and win £1,000.

If you are interested in joining the choir or would like more information then visit their website or contact David by calling 07939 272453 or emailing david.coulson@btinternet.com