ABOUT US

Audley built on a hill with 12th Century Anglican Church as it's focal point and having it's own defensive castle  guarding approaches in its early years. Was the main village on the edge of the subsequent surrounding evolving mining villages of, Bignall End, Wood Lane ,Miles Green, Halmerend, Alsagers Bank and Scot Hey which over the years have grown closer together as the population and housing needs dictated. There remains a certain rivalry and pride within those individual communities to this day. It was from these communities rising up from the many individual coal mines operating throughout these locations and having strong religious Methodist  traditions that members of the original choir were drawn from. The devastations to the land and environment caused by such extensive mining have long since disappeared to be gradually replaced by what can be genuinely said " Is a green and pleasant area to live in". The choir now attract members from much wider afield and all points of the compass and sadly less from the local community .but with our continued local involvement  and profile it is hoped that there are those within this growing community who will hear our call and would like to join us on our continued musical journey.

Chris Cromar is now the Musical Director of the Audley Male Voice Choir having replaced Robert Owens in June 2023 

Until recently Director of Music at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral in Aberdeen, he is a former Music Director of Congleton Choral Society, Royal Leamington Spa Bach Choir and Keele University Bach Choir.

He has worked with many other choirs including the BBC Singers, Brighton Festival Chorus, Radio France Chorus, and has conducted many prestigious orchestras including the CBSO, BBC Philharmonic, and English Symphony Orchestra.

As an organist he has given recitals in prestUntil igious venues including Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

His involvement with male voice choirs goes back to his time working with the Metropolitan Police Male Voice Choir, performing in Westminster Cathedral and the Barbican in London, and playing the organ for massed choir events in the Royal Festival and Albert Halls in London and elsewhere.



 

CHOIR PRESIDENT

Philip W Broadhurst MBE  Inspirational Musical Director of the choir during the choirs successful years 1971-2015

CHOIR PATRON

Ingrid Surgenor MBE the celebrated accompanist from Cardiff in Wales had her own personal following at our series of Celebrity Concerts when she came with and accompained the many international artistes annually appearing on stage at the Victoria Hall Hanley, Stoke-On-Trent for over 25yrs. She remains Patron of the choir a role she accepted in 2001. She still retains a special place in the hearts of many choir members.

           Chairman- Brian Johnson                                          Treasurer- Allan G Wright                                     

                                            Secretary- Neil Munro