A few months ago nearly all local mixed choirs had a few vacancies - especially in the tenors and basses. But now it seems those ‘few vacancies’ are turning into quite a serious shortage of both men and women singers.

As Dave Howells, musical director of The Quaynotes, one of our most popular local choirs (based in Carew) says: “It’s never been that easy to recruit men, maybe because of the strength of our local male voice choirs. But lately it has become even harder - and it’s started to affect the women’s sections… the sopranos and altos. And it’s not only our choir - other conductors tell me they’re finding the same thing.”

Dave wondered whether people have the wrong idea about what it’s like in a choir. As he said: “We go to all sorts of venues - village halls, pubs and clubs, churches, chapels - even castles! And we perform a real mix of music, from Beatles to Bach, Leonard Cohen to Felix Mendelssohn… and back again from Calon Lân to Abba.

“It’s certainly not about singing solos. All that matters is that you can pretty much hold a note and enjoy being part of the end result. It’s not even important - in the Quaynotes at least - to read music. We help each other learn and we enjoy ourselves. We just love getting together to make a lovely sound.

“If anyone thinks they might be interested we’d love to hear from them,” Dave added. “There’s nothing to lose by finding out, so talk to your local choir or contact us through our website at www.Quaynotes.co.uk. Or call Caroline on 01646 672503.”