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Officers and Constitution

The choir is managed via a steering group composed of the officers and up to five other choir members as detailed below. The Musical Directors are not part of the steering group.

Musical Directors

Lester SimpsonLester Simpson

Lester is our Musical Director. He is a choir leader, singer, songwriter and musician. For 25 years he has been writing a range of songs, the overtly political, environmental, lullabies, songs of the Great War, love songs. Mojo magazine described him as “an exceptional song writer”. Most widely known for his work with acclaimed a cappella trio “Coope Boyes and Simpson”, surprisingly he also finds time to work as a soloist. He conducts our main Sunday rehearsals and often supplies new arrangements for the choir.



Penny BarfieldPenny Barfield

Penny is our Assistant Musical Director. Penny is a music teacher mainly specialising in younger people.



Janet RussellJanet Russell

Janet was the first Musical Director of the choir. She remains a good friend of the choir and occasionally acts as a visiting MD. Janet manages several other choirs.



Officers and Steering Group

George Mahoney is Steering Group coordinator.

Lyn Mahoney is Acting Choir Treasurer.

The following Choir members make up the choir steering group.

  • Helen Hopkins
  • Jude Brook
  • Sue Sumner

Constitution

Leek Peace Choir Draft Constitution

1 Name

  • The name of the choir shall be Leek Peace Choir, hereafter referred to as 'the Choir'.

2 Aims and Objectives

  • Through singing, to promote peace, friendship, reconciliation and a fair, sustainable world.

  • To organise or participate in local and community events which correspond well to the above aims.

3 Membership

  • Membership of the choir is open to all over the age of 18 who share our objectives.

  • There is no requirement to read music, neither will there be a formal audition. However, numbers may be limited due to meeting facilities.

  • Membership shall be those who enrol with the choir and who pay an annual subscription fee. An attendance subscription is to be paid at each rehearsal. The fees will be reviewed annually by the steering group. Prospective members are welcome to attend up to two rehearsals before being expected to pay.

  • Members’ details (name, address, telephone number, email etc.) are recorded solely for the purpose of communication with details of meetings and rehearsals.

  • Persons who have helped and supported the choir may be invited to be Honorary Members. Honorary Members will not be required to pay subscriptions.

4 Officers and Steering Group

  • The officers of the Choir shall comprise Choir Coordinator and Treasurer.

  • The steering group consists of the above officers and up to five other choir members and meets as necessary.

  • The steering group has the power to co-opt additional help from the membership where appropriate.

  • The MD and AMD will be invited to all meetings.

  • Officers will be elected or re-elected at the AGM by vote of the membership

  • The steering group may notify matters of import to the membership as a whole for discussion and decision, possibly entailing extraordinary general meetings of the Choir.

5 Meetings and AGM

  • Rehearsals take place 3 times a month, twice on weekday evenings and once on a Sunday afternoon.

  • These are normally led by the Musical Director (MD) or the Assistant Musical Director (AMD) as appropriate.

  • Additional rehearsals may be arranged before performances.

  • Meeting times and venues will be communicated by email and website to all members with printed copies available at rehearsals for those unable to access the Internet.

  • There will be an AGM within two months after the end the financial year. The steering group will provide reports and elections will take place at the AGM.

  • Any proposed changes to this constitution must be notified to the Choir Coordinator at least 3 weeks before the AGM and must be supported and seconded by Choir members. Proposed changes will be put to the membership for approval/rejection.

6 Finances

  • The financial year will end on 31st March each year.

  • The Choir will maintain a bank account with cheques requiring two signatures. The Choir Coordinator, Treasurer and one other choir member will be designated as signatories.

  • The income and property of the Choir, whencesoever derived, will be applied primarily towards promoting the objectives of the Choir as set forth above and no portion thereof will be paid or transferred either directly or indirectly to any Members of the Choir except in payment of legitimate expenses. Donations to charities may also be made in accordance with the decisions of Choir Members.

  • The Treasurer will make an annual report of finances at the AGM

detailing income, expenditure and any distributions to charity or charities. This report will be made available for scrutiny to the membership.

7 Performances

  • The Choir will aim to organise at least two concerts each year.

  • The Choir will perform in other concerts either alone or in partnership with other singers or choirs as opportunities arise.

  • The MD/AMD has the final say as to whether a performance is appropriate and achievable and which items are to be included.

  • The composition of the choir for a performance is at the discretion of the MD/AMD, depending on voice balance and preparedness for the songs.

8 Dissolution

  • In the event of the Choir being wound up, any assets remaining upon dissolution, after the payment of proper debts and liabilities, will be transferred to an institution or institutions that will use these assets to help promote general health and well-being by offering opportunities for participation in singing and/or musical activities.

All content is © Leek Peace Choir except where stated. This page last updated December 20, 2022