About the Thamesdown Ladies Choir

The Thamesdown Ladies Choir, also known affectionately as TLC, perform in and around Swindon - at many venues and in neighbouring villages and towns - performing in churches, halls and residential homes.

Traditionally, the choir host a June concert at the Wyvern Theatre, featuring not only the choir but a host of musical talent! Every year different guests are invited to appear with the choir, and have previously included local bands, dance groups, soloists and other choirs. We also hold a Christmas concert each year at Bath Road Methodist Church in Old Town, Swindon to start off the yuletide celebrations.

          

We have raised many thousands of pounds over the years since 1975 for different local charities, and hope to continue to do so for many years to come.

The Origins Of The Choir

The Thamesdown Ladies Choir was first established in 1975 by Mrs Patricia Langley-Poole and was at that time called ‘The Thamesdown Singers’. There were around 20 members then but now 30 years later that has risen to some 65 ladies, which still includes a few of the original members. To help the Choir mark its 25th anniversary as well as the Millennium, a Compact Disc was produced of the Choir’s favourite pieces at that time. Milestone Concerts are held every 5 years.

In 2002 Pat Langley-Poole retired after 27 years with the choir as Musical Director and the ladies were then joined by Jackie Pattenden. She developed the choir by introducing new music and also encouraging a small group of the ladies to form "A Touch of TLC" (formerly ‘TLC Reduced’). They have entertained audiences 'a cappella' [without accompaniment] and a variety of lighter pieces. Further, a few members were encouraged as soloists featuring in certain songs or by performing duets.

In the past the choir has taken part in music festivals, in Portsmouth, Bournemouth and Llandudno to name but a few. The Ladies have also undertaken various tours around the country over the years – to towns and villages in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and Sussex raising money for their local charities. In 2005 they also visited Swansea and Taunton by invitation to sing with the Male voice choirs in those areas.

After 3 years directing the choir, Jackie moved on to a new challenge of directing a local youth choir, whom I am sure will benefit under her new leadership as much as TLC have.

The Present

Chris Body took over the baton as the Musical Director in January 2006.

Chris is an independent music teacher and college lecturer with diverse musical experience in piano, percussion and choral work. Playing piano from the age of seven, she was educated at Chelmsford County High School for Girls, studied as a Saturday scholar at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and graduated in Music from York University in 1975. She gained radio production experience at the BBC, working on programmes for World Service Music and Schools Radio. Chris has spent many years as a schools music teacher at primary and secondary level in Buckinghamshire and now lives and teaches in the Swindon area.

Chair Rose Stump Retires at Christmas

      

We said a fond farewell at the end of 2008 to Rose Stump who had been with the Choir for 28 years and Chairman for 21 of those. At our annual Christmas concert at Bath Road Methodist Church she was presented with many gifts including a poem that had been written for her and she was given Life Membership of the choir. Diane Lee, who has been secretary for many years, has now taken over the mantle of Chair.

        

The following letter appeared in the Swindon Advertiser Wednesday 7th January, 2009

“Farewell and thanks to Rose”

As the year draws to its close, the end of an era comes to Thamesdown Ladies' Choir. Namely, the retirement of Rose Stump, who joined the choir 27 years ago and was chairman for 21 of them. Her decision to retire will, I know, have been both difficult and painful. She was an excellent member - musically talented, dependable, and totally committed to the ethos of the choir. Rose's conscientious attitude meant that her attendance at rehearsals and concerts (both for charity and entertainment) was exemplary But perhaps what lifted her fellow choristers above all, was her good humour and sense of fun. As chairman she gave what must have been hundreds of hours to arranging transport and accommodation for Eisteddfods, music festivals and especially the choir's many fund-raising tours both in the UK and abroad. From Ayr to Penzance, Dublin to Eastbourne the ladies were able to just climb aboard a coach and unpack in their allotted rooms, as if by magic. Really, of course, it was due to Rose's meticulous organisation. She is a remarkable lady, who knows how to live life to the full, and I am sure that in retirement she will continue to be there for whoever needs her. Finally it only remains for me to thank you, Rose, and say what an honour, privilege and joy it was to work so closely with you for so many years. I'll miss your happy smile in the front row. Never mind, we can sit together in the audience and enjoy...

Patricia Langley-Poole Founder and first musical director of Thamesdown Ladies' Choir, Swindon