AND THE BEAT GOES ON
(A short history of the South Yorkshire Police Male Voice Choir)
We don’t really know whose idea it was, but who ever it was, would they be surprised to discover that
the “Beat Goes On” to this day?
Sometime before the 5 th October 1925, in the now demolished Guildhall in Doncaster. What is now Marks
and Spencer’s Store in Frenchgate. Someone decided to do something to help the impoverished and bare
footed children of the town, and so commenced the 80 year history of what is now known as the South
Yorkshire Police Male Voice Choir.
first concert on the 5 th October of that year was performed at the Doncaster Grand Theatre, which was
at that time a flourishing venue for many renowned Music Hall and variety performances. This concert
performed by the Borough Police Officers was in aid of the of Doncaster County Boroughs’ then Chief
Constable’s Charity, to buy “Boots for the Bairns’.” That is the very early part of the Choir’s history of
their formation. Little more is known of this period in the choirs’ history.
Throughout the war years, 1939 – 45, music in the Police Service, understandably, took a back seat. The
first peacetime concert, was in 1946, held at Doncaster Waterdale Girls High School with a local Brass Band
and local artiste’s. 1948 saw the start of the tradition, which continues to this day, the annual Christmas
Carols on the Wards at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
Various amalgamations in the Police Service forced the Choir to change names to that commensurate with
the new Police Authority governing the town, initially known as Doncaster County Borough Police Male
Voice Choir. 1974 saw the change of name to the choir’s present name.
The ethos of the Choir through all its years has been to raise funds for National and Local Charities. It is
difficult to comment on the amounts raised over the year but it will certainly be in excess of six figures.
Whilst raising funds, there have been some notable and memorable occasions for the Choir. In addition
to performing in many local Church Halls, they have sung with other Choirs in such prestigious venues as
The Royal Festival Hall, 1984, in the presence of H.R.H Princess Margaret, in aid of the NSPCC, also on this
bill were personalities Michael Bentine and Tom O`Connor. In 1987 at The Royal Albert Hall (1,000 Police
voices) to raise funds for Save the Children, Cardiff Arms Park, (now the Millennium Stadium) on two
occasions when 10,000 male voices from all over the world, sang to raise funds for Children’s Charities
through he auspices of ‘Lord’s Taverners.’ The Cardiff events were particularly memorable as these events
in 1992 included Tom Jones, with the combined Bands of the Welsh, Irish, Scots and Coldstream Guards. In
1993 with Welsh diva Dame Shirley Bassey, and the London Phiharmonic Orchestra, accompanied by the
Choirs in a rendition of The Beatles “Hey Jude.” Both these events were shown live on national Television.
Such events with other Choirs have lent to exchanges and visits to places as far away as Herten and Bocchum,
in Germany, Newport in Wales, Plymouth, Portsmouth and the Cathedral City of Hereford where Concerts
have been performed with local Choirs. The Choir singing in the national language of the hosts in Germany
and Wales tested language skills of the choir members.
The year 2000 was filled with a mixture of emotions. The enjoyment of the 75 th anniversary of the Choir and
a visit to the Birmingham NEC were a Musical Extravaganza took place with a plethora of Music from Police
Officers across the UK. This included the British Police Symphony Orchestra, Police Brass Bands, Police Pipe
Bands, Police Choirs and a multitude of other musical talent. The 75 th Anniversary concert, with the
Internationally renowned pianist Mr John Briggs. Memorable not just for the event, but for the fact that choir
members had to be seconded to lift a three quarters of a ton Steinway concert piano up the staircase into the
hall at the concert venue! The great sadness at the loss of our Musical Director of some 25 years Captain Peter
Sumner MBE, LRAM, ARCM, RM (RET’D) It is perhaps worthy of note that in some 50 years the choir has had
only two Musical Directors and three accompanists.
In 2001 the choir visited Cyprus and performed a concert in 90 degrees plus heat at the British Ex Patriots Club
in Phaphos to an enthusiastic audience. The choir has, over the years, made a number of records, AudioTapes
and C.D., all of which have sold, well to the general public. Any monies raised from these sales have been put
to use to provide the choir with music, clothing and transport.
For contact names and telephone numbers of Choir Section please contact Bev on the e-mail address or
telephone number at top of page.
