IN 1975 local singing Group Hart Male Voice Choir was formed at the Chequers Pub in Crookham Village by five men who just loved to sing.

The landlord Dan offered his lounge bar for rehearsals. After a few glasses of beer, the choir was launched.

The chequers board from the pub sign sits proudly at the centre of the choir badge.

Since then the choir has grown in size and popularity throughout the UK and in Europe and tomorrow (Wednesday) will be performing in Odiham with a Christmas concert that will aim to dispel Covid gloom.

This Christmas concert will be the choir’s third concert since October and the relaxation of lockdown restrictions.

Music director Kevin Jacot is delighted the choir has come back from lockdown "singing better than ever".

Capacity audiences in Wrecclesham and Godalming have been hugely enthusiastic with their applause.

The many smiling faces in the audience have made up for all the long months of lockdown.

One member of the audience stated she had such a wonderful time she left the church feeling "totally rejuvenated".

Musical therapy, perhaps?

Tickets are £10 (children under-12 free), available online at www.hartmvc.org.uk or at Katharine Jane Gifts, Odiham High Street, RG29 1LP, or by calling Graham Ball on 01428 682473. Doors open at 6.30pm and the concert starts at 7pm.

Hart Male Voice Choir was formed in 1975 and has become one of the leading male voice choirs in the south east.

Local and national charities have benefited from HMVC concerts which have raised many thousands of pounds for more than 40 years.

Music director Kevin Jacot is enjoying his fifth year with Odiham-based Hart Male Voice Choir.