About the Choir
Craven Arms Men’s Chorus was founded in 1961 by Basil Cullum, who was the choir’s Musical Director for over 40 years, until he retired in 2003. The choir greatly appreciated all that Basil did for the choir and his wonderful skills as a conductor and entertainer. Basil passed away in Dec 2003.
The baton then passed to Colin Reeves, who had been the choir's accompanist for over 30 years. His wide musical experience brought much to the choir, supported then by Geoff Thomas as accompanist. Later, Colin remained with the choir as joint accompanist for a short time, until he retired from the choir fully, to finally pass away in March 2022.
Kimee Cleaton took the podium in 2016, when Colin decided to step down, and with her direction it grew further in strength and accomplishment, her varied musical abilities bringing great attributes to the choir. Kimee is also a vocalist, composer and arranger, and as such has provided many arrangements for CAMC to sing, as well as enriching concerts and performances with her singing within pieces specially arranged for solo voice and choir.
Graham Shuttleworth joined Geoff as the choir's joint accompanist shortly after Colin Reeves retired fully from the choir.
In more recent years and like with many choirs, due to Covid, the choir had to cease rehearsing for many months, and then came together again much reduced in number. However, membership is now on the increase once again, about which the members are very pleased. The feeling at rehearsals is one of community and camaraderie, brought together by singing in the way that only music can achieve.
Although Craven Arms Men’s Chorus aims to achieve musical excellence whenever possible, it doesn't aim to enter competitions or be at all highbrow, but rather to enjoy itself and hope to entertain its audiences. It has a number of past achievements to its credit, including winning a cup, singing on radio and television, and performing with famous artists like Owen Brannigan, but most importantly, it has raised many thousands of pounds for charitable causes and continues to do so.
New members, with or without any musical experience, are always very welcome.