Blantyre’s music lovers came in for a treat on the evening of Tuesday 22nd March 1977 when Blantyre Choral Society gave their annual concert in the theatre of Blantyre High School.
The society were in good voice and showed that this long standing group was once again on the up!
During the 1970’s members of the Choral society fell away and numbers were in decline, a real danger of closing down, but in early 1977, new members were attracted to join the choir. It was their 31st Annual concert, (though when researching this, I note a choral society existed previously in Blantyre pre WW1).
There were two special guests at hand in 1977, as was usually the case. Miss Fiona Murphy and Mr Walter Reid of the Scottish Opera were the guest stars. Around 200 people packed the theatre and around £30 was raised for Blantyre’s St Vincent De Paul.
Just a little note on the venue. Those of you who went to Blantyre High will remember the most amazing theatre once there. Elevated terraced seating, wide aisles, excellent sound and lighting system from control rooms and a stage as wide as the Clyde. A real community asset, not appreciated enough at the time and fondly missed now.
Lots of Blantyre folks in this picture. Recognise anybody?
On Social Media, the following comments were received on Facebook:
Andy Paterson Many a fond memory of the High School Theatre from playing in concerts, the film society, the educational films. Happy days.
Arlene McWilliam Green Margo Clayton is that your mum on the left?
Margo Clayton yes. She was the conductor
Marlene Gillespie Two of the ladies in this picture were Mrs Gebbie (I I believe)and Mrs Knox. Mrs Gebbie was the choir teacher and Mrs Knox the pianist. They took the co op choir in Blantyre in the fifties. Took us to various co op choir festivals. Two wonderful people I will never forget.
Kathy Kinlan Mr Bill Robert’s first from the right second back row he worked with my husband in Glasgow Hospitals a very nice man.
Agnes Vorsterman I remember going to great pantos there in the 80s which were better than the professional ones. What happened to the theatre?
Anne Cook My mum,Jean Galloway and Mary Bowie !!!
Margo Clayton A few of the people in this choir came from my mums choir in Claremont church, East Kilbride, to help boost the numbers. Think I turned the pages for the pianist, Sharon Colvin, that night!
Anne Ellis A few familiar faces x happy days with Alex Caldwell
Margaret Moffat My mother in law Ellen Moffat.
Christine Williamson my mum is to the left of your mother in law, Jessie MacLellan, they were great friends and my late father was a police officer with your father in law Dougie. I remember them both very well as we visited the family home often in High Blantyre. I went to school with Peter.
Sarah Williamson I looked the other day and didn’t see her. Can see her wee face keeking out now
Carol Crombie My papa is at the very back
Anne Cook My mum is standing right behind the pianist!