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Our History

The Gretna Choral Society in the 1940s

Gretna and District Choral Society was formed in 1943 by a group of music enthusiasts, led by Wilfred Peacock, and the recently celebrated its Diamond Jubilee. The choir quickly gained a reputation for fine choral singing under their conductor John McNeish. Over the years they have attracted members from a wide area of Dumfries & Galloway and also from south of the border in Cumbria. Currently the membership numbers about 40 members. Since their present Music Director and Conductor Anthony Peacock took over some six years ago the part of songs and past concerts have, to some extent, given way to larger works, sometimes with orchestra. The society performs two main concerts each session, in April and December, and also other charity concerts around their area, usually in the Christmas season. In addition, the choral society over the last few years has participated in an act of Worship at Easter, usually on Good Friday, in St. Andrew's Parish Church, Gretna and Lanercost Priory, Brampton and these have now become a regular part of the society's activities.

Works performed include Dr. Wadeley's The Holy Birth, Samuel Coleridge - Taylor's Hiawatha's Wedding Feast, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Faure’s Cantique de Jean Racine, George Shearing’s Songs and Sonnet, John Rutter’s Birthday Madrigals, parts from the Handel’s Messiah, Fauré's Requiem, Sumsion’s Holy Birth, Stainer’s The Crucifixion, J. H. Maunder’s Olivet To Calvary and other well known works.

A few pictures from the past:

 

Conductors		Accompanists
1943? – 1946	Mr.Knapton	1943 – 1946	Mrs. Muriel Robinson
1947  – 1950	Mr. McLuckie	1946 – 195?	Mrs. Bardsley
1950  – 1974	Mr. McLuckie		Mr. George Howson
1950  – 1974	Mr. John McNeish		Mrs. Het Kirkpatrick
1974  – 1978	Dr. John Hall		Mrs. Young
1978  – 1986	Mr. Robert Love
1986  – 2000	Mrs. Hazel Postlewthwaite
2000 –	Mr. Anthony Peacock
Chairman
1943 – 1971	Mr. Wlifred Peacock		Mr. Derek Peacock
1971 – 19??	Mr. Sydney Green	2004 – 2007	Miss Grace Leopold
	Mr. Andy McDonald	2007 –	Mr. Francis Fitzpatrick

 

The first years – 1943 to 1950

In1941 the raging World War II was at its height; the tide had not yet begun to turn in favour of the allies and the sleepy little Scottish town-ship of Gretna, built a few hundred yards from the English border during World War I and far from Germany and Hitler’s armies, seemed remote from the destruction and disaster affecting Britain’s major cities. But, on the night of April 7th, a German bomber pilot, probably having failed to find his target of Glasgow and lost in the clouds, glimpsed a careless glimmer of light and dropped the whole of his deadly cargo on the unsuspecting village. Twenty-two people were killed that dreadful night and every one of the people of Gretna lost loved ones and friends.

Two years later the people of Gretna went about their usual lives again, trying to live normal lives in abnormal times; coming to terms with the death of relatives and lifelong friends and the devastation which had been caused to their lives and their homes. On October 6th 1943 a few friends, lovers of music, led by Wilfred Peacock, got together with the idea of forming a small singing group to lighten up lives on dark nights, and nine days later, on October 15th the first rehearsal of Gretna Choral Society took place.

Minutes of the first committee meetings have not survived, but by the time of the second Annual General Meeting the embryo society seemed to be doing well. Funds stood at £65-11-0d and the choir’s first conductor, Mr. Knapton had been appointed. Mr. Knapton obviously had ambitions to improve the singing of the choir and heighten its profile, as his comments in the minute book record.

But despite the good intentions of the founders and many successful concerts, the first years of the Society were not to be all to be sweetness and light. Committee minutes show that three years into its life the choir was being dogged by an internal feud between the conductor, Mr. Knapton and the accompanist, Mrs. Robinson, and later by an apathy which spreading throughout the choir, probably through a lack of musical leadership, and leading to falling attendance.

At this point tribute should be paid to the then secretary, Mr. Stanley Kendal, whose detailed accounts of the committee meetings of the time provide a fascinating, and, from a distance of sixty years sometimes amusing, insight into the affairs of the choir during what was to be a turbulent time in its history.

At the AGM on October 4th 1945, the minute book records ‘….Mr. Knapton stated that the progress made during the past year compared favourably with that of the previous year. “We must not, however, be satisfied with this; there was still a lot of hard work to be done. In particular, he wished to make special reference to the observance of the expression marks in the various pieces that were sung. He was far from satisfied with the light and shade, more particularly the piano and double piano passages. It wasn’t sufficient to sing the words and the music, the expression marks were put there for a definite purpose, and we must learn to observe these”. Mr. Knapton reminded the members of the Society that it was hoped to give a concert in Gretna in the near future. He wanted this first concert in Gretna to be a success. “We must show the people that we take our music seriously and that the Gretna Choral Society was worth listening to.” ’With the full support of all the members, Mr. Knapton was sure that we would continue to progress.’

These conductor’s remarks would surely sound more than familiar to choirs up and down the country, then and now. The same words have probably been uttered up and down the centuries too, and are undoubtedly a common plea of frustrated choir directors the world over today!.

The ambitions of Mr. Knapton as conductor of Gretna Choral Society were not to last very long. A huge row blew up between him and the accompanist, Mrs. Robinson, who, in addition to not attending to her position as accompanist with the diligence expected of her, at least by Mr. Knapton, took it upon herself to criticise him! (Hands in the air with outraged astonishment!) She can hardly have been the first accompanist guilty of such a heinous crime, but Mrs. Robinson was seemingly unable to remain mute during rehearsals, as perhaps a wiser accompanist may have been.

Unsurprisingly, Mr Knapton took exception to her criticism and complained to the committee. A week after the AGM, the minute book records that a committee meeting had been called to ‘consider the report from the deputation that had visited Mrs. Robinson (to question her as to her absence at rehearsals and to mention, no doubt, that Mr. Knapton didn’t like to be criticised) and to consider her reply. ‘ A deputation! Hefty stuff!

It appears that some members of the committee felt that Mrs. Robinson had acquitted herself adequately in her reply. Mr. Green, the librarian, felt ‘“….that Mrs. Robinson had been at great pains to answer all points that had been raised”’. Mr. Knapton was not satisfied with this however and said that …..’”from the report given by Mr. Peacock (the Chairman) it would appear that sufficient emphasis had not been laid on the point of attendance at rehearsals, which he thought was the main point at issue………….” Reference was again made to Mrs. Robinson’s letter and it was noted that the question of Mrs. Robinson’s attendance had been fully dealt with. …’ Mr. Knapton had obviously disagreed with this and thought that. ‘”….. it was just as important for the accompanist to be there as it was the conductor … but he….. ‘would be satisfied provided that Mrs. Robinson attended regularly and acknowledged the fact that the conductor was free to conduct as he thought fit and was not to be criticised!”’

The secretary was then instructed to write to Mrs. Robinson in terms that ‘…it was accepted that she would give the choral society prior consideration on rehearsal nights and that there was to be no criticism of the conducting of any piece of music!’ Mrs Robinson must have been made of stern stuff however, she did not bow to threats and apparently continued to criticise the conductor, as, twelve months later, the row had become so acrimonious that it had spread to the singers and threatened to undermine the stability of the choir altogether. In the minutes of the AGM of 7th November 1946 Mr. Knapton’s remarks are recorded thus:- ‘”He was speaking now in a manner in which he had not spoken when giving previous reports. One or two members did not give the Choral their full support, some seemed more popular than others, and this of course had its reaction on other members. In future, he was determined that he would be captain of the ship. He had fought long and hard to make the Society a success; it had been a hard fight and a lonely fight at times. His remarks had been very pointed, but he was determined to have a free hand in the conducting and rendering of pieces and would not allow any interference!”’  Poor Mr. Knapton!Despite all her apparent faults, at least in the eyes of Mr. Knapton, Mrs. Robinson was re-elected official accompanist, proposed by Mr. Tweedie and seconded by Miss McGregor and no doubt voted for by the majority.  Perhaps Mrs. R was wily, we’ll never know, but a week later the committee met to discuss a letter that had been sent from Mrs. Robinson tendering her resignation as accompanist. This put the committee into a great state of excitement. Some said that as she had been elected at the AGM and the committee was not in a position to accept her resignation and there should be Extraordinary General Meeting. Others disagreed with this and Mr. Tweedie said that ‘…….there had been enough dirty linen washed at the AGM.’

Eventually a Extraordinary General Meeting was called for the next evening where Mrs. Robinson was yet again the centre of discussion.

There is no doubt that it was war. But no matter what her attendance, interference and criticism of the Mr. Knapton, it is obvious that Mrs. R. was popular with the majority of the choir. Various expressions of support were voiced ‘a wide range of experience……a great asset……Mrs. Robinson had given members individual tuition……’ If Mrs. Robinson’s popularity was on the rise it is certain that Mr. Knapton’s  was definitely one the wane. Mr. Barnnicott said ‘… “that Mrs. Robinson’s letter of Oct. 8th 1946 had been written in a friendly spirit…… was Mr. Knapton so good a conductor that he could not accept advice from someone (presumably Mr. Robinson) who was well qualified to give such advice.” Mr. Knapton replied that he had been conducting choirs for thirty-five years and thought therefore that he knew what he was talking about. His main objection to the present accompanist was her attendance. He maintained that unless a person was certain that they could give a society……their undivided attention they had no right to accept any office in that Society. He had always given the society his prior consideration and would not allow anything to interfere with his attendance. He had had a hard fight and a lonely one………… (Mr. Knapton was beginning to sound desperate)

Mr. Barnnicott – “I still cannot see what objection there is to the accompanist……”

Mr. Kendal – “The conductor and the accompanist are both necessary to the wellbeing of the Society. Can they not meet and settle their differences?”’

The battle raged on ‘……. The Chairman called members to order……

‘Mr. Barnnicott – “Has Mr. Knapton any personal objection to Mrs. Robinson?”

Mr. Knapton – “As Mrs. Robinson, no!”

Mr. Peacock – “I suggest that the only way to settle this is to accept Mrs. Robinson’s resignation and ask Mr. Knapton to resign.”’

This was ruled out of order.

‘Mr. Green – “……… no matter what the outcome of this meeting was, he was determined that the ill feeling that that had arisen would be stopped and the Society would carry on!”

Mr. Barnnicott asked Mr. Knapton “…… if we could not have some co-operation from him in helping to settle this trouble?” Mr. Barnnicott repeated this request, but received no reply.

Mr. Knapton remained tight-lipped.

Mr. Cain – “I think Mr. Knapton ought to reply to Mr. Barnnicott.”

Mr. Knapton – “I have nothing further to say.”

Mr. Cain – “Will the Secretary record in the minutes that the conductor has refused to give his co-operation in this matter.”

The Chairman then proposed that the decision be taken by ballot.

This was agreed to.

The result of the ballot was 29 against accepting Mrs. Robinson’s resignation and 4 in favour.

The secretary was then instructed to communicate the decision to Mr. Robinson.’

Whatever happened thereafter to the poor beleaguered Mr. Knapton is not recorded. He is, however, never mentioned again in the minutes.  Neither, for that matter, is Mrs. Robinson. The next meeting, convened two months later on January 23rd 1947, records ‘The meeting was called to discuss the programme for the New Year. The conductor, Mr. Mc.Luckie was asked what suggestions he had in this respect, since it was agreed that the outline of the programme for the season was left to the conductor.’ Not a single reference to Mr. Knapton. He had vanished without a trace, no doubt licking the wounds inflicted on him by Mrs. Robinson and disappointed by the rather lack-lustre support of the committee. As he said, ‘“his had been a hard fight and a lonely one.”’ And ultimatelyhe had lost battle.

Mr. McLuckie, a highly respected schoolteacher – in the days when schoolteachers were respected highly – arrived with lots of new ideas. He suggested that the choir should enter the Music Festivals in Carlisle and Dumfries; that there should be a concert in Gretna with guest artists, and that he would like the choir to take part in an Easter service. There would be a lot do, but the fourteen pieces needed for the Gretna concert could be taken from the choir’s repertoire and the Easter service would be mostly hymns. 

A year later, at the AGM on October 2nd 1947, Mr. McLuckie was riding high enjoying a honeymoon period, and Mrs. Bardsley had been appointed accompanist – apparently she was more discrete than Mrs. Robinson as she maintained the position for many years.

It had been ‘… a most successful year…’ and in his report to the members Mr. McLuckie said ‘…… he “had been connected with choral societies since he was fifteen years old…… he had never come across a more enthusiastic choir; he had been made very welcome and looked forward to many years of successful singing. The concert had been the subject of excellent reports. The result of the festival had been very encouraging…” however, he ”… did not want the members of the Society to enter festivals with the sole idea of winning trophies, he had won various classes on numerous occasions but had also appeared at the bottom of the list……”’

The members and committee appeared to have taken little of Mr. McLuckie’s high-flung sentiments; the trophies won at Dumfries in the spring had been won fair and square and were being proudly displayed in the post office window! Gretna and District Choral Society were not going to hide their light under any bushel! Requests for the choir to sing began to pour in; the trials and tribulations of previous years were forgotten; morale in the ranks was at an unprecedented level.

An outing had been arranged to Keswick during the summer and seventy people had left Gretna by bus at 6.15pm for dinner at the Royal Oak Hotel, with an hour or two to look round the town before some light refreshments and the return journey at 11pm. The cost of this had been 10/- ( 50p! ) to members, 13/- ( 65p ) for non-members, and although there had been an overall financial deficit of £10-9-6d the outing had been a tremendous success and a Christmas social was to be arranged. Had they had looked back to the beginnings of the choir a few years earlier, the little group of founder members must surely have smiled quietly with satisfaction to themselves; their simple ambition of bringing some pleasure and light to the people of Gretna in the gloomy war years and after, were certainly achieving their goal. However, they were not yet out of the woods yet!

It was agreed that a weekly amount of 3d (1½p) be paid into a new fund, to be called the Social Fund, for choir trips and socials. (It wouldn’t get you far these days!)

The Christmas social was duly held. ‘Mrs. McMichael was asked to order 15doz sandwiches, 7 ½doz bridge rolls, 15doz cakes, and to collect wine glasses. Mr. Green was asked to arrange 100 whist score cards.’ The results of the festivals having been encouraging so far, further competitions would be entered. The future looked promising. Mr. McLuckie was the hero of the day and he was awarded an Honorarium of ten guineas. Proof, if any be needed, that, for the time being at least, he could do no wrong.

And he continued to be popular, as evidenced by reference in the minutes of 27th August 1948. ‘It was agreed that the amount collected for Mr. McLuckie’s present be made up to £4 from the Social Fund and the selection of a suitable gift be left to Mrs. Montgomery. The gift to be presented at the AGM. (This in addition to his ten guinea honorarium!)

The AGM that year was very up beat. In his remarks, the Chairman, Mr. Peacock …..’commented on ……” the enthusiasm of all the members and on the good attendance at all the rehearsals. He felt sure that the Choral Society, which was one of the most flourishing organisations in Gretna, had a great future before it. At the inception of the Society it had been said that it would not last twelve months; we were now in our fifth year and still going strong, and during the past years members had derived much pleasure from their activities and had also given much pleasure to the general public.”’

In his remarks, Mr. McLuckie confidently outlined the a very full programme for the months ahead including a Carol Service at All Saints Church, the Dumfries and Carlisle Festivals, a cantata ‘Crucifixion and Ascension’ and an Easter service. ‘Our  main difficulty was the situation of new music. The shortage of paper made it very difficult to obtain new music, but he hoped that the situation would improve. (This snippet of information gives an insight into the very real problems and deprivations that the post-war people of sixty years ago had to put up with. Who today gives a thought about the supply of paper for music or anything else.)

But about this time a sense of the merest dissatisfaction again begins to be felt. At the committee meeting held on October 6th 1948 …..’ A discussion arose regarding the programme of work to be carried out during this session. The secretary stated that, in his opinion, we had set out to do too much …….’ There was a lengthy discussion on this matter, but on a vote being taken,  …. ‘it was agreed that the original programme be adhered to.’  Not much, but just a hint that the choir was being pushed a little to hard.

Over the winter of 1948/49 the discontent began to grow. At a committee meeting held on February 2nd 1949 it was reported that ‘…… over the year, there had been a deficit of £15-6-9d. The carol singers had raised £7-2-6d, which was to be given to charity. A social was held and was a great success, but had resulted in a small deficit of  £2-19-8d which would be made up from the Social Fund at the rate a 1/- per member.

Mr. Green then commented upon the fact that the general feeling amongst the members of the Society was not as happy as it had been. There was a certain amount of slackness, he thought, and there had been some grumbling about the time wasted at rehearsals. Mr Green said it was up to the committee to see that we kept to the programme, in order to retain the interest of all the members. Comment was made upon conduct of members of the Society at rehearsals; it was difficult at times for the conductor to carry on. Mr. McLuckie said he would do what he could to maintain good order at rehearsals and to avoid wasting time at rehearsals, but it was up to everyone to give full attention…….’

Minutes of a Committee meeting held on 9th March 1949 report that the deficit had grown to £21-13-8d, due to heavy outlay on music. A decision was made to withdraw from the Carlisle Festival. ‘The Chairman then raised the subject of the progress and managing of the choir. Several members were of the opinion that, generally speaking, there was a lack of enthusiasm due, perhaps, to the fact that we were not keeping to our programme. We were taking longer to pick up new pieces now. It was up to everybody to pull their weight and help to keep up the enthusiasm of the choir.

Concert  A discussion arose as to whether or not to hold a concert in the early part of the year. There were many points for discussion, including the effect it might have on the choir if it was decided to postpone it until later in the year, particularly after we had withdrawn from the Carlisle Music Festival; in addition there was the financial aspect to be considered.’ In the end it was decided to carry on with the concert on March 31st, the choir to sing fourteen items, interspersed with solo items; tickets 2/- for adults, children 1/-.

But the choir was again in decline. The heavy programme and the large amount of music to be learned was no doubt daunting to the singers and the attendance at rehearsals began to drop. Nevertheless, the choir trip took place as usual on June 18th, this year to St. Mary’s Loch and at a meeting on May 5th 1949 ……‘It was agreed that 2/6d(12½) per member be granted from the Social Fund for the trip and that the total cost should include gratuities.’

Also at that meeting……….. ‘The Chairman once again made reference to the apparent feeling of dissatisfaction amongst members and their lack of enthusiasm. This was due, evidently, to the failure to carry out the programme arranged at the beginning of the season. It was evident that this programme had been too heavy and we must bear this lesson in mind. The small attendance at rehearsals during the past few weeks had proved conclusively that, unless we had a particular object in view, members would not turn out for rehearsals. The committee must be held responsible for this state of affairs to a certain extent. Mr. Peacock said that another factor might be the lack of balance in the choir, which, to a certain extent, restricted the choir in the type of music that could be sung. Concluding, the chairman said the he hoped that this state of affairs was of a temporary nature and that we would profit by the mistakes of the past.’

The next session began on September 1st with the AGM. Mr. McLuckie was away on holiday following an illness and it was not long before the failure of the choir to enter the Carlisle and Dumfries festivals was brought up. …… ‘It had been a great disappointment to all members of the Society and they were all at a loss to account for it.’ said Mrs. Martin. ‘Mr Peacock explained……”the first and main reason was that too heavy a programme had been arranged for the early part of the year. The concert had been arranged for January, but it had not taken place until March. This threw the whole programme out of gear. Other reasons were Mr. McLuckie’s illness and the late arrival of the music ……there would not be a repetition of this.”’ Prolonged discussion followed and Mr. Green proposed that …… ‘there should be a change in the type of music for the next concert……we might try a concert version of Merry England or try something from Gilbert and Sullivan. This suggestion met with the unanimous approval of the meeting, it was considered the public would welcome a change in the type of programme.’ At the meeting on September 2nd held to discuss the AGM …… ‘Mr. McLuckie apologised for his absence at the AGM, but he had been under the impression that it had been fixed for the second Thursday in September…… It was explained to Mr. McLuckie that it was the wish of members at the AGM that a work like Merry England should be attempted this season. Mr. McLuckie said that if this had been agreed upon he thought that the annual concert would have to take place the following autumn to allow for more time for rehearsal. Everybody agreed that this was more suitable than a spring concert as previously.’(Was there a slight note of peevishness in Mr. McLuckie’s response?) It was also agreed that the choir should enter the Carlisle and Dumfries festivals.

However, lack of enthusiasm continued. A register was brought into being to monitor members attendance. Some members attended regularly while others did not. (Nothing new there!) Rehearsals started late due to members not arriving for 7.30pm. At a committee meeting on 22nd February ‘Mr. McLuckie said he would start punctually however few members were there. Mr. Peacock said that, as we had a lot of music to learn, for the next few weeks rehearsals should start at 7.15pm. Mrs. Hardisty seconded this. Mr. McLuckie offered to get an earlier bus to fit in with the new starting time……

The next item for discussion was whether it was necessary to hire a special bus to take members to the Carlisle Festival. It was decided that this would not be necessary, but Mr. Green offered to see the manager of the Caledonian Bus Company to see if a duplicate could be put on for coming home.

After discussion it was decided not to have a summer outing this year.’

With Merrie England on the horizon it was decided to carry on with rehearsals until the end of June.

It is obvious that attendance was slipping even further, morale was again low and the wellbeing of the choir as a whole was a worry to the committee. Although no criticism is minuted, it is clear that the blame for this was laid at the door of Mr. McLuckie. By May 17th 1950 things had reached a critical point and…… ‘a special meeting was held to discuss the apparent lack of interest amongst members.

It was decided that, for the well being of the Society and for the work to be undertaken in the future, a letter should be sent to Mr. McLuckie asking for his resignation as conductor.’ The following day a short meeting was held after choir practise…… ‘It was decided not to send a letter to Mr. McLuckie, but that a deputation (the dreaded deputation!) of Mr. Peacock, Miss Scott (by then the secretary) and Mr. Kendal, should visit him to ask for his resignation.’

Mr. McLuckie had joined the choir with great ambition. The minutes hint at illness and perhaps this had contributed his decline; but it is equally clear that an unrealistic programme of work with the resulting failure to achieve satisfactory standards, coupled with cancelled festivals and postponed concerts had sapped morale. Discipline declined at rehearsals and with it attendance. His popularity soon waned. Once again the committee had some hard thinking to do and, for the protection of the choir, had had an unpleasant decision to make.

Mr McLuckie was doomed. 

The years – 1950 to 1974

To follow soon.

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