Welcome to the Bedford Singers Story, a compendium of memories, stories and anecdotes by former members and friends of the Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers.

 

This site was launched in May 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of the choir's formation.

 

Over six decades with its founder, May Walley, the choir evolved to become a

significant force in the cultural life of North Staffordshire and beyond.

 

As well as successes at national and international choral competitions, the Bedford Singers were invited to give concert performances in a wide range of venues at home amd abroad and, for nearly 40 years, were the host artists at the Penkhull Fetival in Stoke-on-Trent, an engagingly unique annual event which brought renowned musical talent to the Potteries.

 

This collection of experiences and illustrations aims to be an affectionate, informative and amusing appreciation of the Bedfords. In a small way, it also demonstrates the importance of music-making in creating a better society and, at the same time,

captures a little bit of social history for posterity.

 

If you have a story about the Bedford Singers, Bob Dulson or Eric Hollis (who are the moderators of the site) would love to hear from you. We'd like to hear from anyone

with a tale to tell about May or the choir, or about the people and communities which supported them. "Get in touch" details are shown opposite.