During the last 16 years since Mick Tunney (Baritone) has been a member of the choir, we have had some wonderful concerts and memories.
None, for Mick, can surpass his involvement in The National Lottery Big Night of the Musicals held at the Manchester AO Arena on 27th January and broadcast by BBC 1 on Sunday 23rd March 2025 and hosted by Jason Manford.
Mick also belongs to the actor, Vicky McClure’s, Our Dementia Choir which began as part of a documentary created for BBC1 in 2018.
Vicky formed a choir of people all living with dementia in her hometown of Nottingham to see whether music can make a measurable difference in their lives in 2018. The result: Our Dementia Choir having the firm belief in the incredible power of music to bring happiness, connection, and comfort to those affected by dementia. The choir is more than just a singing group; it’s a secure space where the therapeutic effects of music extend beyond the boundaries of memory. The musical leadership of Mark De-Lisser and Daniela Smith (the daughter of our choir Chairman, Geoff Hursthouse who also supports Mick in the Dementia Choir) brings to life one of their mottoes “Music is Medicine”
Mick proudly took to the stage, with Geoff in support, to join the famous singer, actor and presenter Michael Ball in the fabulous Big Night of the Musicals Show to sing “The Impossible Dream” from the musical Man of La Mancha delivering a superb performance that had everyone wiping their eyes in marvel and pride. After the song Jason and Michael interviewed one of the choir members – guess who, “our Mick” who added to the light and pleasure of the event.
At choir practice on Tuesday 25th March Ian Grice just asked Mick to step up the front next to the conductor’s rostrum and no one needed to say a word, the applause, cheers and support for Mick was spontaneous, deafening and genuine. What a star! His only comment was “ I haven’t actually seen the programme yet!”. We are blessed to have such love and friendship pervading our choir.
Mick is 4th right on the front row next to Michael Ball with the microphone and Geoff is behind him, 5th left on the back row.
Well done and thank you gentlemen, not only for the performance, but the compassion you demonstrate for others in both the Dementia Choir and the Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir.
A brilliant pop up story Geoff,thank you for this ,Mick and Geoff H really deserve this accolade x
Excellent Geoff. Well done
Great achievement, well done all.
Thanks so much Geoff for the write-up & to all members of the choir for your support for Mick, as his singing in both choirs continues to give him so much pleasure. The power of music is amazing.