To end a wonderful summer of song, the Mendip Male Voice Choir, family and friends travelled to St Ives in Cornwall.

Over 100 people travelled by coach and car to reach their destination in St Ives to sing with two of the top choirs in the country.

On Friday, the venue was Falmouth Methodist Church to sing with Nankersey Male Choir in aid of the Little Harbour Children’s Hospice, which was only launched in 2007 – the first families welcomed in 2011 when the target of five million was reached. On the night, nearly £500 was raised for the charity.

The usual after concert party, as always, was excellent, rounding off until late in the night, with both choirs joining in song.

After a blustery start to the day, most of the party ventured out to explore the lovely area and of course sample the local must eat when in Cornwall, the Cornish Pasty.

On Saturday, there was a real treat for the lads when they were on the same bill in concert as the superb Mousehole Male Voice Choir, held in the magnificent Methodist Church at Penzance.

The Mendip Men were first on stage, starting with ‘What A Wonderful World’ and finishing with ‘Sailing’. Mousehole started with ‘Until I Found The Lord’ and ending with ‘How Great Thou Art’.

After two hours of terrific songs, both choirs rounded the concert off with ‘And Can It Be’ and ‘Llanfair’, which brought a standing ovation from the large audience.

The evening ended as the previous night, with what choirs call an ‘Afterglow’, with great food and drink and again, the customary sing along by both choirs’ members. The hospitality on both nights from both Cornish choirs was absolutely outstanding.

It is that time of year again, when the choir has to learn Christmas pieces for all of the concerts arranged for November and December – watch out for adverts and posters.

Now is a wonderful time to join the Mendip Male Voice Choir; just turn up any Monday evening at 7 p.m. at St Mary’s School, Timsbury or visit the choir’s website.

Bryn Hawkins