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Archiver > CORNISH > 2003-05 > 1052064955


From: Hugh Trevarthen <>
Subject: [CON] Holmans
Date: Sun, 4 May 2003 17:15:55 +0100


Dear List,

Having read the item listed by George on the demise of the Holman
factory, yes I did sing in the Choir Festival at Truro yesterday, it was
the inaugural Cornish male voice choir music festival and some 41 choirs
attended from all over Europe, we were entered in the 41 voices and over
category, and we came 3rd. in a class of 8 choirs, it was won by a
Hungarian Choir with a Finnish choir coming second, we were the top
Cornish choir and won the shield for the best Cornish choir in the whole
of the competition for all choirs irrespective of the size. There were
some wonderful choirs there with some exceptional singing, these things
are always a bit political, but we had a great day, and we also sang at
the Gala Concert last night and were on last, so we were top of the bill
so to speak.

If I may I would like to add my bit about Holmans, I served my
apprenticeship there from 1958-1963, I then left to pursue a different
career, but I always remember the happy days there with the fun and
friendship. I was listening to our local radio station on Friday
afternoon when they were doing some features on the closure, one of the
directors of the firm married Linden Travers the film actress, and they
wanted to know which one, it was Jim Holman who lived at St. Ives, I
rang in to tell them about it, and during my conversation with them I
told them that my father had worked for the company for 50 years and
that I sang in the choir, as a result of that they further interviewed
me on Saturday morning at the pre concert practice about what I
remembered from those days, this interview along with others will be
broadcast over the next few days. Nowadays the choir members come from
all walks of life and nobody in it actually works in the factory now,
which is sad in a way, but this goes to show the changing face of
Cornwall.

While I was at Truro David Oates told me that a man who is a member of
the list and who lives in Kent was there, I do not know his name but it
is a pity I missed him, for his information I was in the back row about
6 from the right with white hair, not that helps a lot, but he may have
seen me, I do hope he enjoyed the day.

I thought that I would give you a brief resume about the contest and
about my memories of Holmans, a good day and a sad day.

Hugh Trevarthen Carbis Bay
--
Hugh Trevarthen

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