Musical Director- Tony Harries

Tony moved to Newquay from Durham in 2020, just in time for ‘lockdown’!  In Durham he was a mathematics lecturer for 20 years at the School of Education of the University. Previously he worked in Bangladesh and Bristol. In Durham he was involved in musical circles, being the MD for two choirs and a member of Durham Musical Theatre Company. He has become immersed in the musical scene in Newquay through the Newquay Singers and the Newquay Male Voice Choir, both of which he finds thoroughly enjoyable experiences. Outside music he is a keen runner and has just taken up pickleball!

 Accompanist- Rachel Margetts

The choir members heard Rachel play at a concert in December 2024, and were ‘blown away’ by her performance. Even though Rachel was only 15 years old, she was approached about our vacant accompanist position. Whilst already an accomplished musician, she had never accompanied a choral group, but with all the drive and ambition of youth, she agreed to give it a try. Since then we have been delighted to see her progress each week as she establishes that vital relationship with the music team and with the choir. As well as playing piano to a very high standard, she is deputy organist and bellringer at Roche Church, a member of St Austell Town Band, St Austell Youth Band and Cornwall Youth Band. She was also Cornish Wrestling Champion for her weight category in 2024. Her goal is to gain an organ scholarship at Oxbridge, and the choir wishes her well in this ambition.

Assistant Musical Director – Spud Yeomans

In November 2018 Spud Yeomans joined the 1st tenor section of Newquay Male Voice Choir, reigniting his love of singing.  Spud’s first experience of singing was with his siblings in the village church choir before moving on to Newark town church where he became head chorister.  This developed into solo performances at a variety of events including weddings etc.

At the age of eleven Spud’s interest and involvement in music developed into learning to play the trombone and subsequently, over time performed with Newark Town Band and the Salvation Army.

On leaving school and joining the Royal Air Force at the age of 16, he concentrated on a long career including working as part of The Queens Flight as well as travelling to many parts of the world.  During this prestigious career, Spud participated in musical events as part the RAF Western Voluntary Band.

Towards the later part of his career in the RAF, Spud moved to Cornwall in 1999. where he joined the Indian Queens Silver Band becoming the Musical Director of the Training Band as well as spending many hours teaching and encouraging new players of all ages various brass instruments.

We were delighted when Spud agreed to become our Deputy Musical Director in 2020, when Newquay Male Voice Choir saw that his knowledge and expertise could support our choristers, not only when Richard Braebrook (MD) was unavailable, but also working with Richard on pieces of Choral music under his guidance.