Competing against choirs from as far afield as Calgary in Canada, St Stythians Male Voice Choir finished a creditable third, just two points behind the worthy winners Bournemouth Male Voice Choir at the Brighton Male Choir Festival

St Stythians made the festival the focus of this year’s annual trip away. The journey began on a rather damp Thursday morning. The two coaches eventually met at Exeter services for breakfast/coffee, before travelling on to Salisbury and blazing sunshine. The fine weather continued with us to our destination, the Afton Hotel, Eastbourne.

After a pleasant evening meal and a presentation to Jackie Dunstan, as retiring chair of the ladies' committee, a leisurely stroll on the pier bathed in beautiful moonlight before a music quiz and Cecil’s audition for Strictly. A sunny start to the day on Friday and after breakfast time for a quick rehearsal before free time and a chance to explore the delights of Eastbourne.

Then time for a quick wash before the evening concert at Our Lady of Lourdes (Rottingdean) with the German Canadian Chorus of Calgary (MD Susan Woodward) and Bournemouth Male Voice Choir (MD Mark Burstow). A fantastic concert filled with youthful energy and cultural diversity. Saturday morning and not so excellent weather.

The venue, St George’s Church, Kemp Town, a Neoclassical style church with wonderful acoustics. The usual nerves before performing for adjudicators; Rob Elliot, Jenifer Mason and Richard Dawson and then the long wait for the results at 6pm.

St Stythians MVC finished a very respectable third with 84 points behind Bournemouth MVC (86) and Kidderminster MVC (85). One of our competition pieces, Crossing the Bar received a most encouraging tribute from Ian Assersohn (the composer) on Facebook: “It was lovely to see you all yesterday and a joy to hear you singing Crossing the Bar so beautifully.”

After the evening concert, the choir returned to the hotel for the photo shoot and then the after-glow which continued into the early hours. It was led as always by Cecil and Howard. Even MD Ken, minus waistcoat, joined in, still flushed with the choir’s success earlier.

Sunday, a little flat perhaps? certainly rather quiet first thing after the late-night excitement but starting to liven up as we bid our adieus with several pieces before setting off for Winchester and visiting the cathedral and Alfred before returning to Cornwall, tired but extremely contented.

On behalf of the choir, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Kathryn for all the time and effort she put in to organising such a fantastic weekend.