K SHOES Male Voice Choir is looking forward to a repeat of its successful 2013, during which the singers helped to raise more than £15,000 for charities through a variety of performances.

The new singing year got under way last Wednesday when members began weekly rehearsals at Kendal Town Hall.

Around 15 concerts a year are given at a variety of venues, with all the proceeds, less the choir’s fee, used by the hosts for their causes.

Concerts in the pipeline during the coming months include All Saints’ Church, Orton, on March 1; Ulverston Music Festival (Coronation Hall) on April 9; Threlkeld Village Hall on May 17; St Thomas’s Church, Kendal, on June 14.

Membership of the choir is open to all who can hold a tune.

There are four sections – First Tenors, Second Tenors, First Bass (Baritones) and Second Bass – and new members attend all choir functions and rehearsals until the conductor tells them when they are ready to sing in public.

The choir was formed by the Somervell family, owners of K Shoemakers, and supported by them with family members taking key roles for many years.

K Shoes are no longer manufactured in Kendal but Clarks – new owners of the brand – still provide footwear and sponsorship.

The choir performs styles that includes pieces from musicals, pop classics, spirituals, folk songs, operatic and sacred music, and is constantly learning and singing new pieces.

Musical director is Ian Allan from Milnthorpe and rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings throughout the year, except during July.

The choir is run by a committee of the members elected at the annual meeting, during which the conductor, accompanist and choir president are appointed.