He's probably the oldest singer in town!
Huddersfield Choral Society members have combed through their archives and found that 90-year-old Dennis Holmes, a bass singing member of one of the country’s most distinguished choral groups, is their all-time oldest singer.
Dennis, who was born in November 1924, said: “I have been singing all my life but not at any great level.
“I joined the Salvation Army when I was nine-years-old.
“I joined purely to play with the band. I was not really interested in singing but enjoyed playing the euphonium.”
He joined the society in 1986 when he was a youthful 62 and has 28 years service with the choir.
He added: “I was surprised when I was told that I was the oldest. I had the impression that another person who I thought had gone past 90, was. But apparently he was only in his late 80s!
“Anyway, I am finishing at the end of this year, I think it’s a good time.”
And he joked: “As the old adage has it: ‘It’s good to get out before they find you out.’
“Huddersfield Choral Society is a wonderful choir and I have found my experience with them extremely rewarding.”
Trustee Stephen Brook said: “Dennis was reluctant to accept the accolade and suggested one or two other members of recent times.
“We have checked those out, however, and the two members both retired in their 80s.
“Given the increase in lifespan in recent years we are as sure as we can be that Dennis is our oldest ever singing member.”
Publicity officer Robert Drummond paid tribute to Dennis’s “commitment and enthusiasm”.
