John Hobbs has been the conductor of the North Devon Choral Society since 1992, having first picked up the baton in 1968, when he became conductor of Bude Choral Society, a position he still holds.
For twelve years, he was conductor of the South Devon Choir and is now honoured to be its President.
He is the organist of both Weare Giffard and Landcross Churches, near Bideford.
John’s singing career began as a Choral Scholar at Cambridge University, after which he combined his life as a dairy farmer with singing a wide range of oratorios and songs as a baritone soloist for many West Country choral and music societies.
In 1987, he joined the Duchy Opera Company based in Truro, for whom he has sung the principal baritone roles in some thirty-six operas. He is also the Artistic Director of Intimate Opera, with whom he performs throughout the year.
Our current committee members are:
- President: Marion Sankey
- Chairman: Janet Sharp
- Musical Director: John Hobbs
- Treasurer: John Thompson
- Secretary: Margaret Cookson
- Librarian: Ingrid Hardiman (Acting)
- Hospitality and Social Secretary: Sue Nias
- Membership: Ingrid Hardiman
- Friends: Bridget Kettle
- Concert Stage Manager: vacant
- Committee Member and Policy Development: John Hedge, Janice Godfrey
- Publicity: vacant
Our Voice Part Representatives are:
- Sopranos: Margaret Cookson
- Altos: Ingrid Hardiman
- Tenors: Richard Andrew
- Basses: John Thompson