'In the autumn of 1952, Len Hogg came to Bestwood as Colliery Manager and very soon afterwards the Choir was formed under the name of "Bestwood Colliery Male Voice Choir". However membership was never confined solely to workers at the colliery so that within the first year, the name was changed to the "Bestwood Male Voice Choir" which still continues today ... Over the years, the choir’s achievements have been considerable, having numerous successes at musical festivals and engagements with some of Britain’s finest choirs and regimental and brass bands, at the same time raising thousands of pounds for local and national charities.'