Mural Town Singers has fast become an institution in Katikati, with its humble beginnings back in 2007 when Jeanette Hasell-Back moved to the Bay of Plenty to begin a new life as an orchardist's wife.

Having been a college music teacher and Taranaki Male choir music director, she found the need to start up another male choir compelling – to give men a chance to make music together, enjoy companionship with like-minded people and at the same time improve their well-being, memory and zest for life.

Although the choir started as men only, constant badgering from wives and ladies in the town forced Jeanette to relent and she formed the ladies' Divas as opposed to the men's Maestros.

Sickness and age led to the men's numbers decreasing, so both choirs amalgamated to form the Mural Town Singers with the first joint performance in 2013.

The choir has since grown from strength to strength, performing public concerts at least twice annually along with various community performances in rest homes, Probus, The Te Puna Quarry and life-saving fundraising.

The highlights have been major collaborations with the Taranaki Male Choir, Te Aroha, Ohinemuri, Thames and Paeroa community choirs and the NZ Male Choir.

The commitment of singers to attend weekly rehearsals to the stage of performing all music without books is remarkable. Even during difficult Covid times, the choir continued to meet and sing.

Now, after 15 years of music making in Katikati, Taranaki beckons once more and Jeanette and David will be returning home to the ‘Naki' to friends and family.

The search is now on for a special someone to take over the directorship of this much-loved and talented group of singers.

A final concert under Jeanette's directorship is scheduled for Sunday, June 12, at 3.30pm in the Katikati War Memorial Hall. Entry is $10 each, with children permitted free entry. All proceeds will be donated to charity.

It would be a shame for such a talented choir to have to disband, so if you know of someone who would love this opportunity to continue one of Katikati's finest assets, please get in touch with Jeanette 027 3802 153, Karen 021 1285 684 or Julie 021 1733 777.