John Hamilton, founder and chairman of the Actually Gay Men’s Chorus (AGMC), is leaving the board after nine years of service.
John, the handsome bass singing from the back row of the chorus, has also pulled pints at the Bulldog on St James’s Street for the last few years.
John started AGMC in 2005, and from very humble beginnings the chorus grew both in numbers and reputation. He was instrumental in the transition of the chorus to a Community Interest Company (CIC) and was a key figure in the album recording deal with Universal Records in 2011.
The enthusiastic, supportive group of men who now sing for AGMC are a testament to the hard work and dedication he has put in over many years.
John was made a lifelong member of the chorus in 2014 and the board hope he will continue to sing with them in the future.
Over the years John developed strong relationships with local dignitaries and choruses worldwide. One of his wishes was to take the chorus to perform in Australia and, although it hasn’t happened to date, the board hope that John will be singing with them if they realise his dream.
At showtime, John’s pride for the chorus was always evident. He would enthuse about the achievements of the chorus members with local dignitaries, audience members, media and anyone else who would listen. He was always very hands-on in his leadership and had a style that made things happen no matter what.
Under his leadership the Chorus has raised thousands of pounds for charities through regular concerts, even posing naked with other chorus boys to raise money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Filling John’s large boots since Christmas has been newly elected chairman and chorus tenor Bill Kelly, who is looking forward to carrying on John’s great work in the future.
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