Dennis Hodgetts
Dennis Hodgetts was not only one of the seven founder members of Anvil Chorus but remained so for many years until the need to support his wife during her illnesses forced his resignation. He sang Lead in the Chorus throughout this time although he occasionally helped out by singing Tenor when numbers were short. Quite apart from his Chorus service Dennis also sang in several Quartets over the years starting with the Club’s first competing quartet Chime Gentlemen, alongside Rod Butcher, Michael sides and Paul While, which won the Silver Medals in the BABS Convention. [ see photograph below]
Following this success Dennis took an active part in many other quartets including Chime and Again with Colin Williams, Roy Hodge and John Winterbottom and also Dads Harmony with Peter Hughes, George Badland and John Winterbottom.
Dennis was also so keen on his music and singing that he was simultaneously a member of the KJ Choir based in West Bromwich and in addition to regular concerts , this choir arranged an annual day out usually to a stately home followed by a meal and plenty of singing during the day. He was also a member for some years of another barbershop Chorus, called Gentlemen Songsters, later to be called Crescendo, under the Direction of john Wiggins.
His contributions to the Chorus were recognised by both fellow members and the Management Team with the awards of the Michael Sides Trophy in 2107 and the Joe Riseborough Rosebowl in 2016. Another justified claim to fame was when early in the life of the Chorus he designed the original logo using the initials W and M to form the figure of a singer
A very good turnout of both current and past members of Anvil Chorus attended Dennis’s funeral at the Sandwell Valley Crematorium on 19 February 2026 when at the request of his Daughter, Carol, and the family, those present sang ‘ Irish Blessing.'
The image on the left shows the original WMBHC club badge designed by Dennis. It is a clever use of the West Miodlands initials to create the raised arms above the waist and the legs below.
Henry Foster 13 March 2026
