Tom and his Legacy - The Tom McManus Memorial Trophy

Tom McManus was quite a character, active in the first decade of our chorus.  A Scot, short in stature, he made up for this, wearing a tin whistle and using it freely when the chorus were tardy mounting the risers.  Tom actively promoted ‘Barbershop’ hosting a weekly segment on community radio. After his death this trophy was inaugurated in 2000 to honour his commitment. 

The trophy is awarded annually to a member of the Chorus who has shown  □ Extraordinary improvement in singing performance  □ Outstanding commitment to the Chorus in a broad range of activities   □ Inspiration and encouragement to other members.

Brian Chung is this year’s recipient.
Brian was born in Sydney, spent his youth in Haymarket and Ultimo. Graduated in Electrical Engineering and Science from Sydney University 1971, working as a Telecommunications Engineer for 35 years. 
While in  Paris (1979) as a Telecommunications scholar he met Leila, they married in 1980. Their common language was French until Leila’s English improved more than Brian’s French! They have two adult children.

Brian enjoys rather risky pastimes: mountain climbing for the past 12 years, loving the challenges and beauty of places visited: NZ, Morocco, Italy, Borneo and his favourite destinations in Switzerland. Not bad, Brian is afraid of heights!
Not studying music at school, he made the fateful decision to study French and Latin! His interest was sparked listening to a 2000 person French choir sing “Do You Hear The People Sing”.  He attended an open night, being blown away by ‘Barbershop harmony’,  attended our free 5 week course and joined  the chorus.  This enabled Brian to learn a new skill, participate in a community club and charitable events and meet new people.

Brians role as VP Membership since 2018 and his skills in  personal interaction were contributing factors in attaining this award which he accepted with humility. 

Lionel Eastwood 
Events Coordinator