Youth choir director leaves a legacy
LONG-SERVING Cambrian Youth Choir director Berniece Hicks will retire from the role knowing that she has left a lasting positive impression on Ipswich's singing talent.
Mrs Hicks, 59, conducted her final performance with the 45-strong choir at Brothers Leagues Club yesterday, ending 16 years of nurturing and tutoring the next generation.
"I feel content," Mrs Hicks said. "I have seen a lot of kids mature and grow in confidence during their time with the choir.
The choir is in a good healthy state and I feel in my own heart that it is time to finish.
Mrs Hicks' husband John and father 'Pa' Risson were also important contributors to the choir during her long involvement.
Mrs Hicks, who earned an OAM for her work with young Ipswich people, said she was looking forward to spending more time with her two new grandchildren.
