Margaret Wheeler’s love of music began as a small child as she sat around the piano, singing with her big sister while her dad accompanied.

She then sang in school choirs, with the highlight being, singing in a combined school’s concert at Sydney Town Hall every year. In her late teens while working in the city she joined St Stephen’s Presbyterian Choir in Macquarie Street, Sydney.

In 1971 Margaret moved to Grafton, when husband Eric was transferred to Grafton High School, and she soon joined the Grafton Technical College Choir under the leadership of Dr Jim Wray. The choir sang many choral concerts including Handel’s Messiah. She also had many lead roles in their musicals including Pirates of Penzance, Yeoman of the Guard, The Pyjama Game, Call Me Madam, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma and Guys & Dolls. These musicals were originally performed at the South Grafton School of Arts hall and later at South Grafton High School Hall.

The Tech College Choir then became The Grafton Singers but when this choir disbanded Margaret joined the U3A’s Good Vibes Choir lead by Elaine Taubman about 20 years ago. Good Vibes are now part of The Clarence Valley Conservatorium and led by a very accomplished conductor Brenda Little and rehearse on Mondays at 1pm during school terms.

Margaret had also sung in Clarence Valley Orchestra Choir at the PROMS and Carols by Candlelight under the direction of Greg Butcher.

On Monday January 29 Margaret turned 90 and to celebrate her many years of singing, the choir put on a surprise party at their rehearsal on Monday. They sang some of Margaret’s favourites including a song called “Wild Mountain Thyme” in which Margaret sings a beautiful solo. The conductor Brenda also wrote a wonderful song about Margaret which Brenda and the choir sang to Margaret (which was a lovely surprise for her). Singing was followed by afternoon tea and a birthday cake.”