It was good to see so many people in the Abbey Gardens on Wednesday, 60+ I think. We were lucky with the weather but, as you well know if you were there, it was getting pretty chilly towards the end, unseasonably so I think.
As you know, we are hoping to use the Abbey Gardens for as long as possible but, this said, for the next TWO weeks we will be in the Queen Mother’s Garden on Castle Hill. I am attaching a map if you don’t know where it is. It’s a really lovely spot and, weather permitting, should be ideal. If, for any reason, we need to make any last minute alternative arrangements you will be notified by e-mail at 5 o’clock on Wednesday itself.
Next time we will be we’ll be singing: Ghafoor’s Bus, Blue Moon and Jug of Punch again, along with Harbour (held over from last time), revising Follow the Heron and taking a look at Circle of Life (words attached), I’m Gonna Sing, Sing, Sing and Love is Here. (The words for Moon, Heron, Ghafoor, Harbour and Punch were attached to last Saturday’s e-mail; Sing, Sing, Sing and Love is Here don’t need words.) As ever, something for everyone I hope and all are likely to form part of our Fringe programme on Saturday 28th August so do join us if you possibly can.
This is a link to a video of Circle of Life; it’s quite an old one I think but it’s dazzlingly clever and well worth the watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87bV-S2bWwk I’m not quite sure we could manage the actions ourselves though. Pity.
CHOIR COMING EVENTS:
Saturday 28 August - Shaftesbury Fringe Festival. We have booked our slot in the Abbey Gardens for 11 o’clock. Our programme will be chosen from those pieces that we have been / will be singing this summer. Watch this space.
Sunday 12 September – Choir Picnic and singing in aid of St James’ Church. Grove Farm, Melbury Abbas. Bring along your friends and family and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful grounds at Grove. Glorious singing and summer sunshine (almost) guaranteed. Time tbc.
OTHER COMING EVENTS:
A SONG FOR DORSET - Karen’s song “When Time Lost Its Edge” which many of us know already of course will have its on-line premiere this coming Wednesday 4th August at 12.30. More info on https://artsreach.co.uk/event/a-song-for-dorset-online-premiere
MELODIES REMEMBERED - A new music group called Melodies Remembered is launching in Shaftesbury on Thursday 19th August. Melodies Remembered is a fun sociable group for people living with dementia and memory loss and their carers. It will provide an opportunity for participants to express yourselves and socialise in a safe and enjoyable way. The group sessions will take place at Shaftesbury Football Club, Coppice Street, Shaftesbury, SP7 8PF, in the function room and will run on alternate Thursday afternoons from 2 pm to 4 pm. There is plenty of free parking directly in front of the premises, so access is easy and you will find the football club close to Tesco's supermarket in Shaftesbury. There is no charge for attending these group sessions, but donations are always welcome. Tea, coffee and cake will be served. If you would like more information, please read the attached flyer or alternatively phone Marion on 07871 665927 or email dementiafriendlyshaftesbury@gmail.com. All are welcome
David
31 July 2021
STOP PRESS
Thanks to Babs (soprano) for the link to this beautiful rendition of You Raise Me Up sung by Natalie Di Luccio, an Italian-Canadian, classical crossover soprano. Filmed in the beautiful valley of Khonoma, India's first green village, in Nagaland, she collaborates here with the musicians from the Angami community.