25 NOVEMBER 2022

Brilliant effort on Wednesday.  It was possibly a bit of a slog for some of you (and a bit cold too perhaps) but we are more or less on target for our Christmas programme. As you know, we have three events planned as well as our party (see “Coming Events” below) so do please make every effort to turn up ready for a good sing.  This coming Wednesday we will be back in the Town Hall where plan to polish Carol of the Bells, Hosanna, Come tune your cheerful voice and Fais Dodo, continue Christmas is Coming + The Cherry Tree Carol, learn Ding Dong, and sing a couple more standard carols too of course.  As ever, something for everyone we hope.  There are no words for Hosanna while words for the others have been attached in recent weeks. Although we will have some sets of words with us, please do print them out yourselves if you possibly can.    

COMING CHOIR EVENTS  

2022 

Sunday 4 December  Singing in Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens.  2.30 – 3.15 

Saturday 10 December Singing outside Town Hall  2.30 – 3.15 

Sunday 18 December Motcombe Christmas procession (carols + donkey) 5pm (alongside the band).   

Wednesday 21 December  Choir Christmas Party 

2023 

Saturday 22 April Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall 

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete 

Saturday 1 July  Gold Hill Fair 

OTHER EVENTS  

until Tuesday 6 December Pergaudeo III, exhibition at Shaftesbury Arts Centre. 10 – 4 daily.  Seven abstract artists celebrate their love of the genre in different styles and mediums. Expect colour, quirkiness, thoughtfulness; a feast for the eyes. See attached flyer.  (PS If any choir members would like to drop in for a drink and a chat with the artists on Saturday 26th (5 – 7 p.m.)you would be very welcome! 

Sunday 27 November The Seagull (Chekhov).  Live screening from the National Theatre at Shaftesbury Arts Centre,  7.00 p.m. 

Saturday 3 December  A Christmas Carol – music, poetry and prose for the festive season.  3.00 p.m. St James’ Church. The one-hour concert in aid of Read Easy will consist of Christmas music on the organ, trumpet, recorder, carols and readings.  There will be a collection on leaving.  See last week’s flyer. 

also 

Gillingham Singers Christmas Concert.  St Mary’s Church, Gillingham.  7.30 p.m. See attached flyer.   

Sunday 4 December  Light up the World.  Pilgrim Singers in Wincanton. 6.30 p.m.  See last week’s flier. 

Friday 9 December  Nöel – a concert by candlelight.  St Peter's.  See attached flyer.  More details at https://www.alexwilsonpianist.com/noeumll.html 

Saturday 10 December    Palida and Sturminster Choral Society.  Britten’s Ceremony of Carols + other treats.  St Mary’s, Sturminster Newton.   See attached flyer 

Sunday 11 December  Shaftesbury Orchestra at St James Church.  3.00 pm  See earlier flier. 

and looking further ahead 

2023 

Saturday 4 February  Pasture and Storms.  Celebrating left hand alone virtuoso pianists.  More details later, but have a look at https://shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk/events/pasture-storm-a-celebration-of-left-hand-alone-virtuoso-pianists/ 

CHRISTMAS FOODBANK  

Keep our trolley filled to overflowing!  The organisers are particularly asking for boxes of savoury crackers, Christmas puddings, jams and spreads, Christmas chocolates and crisps, non-alcoholic drinks, boxes of Christmas crackers, other Christmas treats. 

CHURCHES TOEGETHER OUTDOOR NATIVITY PLAY   

Carol singers wanted (I am playing the keyboard) for the Churches Together Outdoor Nativity at 1 pm on Sunday 18th Dec outside the Town Hall.  

Music for ' Come and Join the Dance' which you may not know, is attached (see Outdoor Nativity 1 and 2) and is for the procession up the High Street. 

Other carols are: O Little Town of Bethlehem; Once in Royal David's City; While Shepherds Watched; On Christmas Night; We Three Kings; Good Christians All Rejoice. 

Practices 5.45pm Tuesdays at Bell Street United Church.  More details from Sue (alto) 

 DAVID