The celebration of Steven Ridout’s life in Charlton last Saturday was a really uplifting occasion. Steven, as well as being a man of many talents of which singing was but one, was clearly much loved and the various tributes paid to him were deeply moving. The choir’s contribution was much appreciated and we thank Ann not only for inviting us to be part of the celebration but for her generous donation to choir funds, card and the two boxes of luxury biscuits which we enjoyed last Wednesday. There will be a collection at choir for the Dorset Air Ambulance over the next couple of weeks – Ann Ridout’s chosen charity.
Singing was fun last week and it was good to revisit some old friends as well as to reacquaint ourselves with some of our newer repertoire. This coming week we will consolidate That Lonesome Road and Bogoroditse (both held over from last time), polish Circle of Life and A Little Bit of Love, and have a look at Heart to Heart, April Rain Song* and Wake Up* along with I am a River (a new one) and Tongo as warm-ups. Words for those marked * are attached, words for the others have been attached in recent weeks or are not needed. Really hope to see you there.
COMING CHOIR EVENTS
Monday 1 May (BANK HOLIDAY) Short informal concert for the “Creating our Future” fundraising day at Shaftesbury Arts Centre (see attachment). 4.00 p.m. Meet in St Peter’s at 3.00 for warm-up and a quick run through of the songs we will be singing. All will be well known and will include some for audience participation. Do support this – take up from sopranos in particular was a bit disappointing. Usual dress code. (We will dedicate one of our songs to the memory of Jette (soprano) whose touching funeral several of us attended yesterday.)
Saturday 10 June Motcombe Fete tbd
Wednesday 14 June Big Green Week. Hopefully in the Abbey Gardens, weather permitting.
Wednesday 21 June Make Music Day 2023. We hope to arrange something extra special for this week too. Watch this space.
Saturday 1 July Gold Hill Fair Provisionally 5.00 p.m. Barton Hill.
Sunday 23 July Shaftesbury Fringe 11.15 a.m. Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens
OTHER EVENTS – LOTS HAPPENING
TODAY Saturday 29 April Wessex Strings. FREE lunchtime concert as part of the Sherborne Abbey Festival. 1.30 pm, Cheap Street church. See last week’s flyer.
Sat 29 Apr – Sun 7 May Walking Distance – a celebration of nature, footpaths and getting lost. Rachel Sargeant (painting and prints) Semley Village Hall. See attached flyer
Sunday 7 May Dream of Gerontius. Gillingham Methodist Church. What a coup! See attached flyer or speak to Mike (bass).
Monday 8 May The Byzant Ceremony Come and watch or even take part in this revival of Shaftesbury’s ancient tradition. See attached flyer.
Tuesday 9 May The Creation Quartet - Haydn, Dvorak and Schubert. St Peters at 7pm. Tickets from the Arts Centre box office (under 18s free) or at the door. Wine and juice bar. See earlier flyer
Friday 12 May One Man and his Cow (ArtsReach) Cranborne Memorial Hall and also at other venues locally. See earlier flyer.
Sunday 21 May A West Gallery Evensong, St John’s Tisbury. See attached info sheet.
CREATING OUT FUTURE – MONDAY 1 MAY ARTS CENTRE 10.00 – 5.00
Monday at Shaftesbury Arts Centre, a fun filled day of events to kickstart the fundraising for their fantastic re-development project. THE SECRET POSTCARD SALE includes original art by local artists and celebrities. See attached flyer for a taste of what is arriving at the Arts Centre, donated in support of the Arts in Shaftesbury. Each postcard costs the same and you cannot be sure who has made what until after you have bought it. Some will surprise you! Starting at 10 am along with lots of other activities!
David
29 April 2023