9 MAY 2019

Dear All

A really good sing last night – and a very encouraging last rehearsal for our performance at the Food Festival this weekend (see full details below). Please do tell everyone you can about this – it would be lovely to sing in front of a vast crowd of friends and supporters.  Yuko (soprano) has found this performance of a rather different version of “Leko Hode Nedo”: https://youtu.be/IkPQq9zknRI.  Apparently it is nothing at all to do with an obstinate donkey but rather about a girl who dreams of a fairer complexion!  A proper translation will, we hope, follow in due course

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Sunday 12 May  Shaftesbury Food Festival.  12.30 Abbey Gardens.   Please arrive at 12.00 noon.  Normal dress code (ie shades of red above the waist - no patterns! – with dark or black bottoms).  Parking is free on Sundays of course, but is likely to be busy.  Additional parking in Coppice Street too.  We will be singing (in no particular order); Time After Time*, Hold On, Java Jive*, California Dreamin’*, Funiculi Funicula, Isn’t She Lovely*, Leko Hode Nedo, That Lonesome Road, Up Above My Head, Things*, Isa Lei and Follow the Heron.  (Those marked * will be with the ukes)

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church, Shaftesbury. 7.00 (note revised time)

Saturday 15 June  Motcombe Village Fete 1.45 – 2.15

Sunday 7 July Shaftesbury Fringe / Gold Hill Fair.  12.30 – 1.30 Park Walk.

Saturday 13 July  Shaftesbury Primary School Fete

Saturday 7 September Singing at Castle Hill Garden party

The “pad” from which all the music for our summer events will be taken is made up of those pieces we are singing on 12thMay along with: Call of Wisdom; Long and Winding Road; Alleluia; Morning has Come; Go Placidly; Stille der Nacht; Wake Up; And So It Goes; Eternal Flame. 

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 18 May  Afternoon tea (with live music) at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.  2.00 - 5.00.

Sunday 9 June.  Fonthill Garden party to raise money for secondary breast cancer.  See earlier flyer.

Saturday 15 June  Choral Day with Deborah Radford.  Port Regis.  This is a reminder that the cut-off date is 1st June. They need more tenors and basses anyway but there is still plenty of room for more sopranos and altos.   See earlier details.

also

An evening of Mozart, Bach and Henri Dutilleux.  St John's Church Tisbury at 7.30 pm. Entry is free with retiring collection in aid of the St John's development fund.  See attached flyer.

David

25 APRIL 2019

Dear All

Lovely to have the ukes with us for 45 minutes or so last night.  “Time After Time” needs work but most of the other pieces sounded really great.  They will be joining us for five of our numbers for the Food Festival on 12th May (see below).  For the next couple of sessions we will be concentrating on our programme for the Food Festival, and next week we will be singing Up Above My Head, Things, Time After Time, Leko Hode Nedo, That Lonesome Road, Java Jive and Isa Lei.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Sunday 12 May  Shaftesbury Food Festival.  12.30 Abbey Gardens.   We will be singing (in no particular order); Time After Time*, Hold On, Java Jive*, California Dreamin’*, Funiculi Funicula, Isn’t She Lovely*, Leko Hode Nedo, That Lonesome Road, Up Above My Head, Things*, Isa Lei and Follow the Heron.  (Those marked * will be with the ukes)

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church, Shaftesbury.  7.30 (provisionally)

Saturday 15 June  Motcombe Village Fete 1.45 – 2.15

Sunday 7 July Shaftesbury Fringe / Gold Hill Fair.  12.30 – 1.30 Park Walk.

Saturday 13 July  Shaftesbury Primary School Fete

Saturday 7 September Singing at Castle Hill Garden party

The “pad” from which all the music for our summer events will be taken is made up of those pieces we are singing on 12thMay along with: Call of Wisdom; Long and Winding Road; Alleluia; Morning has Come; Go Placidly; Stille der Nacht; Wake Up; And So It Goes; Eternal Flame. 

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 27 April  Pagoda (clarinet and accordion) Mere.  7.30  See earlier flyer.

also

World Tai Chi Day.  Join Men Bao (soprano) and some of her students for an hour’s gentle tai chi exercise.  10.00 -11.00 on Park Walk.  No charge.

also

Cycle for Love Benefit Concert    Ashley Wood Farm, Tisbury. (See earlier flyer).  Tickets from https://www.ashleywoodfarmevents.co.uk/

Ashley Wood Farm - Home

www.ashleywoodfarmevents.co.uk

PERFECT PERFORMANCE & EXHIBITION SPACES . Ashley Wood Farm is situated in an idyllic location in the South of England and is the ideal place for your Wedding, Art Exhibition, Party or Business event.

Saturday 4 May  Ceilidh with Teasing the Cat at Marnhull Village Hall.  See earlier flyer.

also

Sat 4 – Sun 5 May  Come and Sing Vivaldi.  St John’s Tisbury.  See earlier flyer.

Friday 24 May. EARTHRISE by Alec Roth featuring Salisbury Festival Chorus (to include Anne H, Louise G, Clare H, Marie, Sam, Sue S and Yuko)  7:00pm & 9:00pm  Salisbury Cathedral. 

More details on: www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/whats-on/festival/earthrise/

Earthrise : Wiltshire Creative

www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury Arts Centre and Salisbury International Arts Festival producing and presenting great art and entertainment as Wiltshire Creative.

Sunday 9 June.  Fonthill Garden party to raise money for secondary breast cancer.  See earlier flyer.

Saturday 15 June  Choral Day with Deborah Radford.  Port Regis.  See earlier details

also

An evening of Mozart, Bach and Henri Dutilleux.  St John's Church Tisbury at 7.30 pm. Entry is free with retiring collection in aid of the St John's development fund. 

19 APRIL 2019

Dear All

Excellent singing last night … I think we all worked mighty hard and the end result was absolutely great.    Next week we will be doing: Hold On, Tongo, And So It Goes, Things, Eternal Flame, Time After Time, Funiculi Funicula, Wake Up.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

To remind you, the “pad” from which the music for our summer events will be taken currently looks something like this:  Time after Time; Call of Wisdom; Long and Winding Road; Hold On; Java Jive; Alleluia; California Dreamin’; Funiculi Funicula; Isn’t she Lovely; Leko Hode Nedo; That Lonesome Road; Morning has Come; Things; Go Placidly; Stille der Nacht; Isa Lei; Wake Up; And So It Goes; Follow the Heron; Eternal Flame.  The list is provisional and is likely to change a bit – Karen, I know, has several ideas up her sleeve! However, we will choose the songs for our various do’s from something not too dissimilar from the above.

Sunday 12 May  Shaftesbury Food Festival.  12.30 Abbey Gardens

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church, Shaftesbury.  7.30 (provisionally)

Saturday 15 June  Motcombe Village Fete 1.45 – 2.15

Sunday 7 July Shaftesbury Fringe / Gold Hill Fair.  12.30 – 1.30 Park Walk.

Saturday 13 July  Shaftesbury Primary School Fete

Saturday 7 September Singing at Castle Hill Garden party

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 27 April  Pagoda (clarinet and accordion) Mere.  7.30  See earlier flyer.

also

Cycle for Love Benefit Concert    Ashley Wood Farm, Tisbury. (See attached flyer).  A young couple from Gillingham have been on their bikes for 2 years and are cycling around the world to help refugees and raise awareness of the refugee situation. You can see Hayden and Molly on Facebook at "cycle for love". Tickets from https://www.ashleywoodfarmevents.co.uk/

Ashley Wood Farm - Home

www.ashleywoodfarmevents.co.uk

PERFECT PERFORMANCE & EXHIBITION SPACES . Ashley Wood Farm is situated in an idyllic location in the South of England and is the ideal place for your Wedding, Art Exhibition, Party or Business event.

Saturday 4 May  Ceilidh with Teasing the Cat at Marnhull Village Hall.  See attached flyer.

also

Sat 4 – Sun 5 May  Come and Sing Vivaldi.  St John’s Tisbury.  See earlier flyer.

Friday 24 May. EARTHRISE by Alec Roth featuring Salisbury Festival Chorus (to include Anne H, Louise G, Clare H, Marie, Sam, Sue S and Yuko)  7:00pm & 9:00pm  Salisbury Cathedral. 

More details on: www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/whats-on/festival/earthrise/

Earthrise : Wiltshire Creative

www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury Arts Centre and Salisbury International Arts Festival producing and presenting great art and entertainment as Wiltshire Creative.

Sunday 9 June.  Fonthill Garden party to raise money for seconday breast cancer.  See attached flyer or chat to Alison (soprano) who is offering herself as a prize! See attached flyer.

Saturday 15 June  Choral Day with Deborah Radford.  Port Regis.  See earlier details

also

An evening of Mozart, Bach and Henri Dutilleux.  St John's Church Tisbury at 7.30 pm. Entry is free with retiring collection in aid of the St John's development fund.  Quentin Edwards (flute) together with an orchestra are local musicians conducted by Jeremy Barlow.

David

11 APRIL 2019

Dear All

More terrific work last night … as expected.  The “pad” from which the music for our summer events will be taken currently looks something like this:   Time after Time; Call of Wisdom; Long and Winding Road; Hold On; Java Jive; Alleluia; California Dreamin’; Funiculi Funicula; Isn’t she Lovely; Leko Hode Nedo; That Lonesome Road; Morning has Come; Things; Go Placidly; Stille der Nacht; Isa Lei; Wake Up; And So It Goes; Follow the Heron; Eternal Flame.  The list is provisional and is likely to change a bit – Karen, I know, has several ideas up her sleeve! However, we will choose the songs for our various do’s from something not too dissimilar from the above.   Next week we will be doing: Ceremony Boogie, Alleluia; Java Jive; Leko Hode Nedo; Follow the Heron; Isn’t She Lovely; And So It Goes Isa Lei.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Sunday 12 May  Shaftesbury Food Festival.  12.30 Abbey Gardens

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church, Shaftesbury.  7.30 (provisionally)

Saturday 15 June  Motcombe Village Fete 1.45 – 2.15

Sunday 7 July Shaftesbury Fringe / Gold Hill Fair.  12.30 – 1.30 Park Walk.

Saturday 13 July  Shaftesbury Primary School Fete

Saturday 7 September Singing at Castle Hill Garden party

OTHER EVENTS

until Sat 13 April  Shaftesbury Arts Centre spring production – two one act comedies -  Audience and The Real Inspector Hound. See earlier flyer.

Saturday 13 April  Gillingham Singers Concert. See earlier flyer.

Saturday 27 April  Pagoda (clarinet and accordion) Mere.  7.30  see attached flyer.

Sat 4 – Sun 5 May  Come and Sing Vivaldi.  St John’s Tisbury.  See earlier flyer.

Saturday 15 June  Choral Day with Deborah Radford.  Port Regis.  See earlier details

also

An evening of Mozart, Bach and Henri Dutilleux.  St John's Church Tisbury at 7.30 pm. Entry is free with retiring collection in aid of the St John's development fund.  Quentin Edwards (flute) together with an orchestra are local musicians conducted by Jeremy Barlow.

David

28 MARCH 2019

Dear All,

Terrific work last night.  Call of Wisdom and Long and Winding Road were sounding splendid and I think we have finally cracked Time After Time.  Unusually for us, it was an all-English language set.  Freda (soprano) has estimated that we sing in at least 16 different languages!  Next week we will be looking at songs in 4 of them: Viva la Musica, Listen, Time After Time, Forever Young, Things, Pebble on My Tongue, Stille de Nacht and Isa lei.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Sunday 12 May  Shaftesbury Food Festival.  12.30 Abbey Gardens

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church, Shaftesbury.  7.30 (provisionally)

Saturday 15 June  Motcombe Village Fete 1.45 – 2.15 (provisionally)

Sunday 7 July Shaftesbury Fringe / Gold Hill Fair.  12.30 (provisionally) Park Walk.

Saturday 13 July  Shaftesbury Primary School Fete

Saturday 7 September Singing at Castle Hill Garden party

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 30 March  Spectra Musica Concert, Wincanton. See earlier flyer.

Sunday 31 March  Shaftesbury Orchestra Concert.  7.30 p.m. at Port Regis. Beethoven and Mendelssohn.  ABSOLUTELY FREE.  See attached flyer.

Tues 9 – Sat 13 April  Shaftesbury Arts Centre spring production – two one act comedies -  Audience and The Real Inspector Hound. See earlier flyer.

Saturday 13 April  Gillingham Singers Concert. See earlier flyer.

Sat 4 – Sun 5 May  Come and Sing Vivaldi.  St John’s Tisbury.  See earlier flyer.

Saturday 15 June  Choral Day with Deborah Radford.  Port Regis.  See earlier details

TAI CHI AND QI-GONG CLASSES

Men Bao (soprano) will be starting a new class for beginners on Tuesday evenings from 6.00 – 7.00 in St Peter’s Church Hall (just behind the Town Hall) starting next week (Tuesday 2 April).  You are welcome to just turn up and try. See attached flyer.

WILD ABOUT SHAFTESBURY

See the attached flyer for details of the Wild about Shaftesbury Ecology Competition.  We are so fortunate to live in a beautiful, rural part of the country, and the organisers of the competition are anxious to raise awareness and appreciation for the natural treasure in and around Shaftesbury.

David

14 MARCH 2018

Dear All,

More good singing all round last night.  Special; thanks to Yuko (soprano) for leading us in Sakura Sakura too!  As you know, we now have quite a number of bookings over the first part of the summer.  Please put the dates in your diaries now if you haven’t done so already.  We have also been asked to sing on Saturday 7 September for the Castle Hill / Cedars garden party so I have added this to the list below.  Next week we will be working on Call of Wisdom, Time After Time, Java Jive, Things, Long and Winding Road, the second verse of Sakura, Sakura and Hold On.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Sunday 12 May  Shaftesbury Food Festival.  12.30 Abbey Gardens

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church, Shaftesbury.

Saturday 15 June  Motcombe Village Fete

Sunday 7 July Shaftesbury Fringe / Gold Hill Fair.  12.30 (provisionally) Park Walk.

Saturday 13 July  Shaftesbury Primary School Fete

Saturday 7 September Singing at Castle Hill Garden party

OTHER EVENTS

Fri 15 – Say 16 March  A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Forest Forge, Ringwood) starring Sue (tenor) as a Rude Mechanical.  See attached flyer.

Saturday 16 March TAG and Rockforte.  Victoria Hall, Tisbury.  See earlier flyer.

also

Sing Your Heart Out with Sarah and Gilo. Village Hall, Cranborne.  10.30am – 4.30pm  £25 on the day / £20 if booked and paid by 9th March. See earlier flyer.

Thursday 21 March  Northern Harmony.  Workshop and concert.  See earlier flyer or have a word with Linda (soprano).

Sunday 24 March  Palida Choir presents “Dissent”.  See earlier flyer.

Saturday 30 March  Spectra Musica Concert, Wincanton. See earlier flyer.

Tues 9 – Sat 13 April  Shaftesbury Arts Centre spring production.  See attached flyer.

Saturday 13 April  Gillingham Singers Concert. See earlier flyer.

Sat 4 – Sun 5 May  Come and Sing Vivaldi.  St John’s Tisbury.  See earlier flyer.

Saturday 15 June  Choral Day with Deborah Radford.  Port Regis.  

David

7 MARCH 2019

Dear All,

Congratulations on another excellent session last night. Call of Wisdom and California Dreamin’ were amazingly well remembered – we’ll be spending some more time on these next week - and Time After Time is almost completed.  In addition to these three, next week we will be singing Come and Sing, Ego Sum Pauper, My Little Cup and Hold On, and Yuko will lead us in Sakura Sakura (Japanese Cherry Blossom song) once more. Finally, we now have quite a number of bookings over the first part of the summer.  Please put the dates in your diaries now.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Sunday 12 May  Shaftesbury Food Festival.  12.30 Abbey Gardens

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church, Shaftesbury.

Saturday 15 June  Motcombe Village Fete

Sunday 7 July Shaftesbury Fringe / Gold Hill Fair.  12.30 (provisionally) Park Walk.

Saturday 13 July  Shaftesbury Primary School Fete

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 9 March  Great Shaftesbury Marma-fest.   See earlier flyer.

also

Singing workshop with Jane Fenton and Ruth Routledge.  Wincanton.  £20.  Contact Jane on 01963 33695 (janeyfents@hotmail.com) for more details. 

Saturday 16 March TAG and Rockforte.  Victoria Hall, Tisbury.  See earlier flyer.

also

Sing Your Heart Out with Sarah and Gilo. Village Hall, Cranborne.  10.30am – 4.30pm  £25 on the day / £20 if booked and paid by 9th March. See earlier flyer.

Thursday 21 March  Northern Harmony.  Workshop and concert.  See earlier flyer or have a word with Linda (soprano).

Sunday 24 March  Palida Choir presents “Dissent”.  See attached flyer.

Saturday 30 March  Spectra Musica Concert, Wincanton. See attached flyer.

Saturday 13 April  Gillingham Singers Concert. See attached flyer.

Sat 4 – Sun 5 May  Come and Sing Vivaldi.  St John’s Tisbury.  See earlier flyer.

CALLING ALL RECORDER PLAYERS

Yuko (soprano) writes:

'We play the recorders for fun, but there are only three of us at the moment. We have some quartets but as we haven't played them for so long we wondered if some of the community choir member would like to join us. We practise between 2:30 and 4:30pm on Thursdays, fortnightly, at Freda's house. She makes us a lovely cup of tea during tea break. After the gathering, I always feel lifted up like after Wednesday choir practice! Our next practice day is Thursday 14th March. If you used to play the recorder(s) and are interested in joining us, please see Freda or me (sop). Look forward to hearing from you ♪ '

David

14 FEBRUARY 2019

Dear All,

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Another great sing last night and another great turn-out too. Wonderful.  It was particularly reassuring to see that no-one seemed to have suffered any ill effects from last week’s grilled sausage rolls too.  Next week you are invited to wear something particularly bright and colourful to help keep us in good spirits … not that we actually need anything of course.  Totally non-competitive, it would be lovely to see everyone wearing their glad rags.  Next week we will be singing: Alleluia, Siyahamba, Morning has  come, Funiculi Funicula, Leko hode nedo, Time after Time, Forever Young and Heart to Heart.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Sunday 12 May  Shaftesbury Food Festival. Park Walk

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church, Shaftesbury.

Saturday 15 June  Motcombe Village Fete

Saturday 13 July  Shaftesbury Primary School Fete

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 16 February (this weekend) Music for a Winter’s Evening.  St Peter’s Church.  7.30 p.m.  Raising money for two local charities, “The Project” and “Headsmart”.  Tickets at the door.

Friday 22 February Gold Hill Museum Quiz night with fish and chip supper. Heritage Suite, 43 Bell Street, Shaftesbury SP7 8AE.  Cost is £10 per person. Drinks can be purchased at the bar. Please pay and reserve your place in advance.  Call Barbara Ambrose 01747 850871 or emailambrosecarey@aol.com  See earlier flyer

Saturday 2 March  Military Wives Choir at St Mary’s, Gillingham.  

Saturday 9 March  Great Shaftesbury Marma-fest.   

Saturday 16 March TAG and Rockforte.  Victoria Hall, Tisbury.  

also

Sing Your Heart Out with Sarah and Gilo. Village Hall, Cranborne.  10.30am – 4.30pm  £25 on the day / £20 if booked and paid by 9th March. See attached flyer.
Thursday 21 March  Northern Harmony.  Workshop and concert.  See earlier flyer or have a word with Linda (soprano).

Sat 4 – Sun 5 May  Come and Sing Vivaldi.  St John’s Tisbury.  See earlier flyer.

TWO NEW ART COURSES & A CALL FOR STORYTELLERS

Julia has drawn our attention to two new art courses being held locally: Art and Mindfulness, to be held on Wednesday mornings in March at Gold Hill Museum, and the Art of Landscape Painting to be held on Thursday evenings in March at Riversmeet, Gillingham.  See attached flyers.  “Read Easy” is also calling for storytellers to read out loud in four of our local supermarkets over the coming months in order to raise public awareness and funds for reading books and other resources.  

31 JANUARY 2019

Dear All,

Not much to report except to say that last night’s singing was great (of course) and to remind you that next week will be a BADGE WEDNESDAY.  Please come sporting a name badge.  Don’t worry if you forget though – Julia will have some sticky labels.  As it will be the start of the Chinese New Year we will be singing May Your Cup Always Be Full and The Boar’s Head Carol (it is going to be Year of the Pig after all and I think it is probably the only pig song in our repertoire), our own bespoke version of Vive La Compagnie, continuing work on Isn’t She Lovely and Time After Time, and, time permitting, singing Bela Mama, Give Me Wings and the Ghanaian Kyrie as well.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Sunday 12 May  Shaftesbury Food Festival. Park Walk

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church, Shaftesbury.

Saturday 15 June  Motcombe Village Fete

Saturday 13 July  Shaftesbury Primary School Fete

OTHER EVENTS

until Saturday 2 February  Nutcracker (pantomime) at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.  See earlier flyer.

Saturday 2 February Tea Dance, Shaftesbury Town Hall.  See last week’s flyer or have a word with Tony (bass)

also

'Songs in Wintertime' with Vox Serenata 7.30pm Parish Church, Market Place, Blandford Forum, DT11 7AD. See earlier flyer

Friday 22 February Gold Hill Museum Quiz night with fish and chip supper. Heritage Suite, 43 Bell Street, Shaftesbury SP7 8AE.  Cost is £10 per person. Drinks can be purchased at the bar. Please pay and reserve your place in advance.  Call Barbara Ambrose 01747 850871 or email ambrosecarey@aol.com  See attached flyer

Saturday 2 March  Military Wives Choir at St Mary’s, Gillingham.  See last week’s flyer or have a word with Brian (bass)

Saturday 9 March  Great Shaftesbury Marma-fest.   See last week’s flyer.

Thursday 21 March  Northern Harmony.  Workshop and concert.  See last week’s flyer or have a word with Linda (soprano).

Sat 4 – Sun 5 May  Come and Sing Vivaldi.  St John’s Tisbury.  See earlier flyer.

David

24 JANUUARY 2019

Dear All,

A bit of a hard slog last night maybe but worth it I hope.  That Lonesome Road was sounding really good by the end of it.  Next time we will be singing Viva La Compagnie and That Lonesome Road once more and, time permitting, looking at Vive la Musica, Time After Time, Rongo Mau, Follow the Heron, Wake Up and Isn’t She Lovely.  Finally, as I said last week, there are quite a lot of interesting, informative and/or entertaining events coming up over the next few weeks that are, I am sure, well worthy of (y)our support.

VIVE LA COMPAGNIE

Jane (soprano) has sent this link to a very slick version of the song.  Hope you enjoy singing along … maybe even in Korean!  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hG4edOJu7ao

Vive La Compagnie - Robert Shaw Chorale (Men) (with Lyrics, English & 한글)

m.youtube.com

Vive La Compagnie - Robert Shaw Chorale (Men) Dec. 26, 2016 CB

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Sunday 12 May  Shaftesbury Food Festival. Park Walk

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church, Shaftesbury.

Saturday 15 June  Motcombe Village Fete

Saturday 13 July  Shaftesbury Primary School Fete

OTHER EVENTS

Until Saturday 2 February  The Nutcracker (pantomime).  Shaftesbury Arts Centre.  See earlier flyer.

Friday 26 January  Pagoda  (Karen on clarinet and bass clarinet with Paul Hutchinson – accordionist extraordinaire).  7.30 k.o. Fovant Village Hall.

Sunday 27 January African Children's Choir, Blandford School Hall 7pm. Music for Life, the official fundraising charity of the choir have educated more than 52,000 children as well as impacting the lives of over 100,000 people in its development programme.
Tickets from Blandford Evangelical Church 01258 450689 or email admin@becbygrace.co.uk

Saturday 2 February Tea Dance, Shaftesbury Town Hall.  See attached flyer or have a word with Tony (bass)

also

'Songs in Wintertime' with Vox Serenata 7.30pm Parish Church, Market Place, Blandford Forum, DT11 7AD. See last week’s flyer.

Saturday 2 March  Military Wives Choir at Sty Mary’s, Gillingham.  See attached flyer or have a word with Brian (bass)

Saturday 9 March  Great Shaftesbury Marma-fest.   See attached flyer.

Thursday 21 March  Northern Harmony.  Workshop and concert.  See attached flyer or have a word with Linda (soprano).

Sat 4 – Sun 5 May  Come and Sing Vivaldi.  St John’s Tisbury.  See last week’s flyer.

17 JANUARY 2019

Dear All,

More sparkling singing last night … of course.  Unfortunately, I forgot to announce that the Shaftesbury Food Festival is scheduled for Sunday 12 May and that we have been invited to sing in the Abbey on Park Walk.  At this stage, the choice of time is largely up to us – assuming we want to take part.  Next time we will be singing My Dancing Day and That Lonesome Road once more and, time permitting, looking at Ooh a lay la, Feelin’ Groovy, Viva La Campagnie, Wake Up, Plovi Barko and Isn’t She Lovely.  Finally, there are quite a lot of interesting, informative and/or entertaining events coming up over the next few weeks that are, I am sure, well worthy of (y)our support.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Sunday 12 May  Shaftesbury Food Festival

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church, Shaftesbury.

Saturday 15 June  Motcombe Village Fete

Saturday 13 July  Shaftesbury Primary School Fete

OTHER EVENTS

Thursday 17 January  Planet Shaftesbury.  See last week’s flyer.

Saturday 19 January  Come and Sing English Choral Classics with Salisbury Chamber Chorus.  1.30 pm, Concert 6.00 pm, St Martin's Church, Salisbury. See attached application form for further details.

Wed 23 Jan – Sat 2 Feb   The Nutcracker (pantomime).  Shaftesbury Arts Centre.  See last week’s flyer.

Sunday 27 January African Children's Choir, Blandford School Hall 7pm. Music for Life, the official fundraising charity of the choir have educated more than 52,000 children as well as impacting the lives of over 100,000 people in its development programme.
Tickets from Blandford Evangelical Church 01258 450689 or email admin@becbygrace.co.uk

Saturday 2 February 'Songs in Wintertime' concert with Vox Serenata 7.30pm Parish Church, Market Place, Blandford Forum, DT11 7AD. See attached flyer

Sat 4 – Sun 5 May  Come and Sing Vivaldi.  St John’s Tisbury.  See attached flyer

David

10 JANUARY 2019

Dear All,

More great singing last night.  Thankyou for agreeing to support the Shaftesbury Primary School Fete on Saturday 13 July which I have added to our diary, below.  More details when they become available.  Next week we will be singing Lullay My Liking, Senzeni Na (see below) and Gloucestershire Wassail once more and, time permitting, looking at Listen, My Dancing Day, That Lonesome Road, Wake Up and Haere Mai. 

SENZENI NA

The words for those that would like them are very straightforward:

Senzeni na

Sohlanga na ezulwini

Zulu-lu-lu

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church, Shaftesbury.

Saturday 15 June  Motcombe Village Fete

Saturday 13 July  Shaftesbury Primary School Fete

OTHER EVENTS

Thursday 17 January  Planet Shaftesbury.  See attached flyer,

Wed 23 Jan – Sat 2 Feb   The Nutcracker (pantomime).  See attached flyer.

David

3 JANUARY 2019

Dear All,

Happy New Year.  Thanks to all for making last night’s party such a success and getting 2019 off to such a good start.  A particular thankyou to Elizabeth, Jerome, Mary, Janet, Sue, Dudley, Tony, the two Richards, Karen, Steve, Margaret, Freda, Tess, Yuko and Katy for their cabaret turns of course, and to Robin for some invaluable last minute depping on guitar. 

Our carol singing just before Christmas raised £114 for research into Parkinson’s Disease, so well worthwhile.  There is an excellent video clip of this on our website, so do take a look.  Talking of which, Andrea will be uploading some pictures from last night’s party over the next few days together with the recording we made last month of “Come Descend” which, incidentally, was really liked by Nym Cooke who arranged it and provided the English words.  (If we sound a bit beery, blame it on my digital recorder and the acoustics of the Town Hall!)

Next week we will be singing the Argentine Carol and We Wish You Joy once more together with the Boars Head Carol, Lullay My Liking, Gloucestershire Wassail and rounding things off with Senzeni Na.  A heady mix. 

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church.

Saturday 15 June  Motcombe Village Fete

David

20 DECEMBER 2018

Dear All,

Thanks to absolutely everyone who contributed to the success of last night’s party.  A good time was had by all, I’m pretty sure.  We will not be meeting next Wednesday (Boxing Day) but will starting the New Year in style on 2nd January when we will be having our choir party.  Liquid refreshment provided but please bring finger food to share. Lots of singing, a few party pieces and maybe a game or two.

Don’t forget we have been invited to join the hospital League of Friends this evening (Thursday 20 December) for their annual Christingle carol singing around the wards.  Meet in the Occupational Therapy (OT) Room at the hospital 6.30 for 7.00   (Singing for one hour followed by mulled wine and mince pies.) Finally, we’re hoping for a spectacular turn out this Saturday morning (22nd) when we will be doing a spot of carol singing.  See below.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS:

Saturday 22 December   Carol singing in the town centre followed by coffee and mince pies at Shaftesbury Arts Centre. Raising money for research into Parkinson’s Disease.  Meet outside Town Hall (10.15 for 10.30) probably on the Christmas tree side.  Whatever you do, please DON’T BLOCK THE ENTRANCE TO THE FLEA MARKET.  Usual dress code (i.e. shades of red above the waist, dark or black below).

Boxing Day, Wednesday 26 December  NO PRACTICE

Wednesday 2 January New Year Party. Please bring finger food to share.

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church.

Saturday 15 June  Motcombe Village Fete

Merry Christmas

David

13 DECEMBER 2018

Dear All,

More lovely singing last night.  We will be singing our Christmas repertoire for our own pleasure next Wednesday and for the pleasure of those doing their Christmas shopping on Saturday 22nd - see below.  (There is no need to bring contributions towards the food for next week’s Christmas celebration by the way, it will be normal refreshments + mulled wine or juice and mince pies for those that want.)

If you have a short item you would like to perform at our New Year Party on Wednesday 2 January, please let me know so that I can begin to put a programme together.  I have been given four items so far, so a few more wouldn’t come amiss. 

Don’t forget we have also been invited to participate in a couple of seasonal events – again, see below.

LETTER FROM THE HOSPITAL LEAGUE OF FRIENDS

“I am writing on behalf of the Committee of the League of Friends of WMH to thank you all so much for your wonderful carol singing at our Christmas Fair. We all felt that the event was very successful and you definitely added to the festive atmosphere. I am not sure of the exact figure yet but we think we made in the region of £400 for the hospital. I will be adding a piece about the fair to our website soon and you will definitely be mentioned. With many thanks again.  Elizabeth Heath, Secretary to the League of Friends.”

COMING CHOIR EVENTS:

Wednesday 19 December  Christmas Celebration.  All your favourite carols and Christmas songs, coffee / tea and biscuits as usual or mulled wine / juice and mince pies if you prefer, and a theatrical spectacular from Tess (alto) and friends.

Saturday 22 December   Carol singing in the town centre followed by coffee and mince pies at Shaftesbury Arts Centre. Raising money for research into Parkinson’s Disease.  Meet outside Town Hall at 10.30.  Usual dress code.

Boxing Day, Wednesday 26 December  NO PRACTICE

Wednesday 2 January New Year Party. Let me know if you have a party piece. More details next week.

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church.

Saturday 15 June  Motcombe Village Fete

TWO INVITATIONS:

Thursday 20 December   Westminster Memorial Hospital.  A small number of community choir members are invited to meet in the Occupational Therapy (OT) Room at the hospital and join the League of Friends for their annual Christingle carol singing around the wards.  6.30 for 7.00   (Singing for one hour followed by mulled wine and mince pies.)  Let me know next week if you’d like to join them.

Christmas Day  Tess (alto) would appreciate some vocal support for the Community Meal at Gillingham Methodist Church at 12 noon.  If you would like to sing well known carols for about 30 minutes, please contact her on eithertess.hebditch@gmail.com OR tesshebditch@gmail.com

EVENTS THIS WEEKEND:

Friday 14 December Tisbury Community Choir and St John's Band concert at St John's Tisbury at 7.30. Tickets at the door.  Christmas music and all sorts of other things!  See attached flyer.

Saturday 15 December  Pilgrim Singers, Rejoice at Christmas.  Wincanton. Tickets £12 from Divine Wines Seasonal refreshments included.  Under 16s free contact 01963 33695 or janeyfents@hotmail.com   See earlier flyer

Sunday 16 December Shaftesbury Christmas market with open air nativity play at 1 o’clock outside the Town Hall.

also

Shaftesbury Orchestra.  7.30 p.m. Port Regis School.  Mozart Overture to “Marriage of Figaro”, Haydn Cello Concerto in C and Schubert Symphony No. 6.  FREE.

OTHER EVENTS:

Monday 17 December “Wintery Songs in the Garden” with Cranborne Community Choir.  Sue (tenor) would love us to come along.  See earlier flyer.

Friday 21 December  “Deck the Halls” – Christmas entertainment from Gillingham Arts Workshop.  Gillingham Library, 5.30 p.m.  FREE.  Flyer attached

DAVID

6 DECEMBER 2018

Dear All

Smaller numbers than usual last night, but there was some great singing and it was lovely to catch up with some Christmas favourites from previous years.  Many thanks to all those who took part in last weekend’s events – all of which were well received by the various organisers.  (So what if the fun run lasted only 10 minutes as opposed to the estimated 30+, we helped to create a really happy atmosphere.  The little girl at Motcombe who requested a verse of “Hark the Herald” for one was delighted. “It’s a lovely choir” she told me.)  Molly and Christine and the Santa Run team have asked me to pass on their thanks.  “The choir’s beautiful singing really brought the village hall to life and created such a wonderful, festive atmosphere.  The run was a great success and we are incredibly grateful to all the people who helped.” 

Following on from this, the powers that be in Motcombe have invited us to sing at their summer fete once more.  This will be on Saturday 15 June (see diary below).  We have also been invited to participate in a number of seasonal events – again, see below. 
Next week we will continue to look at our pieces for the Christmas season in readiness for our celebration on Wednesday 19th and our carol singing on Saturday 22nd.  If you have a short item you would like to perform at our New Year party on Wednesday 2 January, please let me know so that I can begin to put a programme together.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS:

Wednesday 19 December  Christmas celebration.

Saturday 22 December   Carol singing in the town centre followed by coffee and mince pies at Shaftesbury Arts Centre. Raising money for research into Parkinson’s Disease.  More details next time.

Boxing Day, Wednesday 26 December  NO PRACTICE

Wednesday 2 January New Year Party. Let me know if you have a party piece.

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church.

Saturday 15 June  Motcombe Village Fete

THREE INVITATIONS:

Sunday 16 December  Choir members are invited to join in the open air nativity play that takes place outside the Town Hall during the Christmas Market.  If you would like to take part, please meet up with Sam Skey at 11 o’clock this coming Sunday (9th) at St Peter’s Church or go to Bell Street United Church on Tuesday (11th) at 6 o’clock. 

Thursday 20 December   Westminster Memorial Hospital.  A small number of community choir members are invited to meet in the Occupational Therapy (OT) Room at the hospital and join the League of Friends for their annual Christingle carol singing around the wards.  6.30 for 7.00   (Singing for one hour followed by mulled wine and mince pies.)  Let me know next week if you’d like to join them.

Christmas Day  Tess (alto) would appreciate some vocal support for the Community Meal at Gillingham Methodist Church at 12 noon.  If you would like to sing well known carols for about 30 minutes, please contact her on eithertess.hebditch@gmail.com OR tesshebditch@gmail.com

EVENTS THIS WEEKEND:

Saturday 8 December  Salisbury Symphony Orchestra.   See earlier flyer.

Sunday 9 December  Wincanton Choral Society Messiah.  See earlier flyer. Tickets available from Mary or Linda (sopranos) or Jan (tenor).

OTHER EVENTS:

Wednesday 12 December OLD TREES TALK with PHOTOGRAPHS   7.00pm at Shaftesbury Arts Centre (see attached flyer)

Saturday 15 December  Pilgrim Singers, Rejoice at Christmas.  Wincanton. Tickets £12 from Divine Wines Seasonal refreshments included.  Under 16s free contact 01963 33695 or janeyfents@hotmail.com   See earlier flyer

Monday 17 December “Wintery Songs in the Garden” with Cranborne Community Choir.  Sue (tenor) would love us to come along.  See attached flyer.

Friday 21 December  “Deck the Halls” – Christmas entertainment from Gillingham Arts Workshop.  Gillingham Library, 5.30 p.m.  FREE.

29 NOVEMBER 2018

Dear All,

Great singing again last night.  I’m attaching the MP3 of the recording we made of “Come Descend”.  It’s not at all bad although it does tend to go a bit flat and the acoustics of the Town Hall hardly enhance our sound.  Looking forward to doing it again this coming weekend though.  We’ve got three events lined up (see below) and we’re hopeful for a really good turnout.    

Next week we will be looking at our pieces for the Christmas season.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Saturday 1 December  Singing for Westminster Memorial Hospital (Shaftesbury) at the Quaker Meeting House. 10.30 for 10.45.   Dress code: shades of red above the waist (block colour please, no patterns) and dark or black below.   The weather forecast is dire so we will almost certainly be singing inside.  We will be singing the well-known carols we looked at last night together with Come Descend, Fais Dodo, Hosanna, While Shepherds (Cornish tune) and Ding Dong.  After we’ve sung and enjoyed our coffees and mince pies, we’re invited over the road to Castle Hill House for their bric-a-brac sale and, no doubt, more coffee and mince pies. (See earlier flyer.

Sunday 2 December  Singing for Motcombe Primary School PTA’s Great Santa Run.  10.30 for 10.45  Motcombe Village Hall. Usual dress code and same repertoire as Saturday.  Weather permitting we will be singing outside.  Because of the run, there are going to be road closures in force.  Coming from the Shaftesbury direction, please enter the village by the right turn shortly after Port Regis on the Shaftesbury/Gillingham road.  There will be a road block, but just say you are in the choir and you will be able to park in the Primary School carpark (just before the church).

Monday 3 December  Late Night Shopping.  We have been asked to sing outside the Town Hall from about 5.45 to shortly before 6.20 p.m. Usual dress code. Well-known carols only.  Please assemble outside the Town Hall at 5.30.

Wednesday 19 December  Christmas celebration.

Saturday 22 December   Carol singing in the town centre followed by coffee and mince pies.  Raising money for research into Parkinson’s Disease.  More details to follow.

Wednesday 26 December  NO PRACTICE

Wednesday 2 January New Year Party

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church.

OTHER EVENTS

THIS WEEKEND: Saturday 1 December  Selections from Handel’s Messiah and other pieces.  Gillingham Singers.  7.30 p.m. St Mary’s Church, Gillingham.  See earlier flyer.

Saturday 8 December  Salisbury Symphony Orchestra.   See earlier flyer.

Sunday 9 December  Wincanton Choral Society Messiah.  See earlier flyer. Tickets available from Mary or Linda (sopranos) or Jan (tenor).

Saturday 15 December  Pilgrim Singers, Rejoice at Christmas.  Wincanton.  See earlier flyer

CONCERT AT ST MARY’S SCHOOL

I have received a lovely message from the organisers of last week's concert, thanking us very much for our contribution.  It was a bit of a marathon I thought - quite enough items for two concerts really - but many of the items were quite exceptional and I thought we acquitted ourselves very well indeed.  Congratulations.  I hope those that stayed the course and joined in the Hallelujah Chorus felt it was worth it.   £2,000 was raised for repairs to St. Edward’s church.

David

22 NOVEMBER 2018

Dear All,

Great singing again last night. 

For this evening’s concert, please aim to get to St Mary’s School Chapel as close to 6.00 p.m. as possible, so that we can be ready to go by 6.15 at the very latest.   This should give us just about enough time to sort out our singing positions, find our allocated seats in the audience and, with luck, have a quick practice too. Dress code: shades of red above the waist (block colour please, no patterns) and dark or black below. If you need words / music, putting them in a discreet red folder is best.

In addition to our performances on 1st, 2nd and 3rd December, (please note revision to some times) we will be carol singing in the town centre on the morning of Saturday 22nd before adjourning for coffee (or tea) and mince pies.  If you have a particular charity you would like us to support, please let Julia know before next Wednesday. 

Also, looking ahead, we will be having a bit of a Christmas celebration at our regular session on Wednesday 19th December.  We will not be meeting on Boxing Day, but will start again on Wednesday 2nd January with a fun packed New Year Party and lots of singing of course.

Next week we will be looking at our pieces for the Christmas season.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

TONIGHT - Thursday 22 November  Concert at St Mary’s School (Shaftesbury). Choir to arrive 6.00 for 6.15 p.m.Concert starts at 7.00 p.m. Tickets (£10 for audience members) from Helen Jupp (Tel: 01747 850272; Mob: 07870 975224; e-mail: helenjupp13@gmail.com) 

Saturday 1 December  Singing for Westminster Memorial Hospital (Shaftesbury) at the Quaker Meeting House. 10.30 for 10.45.   At the same time, and just over the road at Castle Hill House, there is going to be a bric-a-brac sale.  (See last week’s flyer.)  If anyone has any quality clothes they would like to donate could they bring them to choir next week or drop them into Sue (alto) at 18, Long Cross?

Sunday 2 December  Singing for Motcombe Primary School PTA’s Great Santa Run.  10.30 for 10.45  Motcombe Village Hall. Because of the run, there are going to be road closures in force.  Coming from the Shaftesbury direction, please enter the village by the right turn shortly after Port Regis on the Shaftesbury/Gillingham road.  There will be a road block, but just say you are in the choir and you will be able to park in the Primary School carpark (just before the church).

Monday 3 December  Late Night Shopping.  We have been asked to sing outside the Town Hall from about 5.45 to shortly before 6.20 p.m. Please note slightly earlier time.

Wednesday 19 December  Christmas celebration.

Saturday 22 December   Carol singing in the town centre followed by coffee and mince pies.

Wednesday 26 December  NO PRACTICE

Wednesday 2 January New Year Party

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church.

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 24 November Flute and piano recital, Salisbury URC.  See attached flyer.

Saturday 1 December  Selections from Handel’s Messiah and other pieces.  Gillingham Singers.  7.30 p.m. St Mary’s Church, Gillingham.  See last week’s flyer.

Saturday 8 December  Salisbury Symphony Orchestra.   See earlier flyer.

Sunday 9 December  Wincanton Choral Society Messiah.  See attached flyer. Tickets available from Mary or Linda (sopranos) or Jan (tenor).

Saturday 15 December  Pilgrim Singers, Rejoice at Christmas.  Wincanton.  See attached flyer

David

15 NOVEMBER 2018

Dear All,

As our performance at St Mary’s School is imminent (Thursday 22nd) it’s probably best to advise / remind people about our dress code which is actually very straightforward, although one or two still manage to get it wrong!  It is, quite simply, shades of red above the waist (block colour please, no patterns) and dark or black below.

Please aim to get to the school chapel as close to 6.00 p.m. as possible, so that we can be ready to go by 6.15 at the very latest.   This should give us just about enough time to sort out our singing positions, find our allocated seats in the audience and, with luck, have a quick practice too. I am sure we all want to appear as professional as possible so please don’t be late and be sure to allow sufficient time for parking and making your way from the school entrance to the chapel itself.

In addition to our performances on 1st, 2nd and 3rd December, we are hoping to arrange a bit of carol singing on the morning of either Saturday 8th or 22nd.  Watch this space.

Also, looking ahead, we will be having a bit of a Christmas celebration at our regular session on Wednesday 19th December.  We will not be meeting on Boxing Day, but will start again on Wednesday 2nd January with a fun packed New Year Party and lots of singing of course.

Next week we will be concentrating on our St Mary’s programme (Suo Gan; Things; Cherubim Song; Stille der Nacht) and looking at other pieces for the Christmas season.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Thursday 22 November  Concert at St Mary’s School (Shaftesbury). Choir to arrive 6.00 for 6.15 p.m. Concert starts at 7.00 p.m. We will be singing four songs (see above) and, for those that wish, joining other performers for a rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus. Tickets (£10 for audience members) from Helen Jupp (Tel: 01747 850272; Mob: 07870 975224; e-mail: helenjupp13@gmail.com) 

Saturday 1 December  Singing for Westminster Memorial Hospital (Shaftesbury) at the Quaker Meeting House. 10.30 for 10.45.   At the same time, and just over the road at Castle Hill House, there is going to be a bric-a-brac sale.  (See attached flyer.) Sue (alto) asks: ‘If anyone has any quality clothes they would like to donate could they bring them to choir over the next 2 weeks or drop them into 18, Long Cross. Thanks’

Sunday 2 December  Singing for Motcombe Primary School PTA  10.45  Motcombe Village Hall. More details later.

Monday 3 December  Late Night Shopping.  We have been asked to lead the singing outside the Town Hall from about 6.20 to shortly before 7.00 p.m. More details later.

Saturday 8 or 22 December   Possible carol singing in the town centre.

Wednesday 19 December  Christmas celebration.

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church.

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 17 November  Spectra Musica concert.  Wincanton.  See earlier flyer.

… also …

St Johns / Enmore Green Variety Show at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.   See earlier flyer.

Saturday 1 December  Selections from Handel’s Messiah and other pieces.  Gillingham Singers.  7.30 p.m. St Mary’s Church, Gillingham.  See attached flyer.

Saturday 8 December  Salisbury Symphony Orchestra.   See earlier flyer.

David

1 NOVEMBER 2018

Dear All,

More exuberant singing last night – great fun!      Next week, as well as working on our programme for 22 November and doing some “featured” Christmas, we’ll be making a start on the more traditional carols.  Could altos, tenor and basses who have them, please bring their white carol booklets that we used last year?  I have added the concert next June (!) that we have been asked to participate in to our list of coming events.  Please put it in your 2019 diary when you get one.

Next week we will probably be looking at: Hosanna; Suo Gan; Things; Cherry Tree Carol, Breton Carol (recording attached - chorus is a bit slow I think) and Stille der Nacht

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Thursday 22 November  Concert at St Mary’s School (Shaftesbury). 7.00 p.m   We will be singing four songs (Suo Gan; Things; Cherubim Song; Stille der Nacht) and, for those that wish to, joining other performers for a rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus (details in last week’s newsletter). Tickets (£10 for audience members) from Helen Jupp (Tel: 01747 850272; Mob: 07870 975224; e-mail: helenjupp13@gmail.com) 

a

Saturday 1 December  Singing for Westminster Memorial Hospital (Shaftesbury) at the Quaker Meeting House. 10.45 (I expect).  More details later.

Sunday 2 December  Singing for Motcombe Primary School PTA  10.45  Motcombe Village Hall. More details later.

Monday 3 December  Late Night Shopping.  We have been asked to lead the singing outside the Town Hall from about 6.20 to shortly before 7.00 p.m. More details later.

Friday 7 June  Concert at St James Church.

OTHER EVENTS

Friday 9 November  “Only Remembered” Gillingham Arts Workshop  Gillingham Library  5.30 p.m. See earlier flyer

Saturday 17 November  Spectra Musica.  Wincanton.  See earlier flyer.

… also …

St Johns / Enmore Green Variety Show at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.   See last week’s flyer.

Saturday 8 December  Salisbury Symphony Orchestra.   See earlier flyer.