18 JULY 2019

July 27, 2019

Dear All

Another great sing last night and particularly nice to have Sacha Langton-Gilks with us to share in the teaching of two of the songs. Much appreciated – thankyou Sacha. Congratulations to those choir members who sang at the Primary School last Saturday. We sounded good and our efforts were really valued. The picnic and Ninebarrow concert the following day was also a real delight. NInebarrow, as ever, sang extraordinarily beautifully and their support act, guitarist Will McNicol, was quite something. Special thanks to Linda (soprano) for organizing such beautiful weather too.

Our next public performance is not until early September so we will be taking a break from revising our summer song set for a few weeks and concentrating instead on learning a few news ones and revisiting some old favourites. Next week we are planning to sing Vive la Musica, Walk a Mile in My Shoes, Plovi Barko, Riverside, Hippopotamus Song, In My Life, I Will Follow Him, Jesu Ukukhanya

Looking ahead there will be NO CHOIR ON WEDNESDAY 28th AUGUST. I think this is possibly the first time in almost ten years that we have taken a break other than at Christmas / New Year. Make the most of it – it’s not likely to happen again.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Saturday 7 September Singing at Castle Hill Garden party. More details later.

Saturday 14 September Entertainment for the Shaftesbury-Brionne Exchange. St Peter’s Church. More details later.

… and looking further ahead

Sunday 15 December We have been asked whether we’d like to join the Motcombe Christmas Procession. 5.00 – 7.00 p.m. More details later … much later.

POSSIBLE CHOIR OUTING

Quentin and Maggie Edwards have offered to show us around their farm in East Knoyle once again, and provide us with another cream tea. No date has been decided but there seemed to be sufficient interest last night to make the occasion worthwhile. Watch this space.

NEW CHOIR CARDS

Michael Bailey has produced a card of the choir singing at Gold Hill Fair (see attached). Copies will cost £2.00 and Julia will be taking orders over the next few weeks. The cards are also likely to be available in various shops etc. in due course.

OTHER EVENTS

Until 20 July Spamalot. Shaftesbury Arts Centre. With some well-known faces in the cast and Ingrid (alto) and Richard (bass) in the band, what could be better? See earlier flyer.

Friday 19 July – this Friday Gillingham Arts Workshop “I Remember It Well” 5.30 p.m. Gillingham Library. (See attached flyer) More well-known faces in the cast here as well!

Sunday 21 July - this Sunday Jonathan Vaughn Organ Recital at St James Church. 3.00 p.m. See attached flyer.

Saturday 27 July Jazz Picnic with Pete Allen in aid of Hope and Homes for Children. http://www.hhc-sw.com One of the greatest New Orleans style jazz clarinettists in the UK. 6pm - Dinton Village Hall .Tickets £21.00 from Chris on 01747 858016

Sunday 28 July Tea Party in aid of Hope and Homes for Children. 3-6pm at Dinton Village Hall http://www.hhc-sw.com Tickets from Chris on 01747 858016 - £10 (£5 children) to include… Scones, cream and jam PLUS croquet and classic cars to admire.

Thursday 8 August Synthetica – a toxic entertainment from Karen and her team. The Place, Duke’s Road, London. See last week’s flyer.

David

11 JULY 2019

July 27, 2019

Dear All

This weekend is the Shaftesbury Primary School Fete of course. (Shaftesbury Primary School is what used to be King Alfred’s, Wincombe Lane, SP7 8PZ) If you look at the attached plan we will be singing on the Main Stage. Normal dress code (i.e. shades of red above the waist, dark or black beneath). Can we meet at about 11.45 for a prompt 12.00 start please? Unfortunately we have to park in the street and walk in, so please allow sufficient time for this. We’ll be welcomed by Tom Clements - a former student of mine - who is MC for the day, and will be singing (in no particular order): Morning Has Come; And So It Goes; Follow the Heron; Eternal Flame; Isa Lei; Hold On; Wake Up; Everytime I Wake Up; Long and Winding Road; California Dreamin’; Isn’t She Lovely; Java Jive; Things. Just in case you’d like to share pictures taken at the event, the school have asked that no photography containing people with yellow bands should be posted on social media.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Saturday 13 July Shaftesbury Primary School Fete 12.00 – 12.45 (see above)

Saturday 7 September Singing at Castle Hill Garden party. More details later.

Saturday 14 September Entertainment for the Shaftesbury-Brionne Exchange. St Peter’s Church. More details later.

… and looking further ahead

Sunday 15 December We have been asked whether we’d like to join the Motcombe Christmas Procession. 5.00 – 7.00 p.m. More details later … much later.

SPRINGHEAD PICNIC WITH NINEBARROW – this Sunday 14 July

We hope as many as possible would like to join us for a summer picnic at Springhead, Fontmell Magna this weekend when Ninebarrow will be performing. The gardens open for picnicking at 4.30 and the show starts at 6.00 p.m. Make sure you collect your drinks voucher from Linda (soprano) when you arrive.

OTHER EVENTS

Wed – Sat 10-13 & 17-20 July Spamalot. Shaftesbury Arts Centre. With some well-known faces in the cast and Ingrid (alto) and Richard (bass) in the band, what could be better? See earlier flyer.

Friday 19 July Gillingham Arts Workshop “I remember it well” 5.30 p.m. Gillingham Library. (See attached flyer) More well-known faces in the cast here as well!

Thursday 8 August Synthetica – a toxic entertainment from Karen and her team. The Place, Duke’s Road, London. See attached flyer.

FOODBANK

Gillingham Foodbank have been in touch and asked me to alert choir members that they urgently need FRUIT JUICE, TINNED VEG (CARROTS AND SWEETCORN), SPONGE PUDDINGS, TINNED POTATOES, SMALL COFFEE JARS, SAVOURY SAUCES. We no longer collect on a Wednesday but most of the local supermarkets have collection points of course.

David

27 JUNE 2019

June 28, 2019

Dear All

We have been generously thanked for our performances by the organisers of both the St James’ Festival and Motcombe Fete. Our concert for the former was a 50/50 split and just over £240 has now been banked by Tracey. Motcombe Fete made an incredible £10,000 and the organisers there have offered to make a donation towards our running costs or, if we prefer, something more specific. Next week we will be brushing up songs from our summer “pad” in readiness for Gold Hill Fair and, if time, continuing learning Riverside and In My Life.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

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

Saturday 13 July Shaftesbury Primary School Fete 12.00 – 12.45

Saturday 7 September Singing at Castle Hill Garden party

Saturday 14 September Entertainment for the Shaftesbury-Brionne Exchange. St Peter’s Church. More details later. However, Karen would some offers of hospitality for our French visitors for Friday and Saturday night.

FRINGE / GOLD HILL FAIR EVENTS

Quite a lot of choir members are involved in events other than our own at the Fringe and GHF. Here are a few that I know about. (Please send me a flyer for anything that I might have missed and I will make sure it’s attached to next week’s newsletter.)

Friday 5 July

Stirred Into Dreams. Assembly Room, Grosvenor Arms. 7.00 p.m. Pass-the-Hat. See attached flyer.

Tony Hawkins and Friends. St Peter’s Church 7.30 – 9.00. Donations on the door

Saturday 6 July

Raise Your Voice sing-a-long hosted by Planet Shaftesbury. Trinity Centre 10.00 – 11.00. £5 per adult / family. Children free. See attached flyer

Everything Stops for Tea. The Sylvafield Singers. 5.00 – 6.00 Gold Hill Museum. Pass-the-Hat

Sunday 7 July

Ukeshack Song Arrangements 11.00-12.00 Gold Hill Museum. Pass-the-Hat

Palida Choir Grosvenor Arms Courtyard 3.30 – 4.15 Free

Bell Street Jazz Band Angola. 4.00 – 6.00 Free

Phoenix Café Orchestra 4.45 – 5.30 Gold Hill Museum. Pass-the-Hat. See attached flyer.

SPRINGHEAD PICNIC - Sunday 14 July

If enough of us wanted to go, we thought it would be a good idea to turn Ninebarrow’s concert at Springhead into a choir picnic. It’s a public event of course but, weather permitting, there will be ample room for us to stake a pitch in the grounds and generally share hospitality. I will take orders next week but Linda (soprano) has tickets and will have them the week after if you’d like to buy them directly from her. For more information generally please see https://www.springheadtrust.org.uk/events/

Events | Springhead Trust

The Springhead Trust is a small charity, so any support you give will make a big difference. With your help, we can continue preserving our historic buildings and gardens for the benefit of all, and give more children and groups the opportunity to enjoy the countryside and arts, and learn about sustainable living.

www.springheadtrust.org.uk

OTHER EVENTS

Sunday 30 June (this weekend) Pilgrim Singers. Wincanton. “Music at the Manor”. See earlier flyer.

Wed – Sat 10-13 & 17-20 July Spamalot. Shaftesbury Arts Centre. With some well-known faces in the cast and Ingrid (alto) and Richard (bass) in the band, what could be better? See earlier flyer.

MUGS

Please remember to bring your own mug for tea / coffee on a Wednesday. Our faithful band of washer-uppers are having to work overtime these days and it would be much easier if we all took dirty mugs home with us!

David

20 JUNE 2019

June 20, 2019

Dear All

Great singing at Motcombe last weekend – what an excellent fete is was – and good work last night too – no doubt inspired, at least in part, by the particularly spectacular view from the Town Hall windows. (Thankyou Matthew [tenor] for the attached photo.) Our two new songs, In My Life and Riverside, are going to be wonderful and it was good to revisit some old favourites too. Next week we will be singing Viva la Musica, Vive la Compagnie, In My Life, I wish I knew how, Don’t worry be happy, One man’s hands, Riverside and Hamba Nighale.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

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

Saturday 13 July Shaftesbury Primary School Fete 12.00 – 12.45

Saturday 7 September Singing at Castle Hill Garden party

Saturday 14 September Entertainment for the Shaftesbury-Brionne Exchange. St Peter’s Church. More details later. However,Karen would some offers of hospitality for our French visitors for Friday and Saturday night.

OTHER EVENTS

Friday 21 June. The Glory of Notre Dame. Gillingham Methodist Church. See last week’s flyer.

Wednesday (!!!???) 26 June Aurin Girls Choir. St Mary’s Bruton See last week’s flyer.

Sunday 30 June Pilgrim Singers. Wincanton. “Music at the Manor”. See last week’s flyer.

Saturday 6 July Raise Your Voice sing-a-long hosted by Planet Shaftesbury and with Karen VERY much to the fore! Trinity Centre 10.00 – 11.00. £5 per adult / family. Children free.

Wed – Sat 10-13 & 17-20 July Spamalot. Shaftesbury Arts Centre. With some well-known faces in the cast and Ingrid (alto) and Richard (bass) in the band, what could be better. See attached flyer.

Sunday 14 July Ninebarrow at Springhead. See below and last week’s flyer.

NINEBARROW

Ninebarrow will be performing at Springhead, Fontmell Magna on Sunday 14 July. Last year they sold out so if you are interested, do book early. They hope that the performance will be outside in the amphitheatre and you will be able to picnic in the grounds beforehand. Linda (soprano) has tickets for this event if you’d like to buy them directly from her. For more information generally please see https://www.springheadtrust.org.uk/events/

David

13 JUNE 2019

June 13, 2019

Dear All

More good work last night. As you know, our concert last week really was a great success and I am confident we will all do ourselves justice this coming weekend at Motcombe (see below). Please do make every attempt to be with. Last year’s fete was tremendous – it was just like being in an episode from Midsomer Murders but without the bloodshed! It would be great to put on a really good show. Usual dress code of course. Please be in the HEX area by 1.30. (See one of the attached flyers.) We will be singing just after the Mangled Wurzels.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS (note new date on Saturday 14 September)

Saturday 15 June Motcombe Village Fete 1.45 – 2.15 We will be singing under cover from the stage in the HEX area (hexagonal tent going up - bit like the pyramid at Glasto - but much better!) - which is in the middle of the site just above the new Clock Hall building. We will be singing (in no particular order) Morning has come, Up above my head, Follow the heron, Isa lei, Java Jive, Hold On, California Dreamin, Wake Up, Isn’t she lovely and (probably) Eternal Flame.

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

Saturday 13 July Shaftesbury Primary School Fete 12.00 – 12.45

Saturday 7 September Singing at Castle Hill Garden party

Saturday 14 September Entertainment for the Shaftesbury-Brionne Exchange. St Peter’s Church. More details later. However,Karen would some offers of hospitality for our French visitors for Friday and Saturday night.

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 15 June (THIS WEEKEND) 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 earlier flyer.

Wednesday (!!!???) 26 June Aurin Girls Choir. St Mary’s Bruton See attached flyer

Friday 21 June. The Glory of Notre Dame. Gillingham Methodist Church. See attached flyer.

Sunday 30 June Pilgrim Singers. Wincanton. “Music at the Manor”. See attached flyer

Sunday 14 July Ninebarrow at Springhead. See below and attached flyer.

CIVIC DAY

Thanks to Ingrid, Liz, Kirsten and Sara for manning our stall in the Town Hall for the Civic Day yesterday. Thanks, too, to Julia for setting it all up and organising it as efficiently as ever.

MUSICAL WALK IN THE PURBECKS / NINEBARROW

This will not now go ahead . However, Ninebarrow will be performing at Springhead, Fontmell Magna on Sunday 14 July. Last year they sold out so if you are interested, do book early. They hope that the performance will be outside in the amphitheatre and you will be able to picnic in the grounds beforehand. Linda (soprano) will have some tickets for this event next Wednesday if you’d like to buy them directly from her. For more information generally please see https://www.springheadtrust.org.uk/events/

David

23 MAY 2019

May 23, 2019

Dear All

Good, solid work last night. And fun too I hope! With our concert fast approaching we will sing through our entire programme next we in, more or less, the provisional order – see below. Time to get your folders sorted. NB: Don’t forget, our practice on Wednesday 5 June will be at St James’ Church and we will be having a final practice in the church on Friday 7 June at 6.00 p.m. (i.e. just before the concert) If you have not already done so, please print the attached poster off, display it somewhere prominent if you can and encourage all your friends and family to come along. It would be great to play to a packed audience.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Friday 7 June Concert at St James Church, Shaftesbury. 7.00 (note revised time). We will be singing (provisional order only): Morning has come, Long and Winding Road, Leko Hode Nedo, Call of Wisdom, Up Above My Head, Follow the Heron, Funiculi Funicula, Stille der Nacht, Isa Lei, Time After Time*, Java Jive*, Isn’t She Lovely*, Things*, Alleluia*. Starred items with ukes, items in bold with audience participation.

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

Friday 31 May Concert by nuns from the St Elisabeth Convent in Minsk, Belarus. See earlier flyer.

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. 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 earlier flyer.

MUSICAL WALK IN THE PURBECKS

This is unlikely to go ahead – we’ll talk about it next week. However, Ninebarrow will be performing at Springhead, Fontmell Magna on Sunday 14 July.)

David

16 may 2019

May 16, 2019

Dear All

More good singing last night and, of course, really lovely to perform to Mary and Sister Nadia at the coffee break. Next week we will be focusing on our programme for St James as well as some of the other pieces we are going to be performing over the summer. Expect to sing Yenamanoa, Rongo Mau, Call of Wisdom, Java Jive, Eternal Flame, Heart to Heart, Stille der nacht, Isa Lei, Ya Asim. NB: Our practice on Wednesday 5 June will be at St James’ Church and we will be having a final practice in the church on Friday 7 June at 6.00 p.m. (i.e. just before the concert)

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Friday 7 June Concert at St James Church, Shaftesbury. 7.00 (note revised time). We will be singing (in no particular order): Morning has come, Long and Winding Road, Leko Hode Nedo, Call of Wisdom, Follow the Heron, Funiculi Funicula, Stille der Nacht, Isa Lei, Time After Time, Java Jive, Isn’t She Lovely, Things (these last four with the ukes) together with two audience participation songs, Up Above My Head and Alleluia. See attached flyer.

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

Sun – Mon 19 – 20 May Hamlet. Shaftesbury Arts Centre. See attached flyer.

Friday 31 May Concert by nuns from the St Elisabeth Convent in Minsk, Belarus. See attached flyer.

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. 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 last week’s flyer.

MUSICAL WALK IN THE PURBECKS

I have written to Ninebarrow and hope to be able to report back next week. The following ideas were to put to them:

Timing: mid or late summer; weekend preferred

Duration: involving lunch and tea OR tea and supper

Length: up to about 4 miles but allowing for those less mobile to join us at key points for the food and singing - probably two or three stops with a short informal sing around and perhaps a final sing at a pub / cafe. (NB: Ninebarrow will be performing at Springhead, Fontmell Magna on Sunday 14 July.)

THE IMPORTANCE OF AN ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCE

We only have to look back to last weekend and the choir’s performance in the Abbey Gardens to realise how lovely it is to perform to a large and enthusiastic audience. I am attaching Andrea (alto)’s poster for our forthcoming concert at St James. Please print it off, display it somewhere prominent if you can and encourage all your friends and family to come along. It would be great to play to a packed audience. And talking of audiences, I have recently been sent this link to the last moments of a concert given by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. It’s only short – make sure you turn the volume up. https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2019/05/09/the-kid-who-put-everybody-in-stitches-at-boston-symphony-hall-has-been-found

David

9 MAY 2019

May 10, 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

April 25, 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

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

April 25, 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

April 25, 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

David

28 MARCH 2019

April 25, 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

March 14, 2019

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

March 7, 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

February 14, 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

February 4, 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

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

January 25, 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

January 17, 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.

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

January 11, 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

January 5, 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