30 JULY 2020

July 31, 2020

Dear All

A rather longer session than usual last night I think – great to see a few new faces as well as most of the regulars of course. Karen, Julia and I will be keeping our eyes and ears open for the latest guidance on safe singing; clever though Zoom is, it is far from ideal for choral singing as we all know and it would be really lovely to get together properly. There are obvious public open spaces in Shaftesbury and we’ve also had a kind invitation to sing in the grounds of a private house too, so watch this space.

THINGS TO DO

This is the link I sent you all last week about the future of choral singing. It is an interview with ENT consultant Declan Costello and an expert on the voice. He has been leading the UK research into Covid-19 and its potential dangers concerning singing and wind instrument playing; all very interesting and far from being all doom and gloom. Give it a listen - 15 minutes well spent.

https://www.facebook.com/104870371295582/posts/122007702915182/

Sing Gently - The American composer Eric Whitacre has been working with virtual choirs for many years. I gather he thought he'd made his last virtual choir piece until Coronavirus hit. At a time when singers are being told that they cannot sing as a group, he has used the concept of the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken items are joined together with gold to make something beautiful, to create “Sing Gently”. 17,572 singers from 129 countries no less. Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InULYfJHKI0. Thanks to Mike Turnbull for telling me all about kintsugi and looking forward to hearing even more about it from Yuko one fine day.

Thanks to David (bass) for the attached video of the theme tune to The Good, the Bad and The Ugly. I often wondered how the recording was made … now I know. Look out for the dummy hanging over the orchestra.

This Sunday’s TV proms comes from 2017 and features Chineke! - a British orchestra and the first professional orchestra in Europe to be made up of majority black and minority ethnic musicians. (The word Chineke derives from the Igbo language meaning “God”.) The programme includes music by Dvorak, Handel and Rimsky-Korsakov. (BBC Four 7.00 p.m.)

Finally, here is as shameless plug from Karen for her Pagoda Project. Give it a click!

https://www.facebook.com/PagodaProjectDuo/photos/a.201853543645625/201859023645077

ONLINE ARTS DIARY

For more online arts programmes, don’t forget to check the Fine Times Recorder’s listings. There are lots of wonderful free things to see and listen to on-line: http://www.theftr.co.uk/whats-on/

Keep well, keep in touch, keep on singing, and, with luck, see you next week.

David

30 July 2020

18 JUNE 2020

June 18, 2020

Apologies for the lack of newsletters recently but they have been mostly links to our Zoom virtual choir sessions. Here is the most recent and a screen shot of David’s virtual birthday choir evening at the beginning of the month. Andrea

Dear All,

Great turn out yesterday evening and judging by people’s faces, greatly enjoyed. Karen has clearly become a dab hand at Zoom technology – I’ll be my turn to take a step into the unknown next week. If you haven’t yet joined us, don’t be nervous about doing so - we can’t actually hear you singing.

BBC RADIO 3 SING ALONG

Radio 3 are inviting everyone to gather round the virtual piano to sing along to Ivor Novello’s We’ll Gather Lilacs – which I am not ashamed to admit is actually one of my favourite songs. Full details (including a link to the words) here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/42CzgBYLd6DTWzVfLt9qTxG/the-radio-3-breakfast-singalong

DAPHNE BRYAN

There is a very interesting article in The Mail on Sunday about Daphne and her daughter and her fight with Parkinsons Disease. Click on the link:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-8381083/Mothers-daughters-Weve-proved-music-heal.html

ONLINE ARTS DIARY

The Fine Times Recorder listing is available here: http://www.theftr.co.uk/whats-on/

MORE JOLLY THINGS TO DO

Here are the answers to last week’s quiz. (It was too difficult for me. I’ll look for a simpler quiz next time.)

Play cards with this mythical creature – Snapdragon
Unite with precious metal – Marigold
Well-dressed feline - Dandelion
Silly herb – Daffodil
Between two thorns - Rose
Popeye’s adopted son – Sweet Pea
Use its oil in the kitchen - Sunflower
Active Queen – Bizzie Lizzie
Give me your answer do - Daisy
Tinned milk - Carnation
Sweetly nourish - Honeysuckle
It generates emotion – Passion Flower / Love-in-a-Mist/Love Lies Bleeding
Do we sound like a frog? – Crocus
You may have to plead for this one - Begonia
Mrs Bucket - Hyacinth
Frozen precipitation falls - Snowdrop
Lady between two mountains – Lily of the Valley
Norfolk’s favourite perfume - Lavender
Did Max pick these? - Tulips
Gather them in springtime - Lilacs
Concealed warden - Hydrangea
Shrinking girl from another continent – African Violet
Dame Edna’s favourite blooms – Gladioli
Many horns – Polyanthus
Card game fever – Wisteria

Finally, thanks to Jane (alto) for this lovely clip of a song called Memories from the One Voice Children’s Choir, Indonesia. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_zGfwrcrJ6M

David

23 APRIL 2020

April 23, 2020

VIRTUAL CHOIR

Another jolly session last night – we’re all getting better with the technology I think. Andrew (bass) who is quite experienced at using Zoom has offered some suggestions as to how we can get the most out of it, and you’ll find what he has to say later on in this newsletter. As he says, it’s fun and very uplifting. Thankyou Andrew.

If you have not joined in these sessions because you don’t have a web-cam (of which I gather there is currently a global shortage) I have an old one (+ instruction leaflet) that I don’t use. Let me know if you’d like it.

Looking forward to meeting up again next week. From now on WE THINK the log on details will remain the same week by week. (More details next time.) And don’t forget, you can use your Zoom app to contact anyone else in the choir if you’d like to stay in touch with friends over the week.

NHS BIG CHEER

There will be another rousing cheer and hand clap for the NHS and other front line workers at 8.00 p.m. this evening – Thursday.

MORE JOLLY THINGS

We might be getting a little better with music technology but we’re not quite as good (yet) as this virtual choir known as The Collective which has singers from all round the world. https://youtu.be/qyjyvtMv0YE

THINGS TO DO IN ISOLATION

Shaftesbury Arts Centre are holding a Short Story Competition with a deadline of 3rd May and an Online Art Competition with a deadline of 15th May. Both open to all ages. See attached posters. Details here: http://shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk/event-directory/

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF ZOOM

This is new to so many. At first, some of us are anxious before it all slides into bonhomie and everyone feels more relaxed. Soon we’ll all know what to do.

The building block of a good zoom social experience is connection.

Lit faces, close to the camera and close enough to catch expressions are much more pleasant and friendly.

Individuals are easier to connect with than groups for the simple reason that groups have to put the camera further away for us to see them all.

Use LANDSCAPE MODE - not portrait which results in a thin, pinched, mean string-bean of a person and fills the screen with blocks of black.

Elevate webcams to eye level, and arrange lighting and background, especially if it’s going to get dark during the call.

Mobile Phones OFF. If you must take a call - MUTE YOUR MIC.

Keep well, keep in touch, keep on singing and, with luck, see you next Wednesday.

David

16 APRIL 2020

April 16, 2020

VIRTUAL CHOIR

A few technical hitches last night but Karen and I will attempt to solve these in time for next week. I shall do some experimenting with my mic levels between now and next time although I have to tell you I’ve always been a great fan of the Daleks. So that we can maximise singing time together I would start entering the meeting at 7.20 pm for socialising and tech issues so that we are ready to sing at 7.30. (Don’t forget the buttons probably towards the bottom of your computer screen which will allow you to enable the sound and video).

As promised I am attaching a number of MP3s for “Ode to Joy” – four separate ones emphasising the individual harmony parts and one with a more balanced sound. I hope they are more useful than they were last night. Do your homework and join in a nationwide singalong on Friday (see below)

CHOIR BUDDIES

For those of us who were online last night, it was lovely to see everyone waving and smiling. As we all know, several choir members are not able to do this for whatever reason. Think of those who you saw on-line and those you didn’t see. If you don’t have contact details and think they might like a phone call or whatever, just email us and we can see if we can put you in touch. A sort of Choir Buddy system. And don’t forget, you can use your Zoom app to contact anyone else in the choir if you’d like to stay in touch with friends over the week.

NHS BIG CHEER

There will be another rousing cheer and hand clap for the NHS and other front line workers at 8.00 p.m. this evening – Thursday.

AND READ ON … on Friday (17 April) at 5.00 p.m. the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain will be staging a nationwide effort to bring music to communities kept inside their homes. The NYO is inviting every interested musician in the UK (and that, of course, includes all of us) for a mass performance of, what else but Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” as a gesture of solidarity in a time of distancing. At 5 o’clock on the dot, the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain’s 164 musicians will throw open their windows, “get out on their doorstep,” and present a 40-second rendition of the famed Beethoven piece joined, I hope, with EVERY member of the Shaftesbury Community Choir.

MORE JOLLY THINGS

Angela (alto) would like to bring to our attention to the Great British Singalong at 0900 on Thursdays. It is available on BBC Radios 1, 1extra, 2, 6, the Asian network and BBC sounds

THINGS TO DO IN ISOLATION

Don’t forget This is Alfred. You can listen to a brand-new programme each day on www.ThisIsAlfred.com.

And I have just come across something called the Social Distancing Festival, a site celebrating arts from all over the world, showcasing amazing talent, and coming together as a community at a time when we probably need it more than ever www.socialdistancingfestival.com

TONY HAWKINS

It seems likely that Tony will be transferred to the Westminster Hospital in Shaftesbury sometime over the next few days. Richard, Tony’s son, writes:
Each day Dad has been sounding a little stronger and a bit more like his old self. …. It seems very likely that Dad will still be in isolation for a period after transferring,… It’s also possible that the Westminster won’t allow any visitors at all due to the risk of visitors bringing in the virus, at least for the first week after he is admitted. We’re hoping at least to be able to wave to him through a window! But just being nearer home will make it easier to get things to him … The staff on Spire ward where he now is have been wonderful and caring like all the rest of the awesome NHS staff who have looked after him these last four weeks.

Keep well, keep in touch, keep on singing and, with luck, see you Wednesday.

David

13 APRIL 2020

April 13, 2020

Dear All,

I hope everyone had a good Easter, enjoyed the sunshine and, of course, kept fit and well.

VIRTUAL CHOIR

Really looking forward to meeting up again on Wednesday evening which, technology permitting, will be a joint session with me and Karen. Karen will be revising John Ball and polishing up I Love the Rain and I will be working on Ode To Joy which long established members of the choir will remember doing as a flash mob for one of the Food Festivals. There are some lovely photos on our website. I am attaching the words (and music) for this so either read from your computer screen or print it off in advance.

If you haven’t already downloaded the Zoom app, you should do so beforehand so that you’ll be ready to go when the time comes. (To do this, go to https://us04web.zoom.us/ and click on the blue button top right "Sign Up, It's Free".)

To join the Zoom meeting on Wednesday, first, copy and paste or click on this link:

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77710818450?pwd=SXZ0YjNlTEZUaXQwbFcxSzZBNkRkQT09

You will then need to enter the password: 007168

It might be sensible to write this down so that you have it handy when requested. I would start entering the meeting at 7.20 pm so we are ready to go at 7.30. (Don’t forget the buttons probably towards the bottom of your computer screen which will allow you to enable the sound and video).

CHOIR BUDDIES

As we all know, a few choir members won’t be able to Zoom due to tech difficulties, including the lack of a computer of course! If you know of someone who you think might like a phone call etc. just email us and we can see if we can put you in touch. A sort of Choir Buddy system. Of course, you can use your Zoom app to contact anyone else in the choir if you’d like to stay in touch with friends over the week.

JOLLY THINGS

Linda (alto) has sent us this link of the Southampton based Saints Brass which features her son David whom many of us know. (He is the one with the dark hair, beard and, most importantly, trumpet.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-sYDROpKE4/ Excellent balance and ensemble playing – especially as none of them could hear anyone else. A technological marvel no less.

Believe it or not, I woke up early on Easter Day to the miraculous sounds of this memorable dawn chorus: http://volkerpannes.de/portfolio/bird-song-opera/

And while on the subject of birds, you might like to have a go at the attached “Name That Bird” picture quiz too. (I particularly liked number 6.)

PHIL THE FLUTER (PHILIP GILBERT, DIED 20 FEBRUARY 2020)

Sue and Angela from the Shaftesbury Tree Group report that the crab apple tree is looking glorious in all this sunshine. The bees are loving it and there may be wee apples later! Three photos attached. Thankyou Sue and Angela for doing the business and for looking after Phil’s tree for the moment.

THINGS TO DO IN ISOLATION

Don’t forget This is Alfred. You can listen to a brand-new programme each day on www.ThisIsAlfred.com.

Keep well, keep in touch, keep on singing and, with luck, see you Wednesday.

David

13 APRIL 2020

April 13, 2020

Dear All,

I hope everyone had a good Easter, enjoyed the sunshine and, of course, kept fit and well.

VIRTUAL CHOIR

To join the Zoom meeting on Wednesday, first, copy and paste or click on this link:

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77710818450?pwd=SXZ0YjNlTEZUaXQwbFcxSzZBNkRkQT09

You will then need to enter the password: 007168

CHOIR BUDDIES

JOLLY THINGS

Linda (alto) has sent us this link of the Southampton based Saints Brass which features her son David whom many of us know. (He is the one with the dark hair, beard and, most importantly, trumpet.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-sYDROpKE4/ Excellent balance and ensemble playing – especially as none of them could hear anyone else. A technological marvel no less.

Believe it or not, I woke up early on Easter Day to the miraculous sounds of this memorable dawn chorus: http://volkerpannes.de/portfolio/bird-song-opera/

And while on the subject of birds, you might like to have a go at the attached “Name That Bird” picture quiz too. (I particularly liked number 6.)

PHIL THE FLUTER (PHILIP GILBERT, DIED 20 FEBRUARY 2020)

THINGS TO DO IN ISOLATION

Don’t forget This is Alfred. You can listen to a brand-new programme each day on www.ThisIsAlfred.com.

Keep well, keep in touch, keep on singing and, with luck, see you Wednesday.

David

9APRIL 2020

April 13, 2020

Dear All,

VIRTUAL CHOIR

Thanks to all who participated in last night’s Zoom session – lovely to see everyone singing together again! (Action shot of Karen attached.) If you intended joining in I do hope that you managed to get on-line. (If you’re still having problems do get in touch and we’ll see if we can sort them out before next time.) Next week Karen and I will be hosting a joint session. Watch this space.

CHOIR BUDDIES

Following on from the idea of staying in touch, some people won’t be able to Zoom due to tech difficulties (including the lack of a computer of course!) If you know of someone who can’t make it but who you think might like a phone call etc. just email us and we can see if we can put you in touch. A sort of Choir Buddy system. Of course, anyone can use Zoom to contact anyone else in the choir if you’d like to stay in touch with friends over the week.

TONY HAWKINS

Tony is still in Odstock and Karen and I had the privilege of having video chats with him this morning. He is weak still, but mentally pretty alert. (He sang a bit of “Yes, I Remember It Well” remembering it far better than I did.) He sends his love to us all and of course I conveyed our love to him.

NHS BIG CHEER

There will be another rousing cheer for the NHS and other front line workers at 8.00 p.m. this evening – Thursday.

JOLLY THINGS

Those of us who are enjoying getting a little more computer savvy these days might be interested in the attached “computer video” film clip featuring one the very latest techno gadgets to arrive on the market. Unfortunately it is only available in France!

MUSIC FOR EASTER DAY

Those of you who enjoy church music may be interested in the virtual service scheduled for 6.00 p.m. on Easter Day being organised by the Royal School of Church Music who are based in Salisbury. If you would like details of how to watch or how to take part (including a free pdf of all the music involved) I can zap stuff to you. E-mail me with a short message and I will get straight back asap.

The local churches are also holding on-line services of course, many of which will have inspirational music for you to enjoy – listening or maybe even participating!

THINGS TO DO IN ISOLATION

As well as a pretty comprehensive listing of “live” streamings etc., the Fine Times Recorder (www.theftr.co.uk) hosted by Fanny Charles and Gay Pirie Weir have a new ideas page on their excellent website called “Things to do in isolation”. Click on (or copy and paste) the following link: http://www.theftr.co.uk/category/arts/things-to-do-in-isolation/

I personally have been enjoying these daily 10 minute keep fit sessions for the over 60s on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2wp8Ipxn9s With luck you will see the difference when we get together again

Don’t forget This is Alfred. You can listen to a brand-new programme each day on www.ThisIsAlfred.com.

Keep well, keep in touch, keep on singing and, with luck, see you next Wednesday.

HAPPY EASTER!

David

2 APRIL 2020

April 6, 2020

VIRTUAL CHOIR

It was absolutely marvellous to see so many of us Zooming last night! The experience far exceeded my expectations and I can’t wait for next week when Karen will be hosting the session once more. By my reckoning, there were 50 of us altogether. (See attached photos – thanks Yuko [soprano].) I know that several people tried but couldn’t get on line so maybe we reached Zoom’s capacity although Karen tells me the app should be able to deal with 100. It maybe that our individual broadband connections are simply not good enough. On my computer at least, your faces were freezing, disappearing and popping up in random places all the time, but that just added to the fun.

BIG CHEER

There is to be another big cheer for NHS staff and other front line workers at 8.00 pm tonight – Thursday. Open your front door or window and give them a mighty yell of support.

JOLLY THINGS

The Les Mis attachment is a really great take on one of the songs from the show - definitely 5-star! – while a friend of Jane (alto)’s in Vermont recently shared this and thought we might like to see it. All this coming together online to make music is such a joy.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR1warAV1SxNyiyu7v9tZHE6c4ekarX8XlLWbFhOVQ1fUB6tGjpVhApQM9s&feature=emb_share&v=QagzdvzzHBQ

David

31 MARCH 2020 EXTRA

March 31, 2020

I hope that everyone is keeping well and still enjoying the weather we have had over the past week. Colder and windier now maybe, but at least it’s not raining … for now at least. I have been sent quite a lot of jolly things to help keep our spirits up and am attaching a few today. Others will follow. As I said last time, let’s continue stay in touch and get support from each even if we can’t sing together on a Wednesday evening. But read on …

VIRTUAL CHOIR TOMORROW NIGHT !!!!!

For those who fancy it, we thought we’d try out a Zoom meeting for the Community Choir this Wednesday at 7.30 for about half an hour or so. It’s limited in what can be achieved but nice to see everyone’s faces. First though, you will need to download the Zoom app. To do this, go to https://us04web.zoom.us/ and click on the blue button top right "Sign Up, It's Free". Do this straight away and you will be ready to go when the time comes. Then, shortly before 7.30 tomorrow (Wednesday), click on (or cut and paste) this link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/715139292. A remarkably youthful Karen will be in charge and she will explain all tomorrow evening. (NB You will see a button towards the bottom of your computer screen which will allow you to enable the video). I am attaching some words and music for a couple of songs that Karen will be teaching for you to print off in advance and depending on the success of this – musically, technologically and numbers wise – we will adapt things accordingly. See you tomorrow!

PHIL THE FLUTER

Phil’s funeral is today at 1.45 p.m. at Salisbury Crematorium. I attach the order of service for those of us who would like to remember Phil at this time. (find the title page here but the rest with the newsletter).

TONY HAWKINS

As many of you will know, Tony is in Odstock Hospital at the moment – weak but very much alive. Had Coronavirus not arrived on the scene, Emma Johnson, Britain's favourite clarinettist, would have been giving a recital in Shaftesbury last Saturday – an initiative instigated by Shaftesbury's favourite 94 year old. Emma herself shared the link to this video to Tony's son, Richard, and with the help of the wonderful staff in Whiteparish Ward, it was played to Tony that morning and though weak, Tony's fingers were seen tapping away to the tune. Here is the link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NYoPqq0k_F4&feature=share

MORE BEETHOVEN

Several people told me how much they enjoyed the virtual orchestra from Holland’s version of Ode to Joy from Beethoven’s ninth symphony. I am attaching An MP4 of a very different take on the first movement of the fifth. Thankyou David (bass).

FINALLY

I don’t know how many of you were privileged enough to hear the BBC war correspondent Fergal Keane on the Today programme yesterday. For those that didn’t you missed something quite remarkable. This is what he read:

This is the time to be slow,
Lie low to the wall
Until the bitter weather passes.

Try, as best you can, not to let
The wire brush of doubt
Scrape from your heart
All sense of yourself
And your hesitant light.

If you remain generous,
Time will come good;
And you will find your feet
Again on fresh pastures of promise,
Where the air will be kind

And blushed with beginning

John O’Donohue – as chosen by Fergal Keane

Stay well and keep singing

David

28 MARCH 2020

March 28, 2020

I hope that everyone is keeping well and have been enjoying the wonderful sunny weather we have had over the past week. I have been forwarding the Shaftesbury Town Council bulletins which I hope have been both useful and reassuring. I think there have been three up to now. I also tried to remind everyone about the big cheer for the NHS which was held at 8.00 p.m. on Thursday night. Unfortunately, because I have been sending the STC bulletins to everyone, I reached my sending limit (I didn’t know I had one!) before I managed to notify everyone.

As I said last week, although there is no need to reply to this e-mail, if you hear of anything happening (musical or otherwise) that might help keep our spirits up, do let us know and I’ll include details in future newsletters. In this connection, thanks to Kirsten (soprano) for this truly uplifting version of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”. Those of you who are longtime members of the Community Choir will remember we did a flash mob version of this very piece at one of the Food Festivals. (There are some photos on the website.)
https://slippedisc.com/2020/03/believe-it-orchestra-plays-beethoven-9th-from-their-homes/

Let’s continue stay in touch and get support from each even if we can’t sing together on a Wednesday evening.

PHIL THE FLUTER

Phil’s funeral is going ahead on 31st March at 1.45 and, of course, only immediate family are being allowed to attend. However, Phil’s daughter Fern promises us that the recording we made of “Senzeni Na” is going to be played during the ceremony. Julia has invited Fern to come and meet us on some future occasion too. The tree planting ceremony we talked about a few weeks ago is obviously on hold at the moment. Angela King from the Shaftesbury Tree Group is watering and generally looking after it for us (thankyou Angela) and we will arrange some form of official planting when things have got back to normal.

VIRTUAL CHOIR

Although idea of some form of outdoor singing is not going to be possible, we are still hoping to get some form of on-line music making going. Karen is familiar with this sort of thing and has already successfully experimented with the streaming app “Zoom” with her Palida choir. We might well be able to do something along these lines too. I also wondered about making some MP3s so that choir members could either revise their parts in their own time and sing along with the songs that we already have on our website and maybe learn a few new ones. Watch this space.

IN THE MEANTIME …

Jane Shepherd and Jill Sutton and no doubt a few others as well have signed up to Gareth Malone’s on-line home choir. Register and they send you a link five minutes before the start at 5.30 each day. https://decca.com/greatbritishhomechorus/ Jane (alto) writes: I joined in with this tonight. It was good to sing along. I did wonder what on earth anyone would think I was doing if they heard me. Luckily no neighbours attached to three walls on my stone cottage! Its 5.30 every evening for half an hour on Youtube.

Keep well and keep singing.

David

21 MARCH 2020

March 28, 2020

Dear All,

I hope we are all doing OK despite everything. Although there is no need to reply to this e-mail, if you hear of anything happening (musical or otherwise) that might help keep our spirits up, do let us know and I’ll include details in future newsletters. Channelling lots of positive energy into this sort of thing might well go some way towards supporting anybody who finds themselves isolated in any sense and at times like this, the last thing we need to do is to shut ourselves in and away. We are so fortunate to have telephones, the internet and all the various messaging and video-calling apps and platforms. Let’s stay in touch and get support from each other. Shaftesbury Town Council are issuing a regular bulletin which they have asked me to forward to members of the community choir. You should have received at least one already.

STEPHEN RIDOUT

It is with great sadness that Ann and family are cancelling Steve's funeral on 25th March. They will have a private graveside prayer and burial but when the Coronavirus has passed will have the church service as planned.

PHIL THE FLUTER

The tree we agreed to purchase has arrived so the planting ceremony is imminent although, for obvious reasons it will be a low key affair, possibly using the recording we made of “Senzeni na” rather than singing in the flesh. No further news about when Phil’s funeral will take place although I am told it will be at Salisbury Crematorium. Several choir members have contributed to a GoFundMe site organised by his daughter, Fern Lyne-Temple, in order to give him a proper send off and the choir as a group have contributed £50 too. The fund has already reached the target figure and the extra money is going to OpenHouse, who helped to look after him. The fund is in the name of Philip Robert Gilbert and can be accessed via this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-for-phillip-robert-gilbert?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet.

There’s a lovely photo of Phil and his daughter there to – taken in happier times.

SUPPORTING SHAFTESBURY

If you are self-isolating and are in need of some help with picking up shopping, a friendly phone call, posting mail, picking up urgent supplies etc., you can call one of the following people who will pass on your request to the Shaftesbury Support Group:

Brie Logan (Shaftesbury Town Council) 01747 859342

Zoe Moxham (ditto) 01747 852420

Debbie Martin (Social Prescribing and Carers Lead) 07738 104905

Keith Harrison (ditto) 07825 691508

Jackie Upton-King (Shaftesbury Civic Society) 01747 229325

If you are able to support those in isolation and would like to join the support group please call Brie or Zoe on 01747 852420

GILLINGHAM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We have request for volunteers to help support Gillingham people who are self isolating; needless to say – under 70 and not vulnerable. This is being coordinated by the Gillingham Town Council and volunteers need to submit name address phone and email. They will be allocated a road local to them. Contact them on: GTC@gillinghamdorset-tc.gov.uk

GOLD HILL FAIR / SHAFTESBURY FRINGE

In case you have not yet heard, both the Fringe and the Fair have been cancelled this year. I have yet to hear about the VE Day celebrations but it seems highly likely that they do will be cancelled or postponed at least.

VIRTUAL CHOIR

Those of you feeling really bereft at the temporary demise of the Community Choir might like to take a look at this: https://www.positive.news/lifestyle/arts/online-choir-spreads-joy-and-togetherness-during-coronavirus-outbreak/

Karen is familiar with this sort of thing so we might be able to do something along these lines. Watch this space.

AL FRESCO SINGING

Elizabeth (tenor) has advised us that some of the younger members of Shreen Harmony (the Mere based choir) are planning some outdoor singing. Provided it is safe, this is something else we might consider doing – maybe something along the lines of a flash mob in a week or so's time. Again watch this space.

EMMA JOHNSON

The clarinet recital that Tony (bass) was promoting and due to take place next Saturday, 28 March has inevitably been postponed.

Keep well and keep singing.

David

17 MARCH 2020

March 28, 2020

Dear All,

Reluctantly but inevitably I suppose, Karen and I have decided to cancel Community Choir for the foreseeable future. If you know of choir members who don’t have e-mail (or who don’t check their e-mail regularly) could you make it your responsibility to let them know please?

The organisers of the Blackmore Stroke Club have cancelled the meeting for March 24th when we were going to be singing for them. We look forward to arranging another date sometime in the future. No news yet about VE Day or Gold Hill Fair.

Although there is no need to reply to this e-mail, if you hear of anything happening (musical or otherwise) that might help keep our spirits up, do let me know and I’ll include details in future newsletters.

STEPHEN RIDOUT

Stephen’s funeral is on Wednesday 25th March at 11.30 am in St Thomas's Church, Melbury Abbas.

PHIL THE FLUTER

We have still to hear when Phil’s funeral will take place. The latest “ThisisAlfred” podcast (No.92) features the choir’s recording of “Senzeni Na” which we made a couple of weeks ago. (Listen from about 33’05” to the end of the programme).

Keep well and keep singing.

David

12 MARCH 2020

March 14, 2020

We go from strength to strength. Great singing (of course) and memories of the incipient Fijian dancing (whatever it is called … I forget) had me laughing all the way home. Next week we will concentrate on some of the songs for our Stroke Club performance: Vive la Compagnie; Follow the heron; California Dreamin'; Shenandoah; Lili Marlene; We'll Meet Again; Isa Lei. Finally, don’t forget the talk in the Town Hall tonight on Dorset waste.

CORONAVIRUS

If we need to cancel any of our sessions we will, of course, send out an e-mail to everyone. If you know of choir members who don’t have e-mail (or who don’t check their e-mail regularly) could you make it your responsibility to let them know please?

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Tuesday 24th March Entertainment for members the Stroke Club. Charlton Village Hall (just off the A30 to the east of Shaftesbury.) Singing from 11 o’clock for about 30 / 45 minutes. (Tea and coffee from 10.30)

Friday 8th May Shaftesbury VE Day celebrations (75 year celebration). 6.30 – 6.55 p.m. on a specially erected stage outside the Town Hall. Our programme will be taken from (in no particular order): Blue Moon; Chattanooga ChooChoo; Java Jive; Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off; Run Rabbit Run; Tuxedo Junction; We’ll Meet Again; Everytime We Say Goodbye; Lili Marlene and possibly Kiss Me Goodnight Sergeant Major.

Sunday 5th July Gold Hill Fair. Mid-day-ish slot on Park Walk. We will not be combining with the ukuleles as they are not performing at Gold Hill Fair this year.

PHIL THE FLUTER

We have still to hear when Phil’s funeral will take place. The idea of planting a bare root crab apple tree was very enthusiastically received by both the Shaftesbury Tree Group and the Town Council. The tree has now been ordered and a site near Tesco has been agreed with the head groundsman. A fitting ceremony is planned – more details as I get them.

OTHER EVENTS

Thursday 12th March Dorset Waste talk. See last week’s flyer

Saturday 14th March Women in Jazz with Julie Dunn. The Gugg, Stalbridge. See earlier flyer.

Saturday 21st March Colours of Spring. Spectra Musica. Wincanton. See attached flyer.

Saturday 28th March Recital by clarinetist Emma Johnson MBE. St Peter’s Church. 7.30 p.m. Tickets available from Shaftesbury TIC or Tony Hawkins (bass). See attached press release.

Sunday 5th April Shaftesbury Orchestra playing Mozart, Dvorak and Beethoven. See attached flyer.

Mon 6th – Sat 18th April Dorchester Community Play. See earlier flyer.

Wed 15th – Sat 18th April A Midsummer Night’s Dream art Shaftesbury Arts Centre. See attached flyer.

Sat 23rd – Sun 24th May. Come and Sing Purcell. St John’s Church, Tisbury. £70. Earlybird before 31 March £63. Couples £130. Concert Audience (Sun 24. 16:00) £12

In aid of Cherubim Music Trust See attached flyer

David

6 MARCH 2020

March 6, 2020

Lovely singing again on Wednesday and the recording we made in memory of Phil the Fluter has come out pretty well I think. (MP3 attached). Some great German pronunciation in Lili Marlene too - Wunderbar! Next week we will recap Lili Marlene together with the verse of We’ll Meet Again and learn the coda to Everytime We Say Goodbye. Time permitting we’ll also be singing Alleluia, Vive la Compagnie, Wake Up, Down in the River and Isa Lei.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Sunday 5th July Gold Hill Fair. More details later.

STEVE RIDOUT

Long established members of the choir will be saddened to hear that Steve passed away, suddenly but peacefully, at home, on Tuesday (3rd). He was a wonderful singer – the tenors will miss him in particular – and a loyal member of the choir until his Parkinsons became too debilitating. I have written to his wife, Ann, on behalf of us all of course and she will let us know when the funeral will be in due course.

PHIL THE FLUTER

We have yet to hear when Phil’s funeral will take place but should insufficient members be able to attend, the recording we made on Wednesday should provide a fitting tribute. I have sent the recording to “This is Alfred” who have already made a podcast about his tragic death. You can find it at www.thisalfred.com (Episode 90 from 7’30” onwards). I have also been in touch with the coroner’s office and they have asked me to ring back in a couple of weeks. However, I understand that wherever / whenever the actual funeral takes place there will be a service of some kind in Shaftesbury to honour his memory. The idea of planting a tree was very enthusiastically received by the Shaftesbury Tree Group (probably a bare root crab apple, variety ‘Evereste’) and they plan to meet the head groundsman early next week. However, rather than a plaque, they suggest putting up a temporary notice by the tree to coincide with some significant date. This way, many more people pause and read because it is a new intervention. More details as I get them.

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 7th March Rockforte - Great songs from the 50s onwards. Another lively joint production between the Tisbury Arts Group and the home grown band Rockforte. 7.00 p.m. Victoria Hall, Tisbury. See attached flyer.

… also

Training Day with the Pilgrim Singers (Wincanton). See last week’s flyer

Thursday 12th March Dorset Waste talk. See attached flyer

Saturday 14th March Women in Jazz with Julie Dunn. The Gugg, Stalbridge. See last week’s flyer.

Saturday 28th March Recital by clarinetist Emma Johnson MBE. St Peter’s Church. 7.30 p.m. Tickets available from Shaftesbury TIC or Tony Hawkins (bass). See earlier flyer.

Mon 6th – Sat 18th April Dorchester Community Play. See attached flyer.

DAVID

27 FEBRUARY 2020

February 27, 2020

As I said last week, the programme for the VE Day Celebrations gets better and better, and last night’s singing was just glorious. Next week we will continue with Lili Marlene and do the verse of We’ll Meet Again. We’ll also be singing Bela Mama, Balanced Be The Way, Vive La Compagnie, I wish I Knew How, Run Rabbit Run and Isa Lei.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Friday 8th May Shaftesbury VE Day celebrations (75 year celebration). 6.30 – 6.55 p.m. on a specially erected stage outside the Town Hall. More details later.

Sunday 5th July Gold Hill Fair. More details later.

PHIL THE FLUTER (Philip Gilbert)

Members of the choir were sad to hear that Phil died last Thursday (20th). He was found in the foyer of Lloyds Bank. He was often to be seen (and heard) playing his penny whistle outside the Cancer Research Shop in the High Street and was a frequent and welcome visitor on Wednesday evenings, dropping in for a cup of tea, a few biscuits, a bit of conversation and perhaps a little tlc too. At the moment, the circumstances surrounding his death are unclear but I understand that it is not being treated as suspicious. The coroner’s office is trying to trace his relatives (I seem to remember him telling me he had family in Cornwall) but if none can be found the undertakers assure me that he will be given a simple but dignified cremation. I have asked them to let me know when this will be. Our performance of Senzeni Na last night was given in his memory and a few members of the choir suggested we might record this and arrange to have it played at his funeral if we weren’t able to get there in sufficient numbers ourselves. It was also suggested that we should send this recording to “This Is Alfred” and I will follow that through. Several people have already made donations to Shelter in his memory and there has been a suggestion that we plant a tree as a living memorial – perhaps a crab apple, blossom, bees and then fruit for anyone who wants to make crab apple jelly. ' For Phil, Thank you for the Music'. A lovely idea I think.

OTHER EVENTS

Thursday 27th February What we need to do now for a zero carbon future. (A talk by Chris Goodall). Shaftesbury Town Hall. 7.30 p.m. ADMISSION FREE See last week’s flyer

Saturday 7th March Training Day with the Pilgrim Singers (Wincanton). See last week’s flyer.

Thursday 12th March Dorset Waste talk. See earlier flyer

Saturday 14th March Women in Jazz with Julie Dunn. The Gugg, Stalbridge. See last week’s flyer.

Saturday 28th March Recital by clarinetist Emma Johnson MBE. St Peter’s Church. 7.30 p.m. Tickets available from Shaftesbury TIC or Tony Hawkins (bass). See earlier flyer.

David

20 FEBRUARY 2020

February 20, 2020

The programme for the VE Day Celebrations just gets better and better. There was some really lovely singing last night. Lovely songs too of course with some classy arrangements. Next week we will continue with We’ll Meet Again and Ev’rytime We Say Goodbye and hopefully start Lili Marlene, time permitting. We’ll also be singing We Got All the Love, Illa Lucem, This Little Light of Mine, I can’t help falling in love and Senzeni Na once more.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Friday 8th May Shaftesbury VE Day celebrations (75 year celebration). 6.30 – 6.55 p.m. on a specially erected stage outside the Town Hall. More details later.

Sunday 5th July Gold Hill Fair. More details later.

COUNTRYFILE

This Sunday’s broadcast (BBC1 6.10 – 7.10) features Shaftesbury and the annual Snowdrop Festival. Look out for some familiar faces.

OTHER EVENTS

Sunday 23rd February Singing workshop with Helen Porter. See earlier information sheet.

Tuesday 25th February Pancake Day Coffee Morning at East Stour. See last week’s flyer.

Thursday 27th February What we need to do now for a zero carbon future. (A talk by Chris Goodall). Shaftesbury Town Hall. 7.30 p.m. ADMISSION FREE See last week’s flyer

Saturday 7th March Training Day with the Pilgrim Singers (Wincanton). See attached flyer.

Thursday 12th March Dorset Waste talk. See attached flyer

Saturday 14th March Women in Jazz with Julie Dunn. The Gugg, Stalbridge. See attached flyer.

Saturday 28th March Recital by clarinetist Emma Johnson MBE. St Peter’s Church. 7.30 p.m. Tickets available from Shaftesbury TIC or Tony Hawkins (bass). See earlier flyer.

David

13 FEBRUARY 2020

February 20, 2020

Another good turn-out last night. Our programme for the VE Day Celebrations is shaping up well. Next week we will continue with We’ll Meet Again and Ev’rytime You Say Goodbye – both of which are sounding good - as well as looking at Mravalza miev once more, Come and Sing, Siyahamba, Bogoroditse Deva, I Can’t Help Falling in Love and Senzeni Na. Something for everyone I hope you will agree.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Friday 8th May Shaftesbury VE Day celebrations (75 year celebration). 6.30 – 6.55 p.m. on a specially erected stage outside the Town Hall. More details later.

Sunday 5th July Gold Hill Fair. More details later.

OTHER EVENTS

Sunday 23rd February Singing workshop with Helen Porter. See last week’s information sheet.

Tuesday 25th February Pancake Day Coffee Morning at East Stour. See attached flyer.

Thursday 27th February What we need to do now for a zero carbon future. (A talk by Chris Goodall). Shaftesbury Town Hall. 7.30 p.m. ADMISSION FREE See attached flyer

Saturday 14th March Women in Jazz with Julie Dunn. The Gugg, Stalbridge. See attached flyer.

Saturday 28th March Recital by clarinetist Emma Johnson MBE. St Peter’s Church. 7.30 p.m. Tickets available from Shaftesbury TIC or Tony Hawkins (bass). See earlier flyer.

David

7 FEBRUARY 2020

February 7, 2020

Another refreshing sing last night. Chattanooga, In My Life and Stille der Nacht are all sounding great and we made a good start on Steve’s (bass) arrangement of We’ll Meet Again too. Thankyou Steve. Next week we will continue with We’ll Meet Again and make a start on Cole Porter’s Ev’rytime You Say Goodbye in preparation for Shaftesbury’s VE Day celebrations. Time permitting, we’ll also be singing Viva La Musica, Every time I feel the Spirit, Ani Couni and the Georgian drinking song (Mravalza miev) that we sang with Sian a couple of weeks ago.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Friday 8th May Shaftesbury VE Day celebrations (75 year celebration). 6.30 – 6.55 p.m. on a specially erected stage outside the Town Hall. More details later.

Sunday 5th July Gold Hill Fair. More details later.

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 8th February The Mill Singers are supporting our local Read Easy group in the afternoon at Gillingham Methodist Church. See attached flyer.

Sunday 9th February Dorset Bach Cantata Club informal concert. (The orchestra will be excellent!) 4.15 Sturminster Newton High School. ADMISSION FREE

Sunday 23rd February Singing workshop with Helen Porter. See attached information sheet.

Thursday 27th February What we need to do now for a zero carbon future. (A talk by Chris Goodall). Shaftesbury Town Hall. 7.30 p.m. ADMISSION FREE See attached flyer

Saturday 28th March Recital by clarinetist Emma Johnson MBE. St Peter’s Church. 7.30 p.m. Tickets available from Shaftesbury TIC or Tony Hawkins (bass). See earlier flyer.

David

17 JANUARY 2020

January 17, 2020

A good sing again last night. Be warned, parking might be a bit tricky for the next two Wednesdays because of the Arts Centre pantomime. It might be worth aiming to get here that bit earlier in order to bag a space in the carpark. Our carol singing last month raised over eighty pounds and Julia has sent donations to our chosen good causes - Crisis and the Shaftesbury Tree Planting Group - as well as making a contribution to the Salvation Army’s street collection. Julia, Karen and I loved our 10th birthday presents – thankyou very much - and I am attaching a copy of the very clever birthday card we received. See if you can do it! (Karen got full marks, I only managed 8/11.) Next week we will be singing: Listen, Yenamanoa, Blue Moon, In my life, Chattanooga, Stille der Nacht, Gloucestershire Wassail, Ani Couni. See you then.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Wednesday 29th January Special session with guest director Sian Croose - well known for her uplifting and inclusive style as well as her ability to support groups of singers to stretch themselves and create a wonderful sound!

Friday 8th May Shaftesbury VE Day celebrations (75 year celebration). 6.30 – 6.55 p.m. on a specially erected stage outside the Town Hall. More details later.

Sunday 5th July Gold Hill Fair. More details later.

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 18th January Shaftesbury Swing Band (aka Swing Bin and the Liners) are having a reunion and playing together for the first time in about 20 years. There will be an informal concert in St Peter’s Church at about 3.15. Feel free to call in. No charge!

Saturday 28th March Recital by clarinetist Emma Johnson MBE. St Peter’s Church. 7.30 p.m. Tickets available from Shaftesbury TIC or Tony Hawkins (bass). See attached flyer.

NEW SPRING COURSES AT GOLD HILL MUSEUM

See the attached flyer for full details of this term’s adult community education courses.

10 JANUARY 2020

January 10, 2020

Happy New year one and all.

Brilliant party last night. It was wonderful to see so many there – regulars of course, a few lapsed members and some new faces too. Wonderful. Particular thanks to Julia (of course) for organising it all and to those who took part in the entertainment. For those of you who missed it, here’s a link to some of the proceedings:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdNvqrflYAY

And in case you know anyone not sure whether to take the plunge have a read of this: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jan/02/black-white-avant-garde-atheist-how-did-choirs-become-so-cool

Next week we will be singing: I’m gonna sing, sing, sing; Bamba Lela; Argentine Carol; Pebble on My Tongue; Chattanooga Choo-Choo; Ani Couni; In My Life; Hold On.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Wednesday 29th January Session with guest director Sian Croose - well known for her uplifting and inclusive style as well as her ability to support groups of singers to stretch themselves and create a wonderful sound!

Friday 8 May Shaftesbury VE Day celebrations (75 year celebration). 6.30 – 6.55 p.m. on a specially erected stage outside the Town Hall. More details later.

Sunday 6th July Gold Hill Fair. More details later.

David