23 SEPTEMBER 2021

September 24, 2021

It was getting pretty dark last night and, of course, it will be even darker by next time. Consequently we’ve made the decision to go to St. Peter’s Church next week at 5.45 (for 6.00) until 7.30. I’ll send a reminder early next week (probably Monday) together with a list of what we’ll be singing together with the usual choir news,

As we will be inside for the first time in about 18 months, please be super-safe and …

wear face masks until you are seated in the church
bring some hard-surface wipes to wipe down your seat, before and after the rehearsal
sanitise your hands when you arrive (Julia has arranged for a couple of squirters to be on hand)

We would also REALLY ask you take a lateral flow test (free from chemists shops and elsewhere) at some point on the day as a further precautionary measure and not come at all if you are ill or know you should self-isolate for any reason.

We will, of course, have as many doors and open as possible and we’ll continue to do without refreshments for a while yet.

Our recent questionnaire shows that the huge majority of the choir are happy to move indoors with appropriate safety measures in place but we obviously understand and respect the wishes of the few who have said they do not feel ready for this and will welcome them back when they feel the time is right.

David

23 September 2021

15 SEPTEMBER 2021

September 15, 2021

Dear All,

What a lovely, lovely afternoon it was at Springhead yesterday – by my reckoning pretty close to perfection. The garden looked glorious, the weather was warm and the sun shone a fair bit too. Photo attached. There were about fifty of us altogether, choir members (all in good voice of course) along with families / friends. We had the place to ourselves and a good time was had by all. As you know, the good folk at Springhead let us have the garden absolutely free of charge but if you were there and would like to contribute to their roof appeal, you can do so by clicking on or copying and pasting this link: https://www.springheadtrust.org.uk/2021/07/help-us-fix-the-roof/.

Looking forward to seeing you all this coming Wednesday in the Abbey Gardens and at our new time of 5.45 (for 6.00) until 7.30. There was a decent turn out last week and the weather was significantly warmer than it has been too. If, for any reason, we need to make any last minute alternative arrangements you will be notified by e-mail by 5 o’clock on Wednesday itself.

This week we’ll polish Stille der Nacht, continue Be Still My Soul and have a look at And So It Goes, Feelin’ Groovy, Sithi Shwele/A Yele, Down in the River, Plovi Barko and One Man’s Hands. No words needed for Be Still, and words for Stille have been attached to recent newsletters. Other words attached. PLEASE PRINT OUT YOUR OWN WORDS IF YOU POSSIBLY CAN.

CHOIR COMING EVENT:

Wednesday 1 December – The U3A have invited us to sing for their Christmas lunch at the Olive Bowl in Gillingham. More details later.

OTHER EVENTS:

Wed 15- Sat 18 September - The Young ‘Uns (the band that brought us Ghafoor’s Bus) The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff is the true story of one man’s journey from poverty and unemployment in Stockton-on-Tees, through the Hunger Marches of the 1930s, the mass trespass movement and the Battle of Cable Street, to fighting fascism in the Spanish Civil War. DIGITAL STREAM TICKETS HERE https://www.northernstage.co.uk/event/at-home-the-ballad-of-johnny-longstaff

Saturday 9 October – The Mayor of Casterbridge (directed by Tim Laycock) Sturminster Newton Exchange. 2.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. Booking and details from stur-exchange.co.uk

David

13 September 2021

STOP PRESS

Following on from the brilliant Springhead picnic, here is a short quote from the Kington Magna Parish Newsletter. I couldn’t agree more …

“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.”

21 AUGUST 2021

August 21, 2021

It was lovely to see such a good crowd in the Abbey Garden on Wednesday. Good singing too. We only have one more session before our Fringe show next Saturday so please make every effort to be with us this Wednesday. We will, weather permitting, be in the Abbey; if, for any reason, we need to make any last minute alternative arrangements you will be notified by e-mail by 5 o’clock on Wednesday itself. Otherwise, it’s the usual 6.45 for a 7 o’clock start. And, as if you need reminding, it will almost certainly get a bit chilly after about 7.30 or so.

Next time we’ll be looking at our entire concert programme (in no particular order): Alleluia; Blue Moon; Circle of Life; Ego Sum Pauper; Follow the Heron; Ghafoor's Bus; Harbour; Isa Lei; Isn't She Lovely; Jug of Punch; Morning has come; Up above my head; Vive la compagnie.

Also perhaps I'm Gonna Sing Sing Sing if we judge the audience to be in the mood for joining in.

We aim to have the biggest audience for any Fringe event this year, which should be eminently possible (if everyone does their bit of course) as we are more than likely to be the biggest performing group taking part. A quick reminder too that when we sing in public members of the choir are asked to wear shades of red above the waist and dark or black below.

CHOIR COMING EVENTS:

Saturday 28 August - Shaftesbury Fringe Festival. “A Slice of Song” We have booked our slot in the Abbey Gardens for 11 o’clock. Not long now. See also the six attachments for various Fringe events and the Blackmore Vale Art Trail all of which feature members and friends of the choir.

Sunday 12 September – Choir Picnic and singing in aid of St James’ Church. Grove Farm, Melbury Abbas. Bring along your friends and family and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful grounds at Grove. Glorious singing and summer sunshine (almost) guaranteed. Time tbc.

Wednesday 1 December – The U3A have invited us to sing for their Christmas lunch at the Olive Bowl in Gillingham. More details later.

David

21 August 2021

7 AUGUST 2021

August 7, 2021

It was great to see another good crowd in the Queen Mother’s Garden on Wednesday. We were particularly lucky with the weather I think; pretty close to being a perfect summer’s evening.

As you know, we are hoping to use the Queen Mother’s Garden next week as well, but reverting to the Abbey Gardens thereafter. If, for any reason, we need to make any last minute alternative arrangements you will be notified by e-mail at 5 o’clock on Wednesday itself. Otherwise, it’s the usual 6.45 for a 7 o’clock start.

Next time we will be we’ll be singing: Jug of Punch (held over from last time), revising Harbour and Circle of Life, and, time permitting, taking a look at Ego Sum Pauper, Viva Musica, Isa Lei, Vive la Compagnie and Isn’t She Lovely. (The words of Circle, Harbour and Jug were attached to last week’s or the previous week’s e-mail; no words needed for Ego or Viva; the other three are attached.) As ever, something for everyone I hope and all likely to form part of our Fringe programme on Saturday 28th August so do join us if you possibly can.

CHOIR COMING EVENTS:

Saturday 28 August - Shaftesbury Fringe Festival. “A Slice of Song” We have booked our slot in the Abbey Gardens for 11 o’clock. Our programme will be chosen from those pieces that we have been / will be singing this summer. There is a poster advertising the concert attached to this e-mail. Please print it off and display it if you possibly can. Not long now.

Wednesday 1 December – The U3A have invited us to sing for their Christmas lunch at the Olive Bowl in Gillingham. More details later.

OTHER COMING EVENTS:

A SONG FOR DORSET - Karen’s song “When Time Lost Its Edge”, which many of us know, had its on-line premiere last week. If you haven’t yet seen it (and it’s free) click on https://artsreach.co.uk/event/a-song-for-dorset-online-premiere

MELODIES REMEMBERED - A new music group called Melodies Remembered is launching in Shaftesbury on Thursday 19th August. There is no charge for attending. Tea, coffee and cake will be served. If you would like more information, please see last week’s flyer or alternatively phone Marion on 07871 665927 or email dementiafriendlyshaftesbury@gmail.com. All are welcome

David

7 August 2021

31 JULY 2021

August 3, 2021

It was good to see so many people in the Abbey Gardens on Wednesday, 60+ I think. We were lucky with the weather but, as you well know if you were there, it was getting pretty chilly towards the end, unseasonably so I think.

As you know, we are hoping to use the Abbey Gardens for as long as possible but, this said, for the next TWO weeks we will be in the Queen Mother’s Garden on Castle Hill. I am attaching a map if you don’t know where it is. It’s a really lovely spot and, weather permitting, should be ideal. If, for any reason, we need to make any last minute alternative arrangements you will be notified by e-mail at 5 o’clock on Wednesday itself.

Next time we will be we’ll be singing: Ghafoor’s Bus, Blue Moon and Jug of Punch again, along with Harbour (held over from last time), revising Follow the Heron and taking a look at Circle of Life (words attached), I’m Gonna Sing, Sing, Sing and Love is Here. (The words for Moon, Heron, Ghafoor, Harbour and Punch were attached to last Saturday’s e-mail; Sing, Sing, Sing and Love is Here don’t need words.) As ever, something for everyone I hope and all are likely to form part of our Fringe programme on Saturday 28th August so do join us if you possibly can.

This is a link to a video of Circle of Life; it’s quite an old one I think but it’s dazzlingly clever and well worth the watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87bV-S2bWwk I’m not quite sure we could manage the actions ourselves though. Pity.

CHOIR COMING EVENTS:

Saturday 28 August - Shaftesbury Fringe Festival. We have booked our slot in the Abbey Gardens for 11 o’clock. Our programme will be chosen from those pieces that we have been / will be singing this summer. Watch this space.

OTHER COMING EVENTS:

A SONG FOR DORSET - Karen’s song “When Time Lost Its Edge” which many of us know already of course will have its on-line premiere this coming Wednesday 4th August at 12.30. More info on https://artsreach.co.uk/event/a-song-for-dorset-online-premiere

MELODIES REMEMBERED - A new music group called Melodies Remembered is launching in Shaftesbury on Thursday 19th August. Melodies Remembered is a fun sociable group for people living with dementia and memory loss and their carers. It will provide an opportunity for participants to express yourselves and socialise in a safe and enjoyable way. The group sessions will take place at Shaftesbury Football Club, Coppice Street, Shaftesbury, SP7 8PF, in the function room and will run on alternate Thursday afternoons from 2 pm to 4 pm. There is plenty of free parking directly in front of the premises, so access is easy and you will find the football club close to Tesco's supermarket in Shaftesbury. There is no charge for attending these group sessions, but donations are always welcome. Tea, coffee and cake will be served. If you would like more information, please read the attached flyer or alternatively phone Marion on 07871 665927 or email dementiafriendlyshaftesbury@gmail.com. All are welcome

David

31 July 2021

STOP PRESS

Thanks to Babs (soprano) for the link to this beautiful rendition of You Raise Me Up sung by Natalie Di Luccio, an Italian-Canadian, classical crossover soprano. Filmed in the beautiful valley of Khonoma, India's first green village, in Nagaland, she collaborates here with the musicians from the Angami community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb_f7h2fH9s

24 JULY 2021

July 27, 2021

It was good to see so many people in the Abbey Gardens on Wednesday. There are a couple photos attached to this e-mail – thankyou Men Bao (soprano). The Covid-secure organization worked very well, thankyou Julia, and I’m pretty sure we all had a lovely time. It was really nice to see some new faces as well as old friends of course; particular thanks to Elizabeth (tenor) for the bunting and prosecco too – VERY generous and a wonderful surprise. The weather was kind to us, of course, and I hope our rendition of Up Above My Head was fitting tribute to the memory of Linda Hopkins, Michael Mitchell, Steven Ridout, Dick Ripper, Ray Toogood and Phil the fluter - members and friends of the choir who, sadly, are no longer with us.

We are hoping to use the Abbey Gardens for as long as possible but if, for any reason, we need to make any last minute alternative arrangements you will be notified by e-mail at 5 o’clock. This said, unfortunately there are already two Wednesdays in August when the Gardens are already booked and Julia is currently looking for another (hopefully outdoor) venue.

To make things as easy as possible, I will try and make sure to let you know what songs we will be doing in advance so you can get your words sorted out beforehand. PLEASE PRINT THEM OUT YOURSELVES IF YOU POSSIBLY CAN. Next time we will be we’ll be singing: Morning has come, Ghafoor’s Bus and Follow the Heron again, along with Harbour (held over from last time), Bela Mama, Bamba Lela, Blue Moon and Jug of Punch. (Words attached apart from Bela Mama and Bamba Lela which are easy.) As ever, something for everyone I hope and all are likely to form part of our Fringe programme on Saturday 28th August so do join us if you possibly can.

CHOIR COMING EVENTS:

Saturday 28 August - Shaftesbury Fringe Festival. We have booked or slot in the Abbey Gardens at 11 o’clock. Our programme will be chosen from those pieces that we have been / will be singing this summer. Watch this space.

September (tbd) – Choir Picnic and singing for St James’ Church. Grove Farm, Melbury Abbas. More details as and when.

OTHER COMING EVENTS:

SHAFTESBURY ORCHESTRA - Free concert at St James Church this Sunday at 2.30. Mozart, Saint-Saens and Beethoven.

A SONG FOR DORSET - Karen’s song “When Time Lost Its Edge” which many of us know already of course will have its on-line premiere on Wednesday 4th August at 12.30. More info on https://artsreach.co.uk/event/a-song-for-dorset-online-premiere

You might also be interested to hear Julia’s interview for This Is Alfred, broadcast a couple of weeks ago: https://thisisalfred.com/podcast/the-alfred-daily-6th-july-2021/

If you want to be removed from our mailing list just send me a short message to that effect. No hard feelings.

David

24 July 2021

STOP PRESS – PACHELBEL’S CHICKEN

Those of you who enjoyed Alleluia last Wednesday will, I am sure, also enjoy this take:

https://youtu.be/khOfSVULtsU Thankyou Jackie (tenor).

10 JUNE 2021

June 10, 2021

LIVE SINGING

We have decided to wait until Wednesday 30th June before resuming live singing. The plan as it stands at the moment (but which is subject to change of course) is to meet in the Abbey Gardens on Park Walk for a 7 o’clock start and run on until 8.30 p.m. To minimise mixing, we will not have a refreshment break and we would also ask that the four parts do not interact socially. We will not need to wear masks and are seeking guidance whether or not outdoor activity advises 1m or 2m social distancing. We will need to take a register of names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses on the first occasion but thereafter just tick people off as they arrive. You will need to bring a chair and, maybe a blanket too. The weather is a crucial factor of course and a decision as to whether or not we meet in the Abbey or on Zoom will be made at 5.00 p.m. each week, but then maybe the Town Hall will be possible by the end of the month. This resumption of live singing is rather later than some of us had hoped and the organisation rather pernickety too, but I am sure it is better to be safe than sorry. If you know of choir members who either don’t have internet or don’t read their e-mails, can you let them know the current state of play please?

COMING EVENTS

Looking ahead to the Shaftesbury Fringe Festival, we have booked a slot at the Abbey on Saturday 28th August at 11 o’clock. More anon of course, but we will be putting our programme together shortly. Watch this space.

Regulations permitting we will also be singing for St James’ Church in September so things are really beginning to look up. More details as and when.

ONLINE ARTS DIARY

For up to date information about online arts programmes and of course forthcoming live events, don’t forget to check the Fine Times Recorder’s listings. There are lots of wonderful free things to see, listen to and generally find out about on-line: http://www.theftr.co.uk/whats-on/.

Keep safe and well, keep in touch and keep on singing. Not long to go now.

David

8 APRIL 2021

April 8, 2021

Eggs, bunnies, chicks and Easter bonnets gave last night’s singing that bit of extra sparkle I thought. Bravo! We’ve successfully cracked Hanacpachap (well … at least the first two verses of it) and it was good to visit some old favourites too of course. And keeping with Easter just a while longer, we have Rosa (alto) to thank for the attached video – absolutely guaranteed to make you laugh out loud.

LOOKING AHEAD

We are still hoping that, if all goes well, non-professional activities (as they call choirs like ours) will be able to start from Monday 17th May. This means, of course, that we might just be able to meet on Wednesday 19th so put that date in your diaries NOW if you haven’t already done so and keep your fingers crossed. We are provisionally booking both the Town Hall and the Abbey and would hope to use the latter if the weather allows.

And looking further ahead to the Shaftesbury Fringe Festival, we have booked a slot at the Abbey on Saturday 28th August at 11 o’clock. More anon of course, but it will be really lovely to get back again and put a programme together. Watch this space.

EXHIBITION 12 - 20 April Shaftesbury Arts Centre

Andrea (alto) writes:

“I am very excited to be able to show my recent work at the Arts Centre gallery as we open up after another lockdown on 12th April. The main focus of the exhibition will be intensely coloured abstract paintings and mixed media works. Working with bright colour has kept me cheerful over past months, especially during the dark grey days of winter. There is also some closely observed representational work that expresses my concern for the local natural environment.” See attached poster. andreajenkins.co.uk

ART COURSES

Local artist Rachel Sargent is offering a series of outdoor workshops which will all be held at the beautiful Springhead Mill, Fontmell, Dorset.

DRAWING STRENGTH WORKSHOP Wednesday June16th

MAKING CONTACT WORKSHOP. Friday 25th June.

LINOCUTTING WORKSHOP. Thursday 15th July

GATHERING YOUR SENSES WORKSHOP. Monday August 9th

Contact Rachel at sargentrachel4@gmail.com or ring her on 07957 452 853.

ONLINE ARTS DIARY

For up to date information about 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 safe and well, keep in touch, keep on singing, and see you next week

David

8 April 2021

STOP PRESS

Before you put the chicks, bunnies and whatnot back in their boxes for another year and especially for those of you who remember Watch With Mother on Thursdays at 1.45 (I THINK it was 1.45 … but I KNOW it was Thursdays), do enjoy this trip down memory lane, made extra special by one of the rare appearances of the baby rabbits! Thanks to our friend Gill from Norwich for this wonderful dose of nostalgia. https://youtu.be/PSBeQ6We5ic

11 MARCH 2021

March 11, 2021

Nice to see everyone last night and remarkable that, for once, we managed to sing everything that we had planned to do. Although last night’s weather possibly made online Zooming preferable to meeting in the Town Hall, don’t forget that if all goes well, non-professional activities (as they call choirs like ours) can, in theory at least, resume from Monday 17th May. This means, of course, that we might just be able to meet on Wednesday 19th so put that date in your diaries NOW and keep your fingers crossed.

ALL ABOUT BEES

We are all invited Planet Shaftesbury’s FREE online talk this evening (Thursday) which is all about bees. It is presented by Bridget Strawbridge, author of “Dancing With Bees”. You can register on https://www.planetshaftesbury.org/event-details/planet-shaftesbury-online-meeting-26.

SINGING FOR HEALTH

Several of us have attended the excellent singing days in Wincanton hosted by the Pilgrim Singers. This year it will be on Zoom and is happening this Saturday, 13th March, 10.30am to 12.30pm. See last week’s flyer – Jane Fenton and the choir really hope that some of us might like to join them.

RED NOSE DAY

A reminder that Gillingham Community Kindness Group have invited us to be part of their project for Red Nose Day – Saturday 20th March. Full details on last Thursday’s flyer – it looks really fun so do make the effort to get involved if you possibly can.

ONLINE ARTS DIARY

Also, click on the top picture beside this newsletter to find out what’s going on at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.

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

David

11 March 2021

28 JANUARY 2021

January 28, 2021

Another particularly jolly session last night. Thankyou to all who were there and who threw themselves into the singing with such gusto. “Alleluia” seemed to work well with the instrumental backing track, it was lovely to sing “Isn’t (s)he lovely” in honour of Barbara and Mike’s one-day old grandson and to join in with some wild Scottish folk too. Thanks to Angela (alto) for the attached info about Willie Stewart – we look forward to Burns’ Night next year.

NEW CARDS

As the snowdrops are out and birds are starting to build their nests Andrea (alto) has added some seasonal packs of cards to her website card shop. A pack of six for £10 inc P&P and limited availability (See attached flyer.) www.andreajenkins.co.uk/greetings-cards

ONLINE WELLNESS COURSES

Julia would like to draw our attention to a number of welcoming and friendly short online courses, designed to help us discover and recover ways to engage and support our mental wellbeing. They can increase our enjoyment of life and work and help us to feel more positive and resilient. (See attached flyer.) If you would like to be kept informed directly about new courses and other updates, please sign up to the Adult Community Education newsletter here. www.skillsandlearningace.com

ONLINE ARTS DIARY

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

David

28 January 2021

14 JANUARY 2021

January 14, 2021

Good to see folk again last night and lovely to hear Marga (tenor) ‘s beautiful singing of “Pokarekare Ana”. A real joy. Thankyou Marga. Karen and I are going to make a new backing track for “Love is Here” so with luck we’ll do rather better with that next week. Slow internet speeds are a real nuisance though and I suspect the early evening is a particularly busy time. I came across a curious version of the song over the week. If you click on the following link you can catch it. https://soundcloud.com/paul-cox-25/love-is-here-by-nick-prater. It is slower than ours and obviously sung in some vast, resonant building. The build-up is a real mess I think but there are some nice moments later on. I wonder how many of you can spot the musical difference between our version and theirs though?

As we know however, several choir members are not able to join in for whatever reason. Think of those who you see on-line and those you don’t. If you don’t have contact details and feel any of the absentees might like a phone call or something, just email Julia, Karen or me and we will try and put you in touch.

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY - A MESSAGE FROM JULIA

We have just heard that we have been successful in securing a grant from the Wessex Water Recovery Fund, so, in addition to a donation from Shaftesbury Charitable Trust and an anonymous donation from a very kind person, this will help us to retain our subs at only £2 a week. There'll be no need to raise them as we'd feared but thank you to all who wrote to say they would be happy to help by paying more.

We can keep going now until at least the end of April by which time, with a fair wind and copious supply of vaccine, we may be able to tentatively start meeting again together. If not, we should still be able to keep meeting at our usual cost until we're liberated.

Do tell any of your friends or family who would like to join us to please come along. It doesn't matter where they live - we have no borders!

DCC CLIMATE STRATEGY

Dorset County Council declared a climate emergency last year and they now have completed a first draft of their climate strategy. You have until Jan 20th to comment on this very important document. The document is long so you can choose to answer it in full or do the quick 2 minute version. 17 people in Planet Shaftesbury have prepared their own reply as well as Dorset CAN who have prepared a guide which you could use to cut and paste from. There is also a petition calling for carbon zero dates to be revised to 2030 in line with climate science which you could sign and share (this is the date the Church of England are also signed up for). All of these links can be found on the front page of the Planet Shaftesbury website. https://www.planetshaftesbury.org/

ONLINE ARTS DIARY

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

David

14 January 2021

17 DECEMBER 2020

December 17, 2020

Lovely to see everyone last night for our end of year celebrations. Special thanks to Sue (alto), Dudley and Mike (tenors) for their contributions to the proceedings (+ congratulations to Mike and Barbara of course on the arrival of [possibly] Albert junior) and to Julia and Tracey for helping the year go as smoothly as it did. Karen did the Christmas shopping and we got Julia a swimming towel poncho and Tracey fingerless gloves/wrist warmers and wine. I have no idea who won the true-or-false Christmas quiz though but whoever it was, “Well done!” This was our last get together before Christmas of course and we will be resuming on Wednesday 6th January when no doubt there will be a few twelfth night festivities to look forward to. In the meantime enjoy carol (soprano) and Gary (bass)’s Christmas song to us all. Great musicianship and great taste in knitwear too. (The attached “html” file might look a bit strange but is quite safe)

THE JOY OF SOX

The Joy of Sox was composed by Karen for her Palida Choir. This is their third virtual choir video of 2020. Lots and lots of familiar faces and a great performance. https://youtu.be/y5gWPpC1Arc

OLIVER TWIST

Tilly (soprano) draws our attention to the Tisbury Art’s Group on-line production of Oliver Twist. (She plays Rose Maylie and Charlotte, the undertaker’s maid.) https://www.tisburyartsgroup.co.uk/oliver-twist

OTHER THINGS TO DO

Thursday 17 December There will be a virtual carol service from Gillingham Methodist Church and Gillingham Community Church on the MusicatGMC YouTube and Facebook channels from this evening (when the physical event would normally have taken place). Check out this video for full details https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztgLf6pFaEs&feature=youtu.be

Friday 18 and Saturday 19 December Enmore Green carol singing. (6.30 – 7.30 p.m.) Details from Jo Churchill on 01747 850432 or jo.churchill@enmoregreen.co.uk

Sunday 20 December Churches Together in Shaftesbury are holding Carols on Your Doorstep at 6.00 p.m. Hear more about it on: www.youtube.com/channel/UCtWJ1RC6USZ157Nh-Jvq_Kw Full details in last Monday’s newsletter.

ONLINE ARTS DIARY

WEBSITE

Make sure you have a good look at our website which is usually bang up to date:

www.shaftesburycommunitychoir.org Well worth a look; tell your friends about us too.

Keep well, keep in touch, keep on singing, and see you in the new year.

Merry Christmas

David

17 December 2020

10 NOVEMBER 2020

December 10, 2020

Lovely to see everyone congratulating Karen and Robin on their civil partnership and joining in such a cacophonous Happy Birthday as well. I’m attaching just one of the many screenshots of the occasion – thankyou Andy. If you’d like copies of the others I can zap them to you – just let me know. Next week will be our last before Christmas and we will be resuming on Wednesday 6th January. If you have a short party piece you would like to share next Wednesday let me know and Karen and I will make up a programme. Don’t be shy!

THANKYOUS

The choir would like to records it’s thanks to the anonymous donor who made such very generous contribution to our funds. A truly wonderful gesture. Thanks also to Sue Pocock for her lovely interview with Keri on This is Alfred on Tuesday morning and to Marie, Marga and Mike for their solos last night. I don’t know whether it was the whisky but I found the three verses of Silent Night in the different languages incredibly moving.

THINGS TO DO

I mentioned last time the fascinating programme on BBC4 last Friday evening - The Truth About Christmas Carols. Well worth watching. I also caught a totally absorbing lecture a couple of days ago about Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms. Did you know that most of the music from this glorious choral piece came from an intended Broadway show that never materialised while one of the movements was actually a re-writing of a number that was originally going to be part of West Side Story? I certainly didn’t. You can get it on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU4mGUS0kys

I really cannot recommend it highly enough.

Saturday 12 December The Big Christmas Carol Service with the RSCM and Churches Conservation Trust. As with their other big on-line services, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to join in from home. Let me know if you’d like a pdf copy of the music booklet.

Friday 18 and Saturday 19 December

Don’t forget to let Jo Churchill know if you’d like to take part in the Enmore Green carol singing. (6.30 – 7.30 p.m.) Contact her on 01747 850432 or jo.churchill@enmoregreen.co.uk

Sunday 20 December Don’t forget Carols on the Doorstep either. https://www.carolsonthedoorstep.co.uk/ Regulations permitting, it’s a chance to sing carols on our doorsteps with our neighbours (a bit like when we did the clapping for the NHS). Churches Together in Shaftesbury are planning something similar too. More about that next week.

ONLINE ARTS DIARY

For up to date information about other 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 for our final Zoom before Christmas. Don’t forget to offer a party piece if you have one and feel free to bring a friend along to join in the fun.

David

26 NOVEMBER 2020

November 26, 2020

A happy mix of Christmas and non-Christmas singing last night I thought. I look forward to singing “Covid” next week to celebrate the end of lockdown. Let’s hope the tier system doesn’t make things more difficult.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday 2 – Tuesday 9 December

The Shaftesbury Group will be opening the Arts Centre Gallery with a six day exhibition on Thursday 3rd December, showcasing art from sixteen members of the group. After having to cancel all the Art Fairs in the Town Hall during 2020 they are all looking forward to this show. See attached poster.

Saturday 12 December The Big Christmas Carol Service with the RSCM and Churches Conservation Trust. As with their other big on-line services, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to join in from home. Do save the date and let me know if you’d like a pdf copy of the music booklet.

Friday 18 and Saturday 19 December

Don’t forget to let Jo Churchill know if you’d like to take part in the Enmore Green carol singing. (6.30 – 7.30 p.m.) Contact her on 01747 850432 or jo.churchill@enmoregreen.co.uk

Sunday 20 December Carols on the Doorstep. Sue (altos) has sent me details of this - https://www.carolsonthedoorstep.co.uk/ It’s a chance to sing carols on your doorstep with your neighbours (a bit like when we did the clapping for the NHS). Maybe you could arrange to do this in your street?

ONLINE ARTS DIARY

LIVING WITH TREES

Don’t forget Robin’s new book – the ideal Christmas gift. Full details last week.

Keep well, keep in touch, keep on singing, and, with luck, see you next week. Feel free to bring a friend along too.

David

26 November 2020

19 NOVEMBER 2020

November 25, 2020

Lovely turn out last night and, of course, great to see new friends from near and far. We were truly international last night. To help those of you who can read the dots, I’m attaching the music for “Covid” which may be of help. We’ve just about completed the song (only a couple of bars at the end still to do) but, as you know, some of Karen’s subtle shifts of harmony take a bit of repetitive practice. But like the virus itself, there‘s definitely light at the end of the tunnel.

CAROL SINGING- Friday 18 and Saturday 19 December - 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Although, as a choir, it is not possible organise anything at the moment, we have, as individuals, been invited to take part in the carol singing at Enmore Green when it is hoped that a number of small groups will go round the village. We don’t know about Covid restrictions of course, but the organisers are thinking that it will probably still be a maximum of 6 in each group. Because of this, they do need to know who to expect. If you are interested please get in touch with Jo Churchill on 01747 850432 or jo.churchill@enmoregreen.co.uk (Carol sheets provided, torches suggested). If anyone wants to bring an instrument that is okay too.

LIVING WITH TREES

Don’t forget Robin’s new book. Full details last week.

THINGS TO DO

Although the Arts Centre gallery is closed, there is a new on-line exhibition for the next two weeks. Percy Lizzard and Zara McQueen have made a website to show their latest work. This is the web address www.lizzard-mcqueen.co.uk and you will find a photo attached to this e-mail

Also, Andrea (alto) has a card shop on her website, with cards based on her paintings in mixed packs of six, some suitable for Christmas, others just to send to a friend to make their day! Here’s the link to the page www.andreajenkins.co.uk/greetings-cards and, again, you’ll find a photo attached to this e-mail.

Saturday 12 December The Big Christmas Carol Service with the RSCM and Churches Conservation Trust. As with their other big on-line services, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to join in from home. Do save the date and let me know if you’d like a pdf copy of the music booklet.

ONLINE ARTS DIARY

Keep well, keep in touch, keep on singing, and, with luck, see you next week. Feel free to bring a friend along too.

David

19 November 2020

12 NOVEMBER 2020

November 12, 2020

Great singing again last night. Karen’s Covid song is proving to be very singable – it should help carry us through lockdown very well. Nice to do Come Tune Your Cheerful Voice again too after a gap of two years believe it or not – another very singable piece. (Dick and Sue … I hope your ears were burning – we sang it specially for you both.)

THINGS TO DO

12 November - TODAY Online talk on wildlife-friendly farming. What will the Countryside Restoration Trust do with Bere Marsh Farm, near Shillingstone. See last week’s flier for full details.

Shaftesbury Arts Centre have an on-line gallery for those artists who are missing their exhibitions because of lockdown. Here is the link for Rachel Sargent’s group exhibition 'In Their Element' : https://shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk/online-gallery/

Those who use social media will also find the slideshows that Andrea (alto) has made for the group/gallery on the Shaftesbury Arts Centre pages over the next few days. Andrea promises to keep us up to date with what’s happening so watch this space, in the meantime see the attached banner for “In Their Element”.

Many choir members also support The Springhead Trust, and I am attaching their latest newsletter and a link to their website (with some glorious photos). https://www.springheadtrust.org.uk/

Looking ahead: The Big RSCM Carol Service. On Saturday 12 December the RSCM will be hosting a joint their Big Christmas Carol Service with the Churches Conservation Trust. As with their other big services, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to join in from home. Do save the date and let me know if you’d like a pdf copy of the music booklet.

ONLINE ARTS DIARY

Keep well, keep in touch, keep on singing, and, with luck, see you nextw eek. Feel free to bring a friend along too.

David

12 November 2020

FINAL THOUGHT (from the good folk at Othona, near Bridport)

A psychologist walked around a room whilst teaching stress management. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they'd be asked the "half empty, half full" question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she enquired - "How heavy is this glass of water?" Answers ranged from 200 to 500 grams.

She replied "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it up for a minute, it's not a problem. If I hold it up for an hour, I'll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it up for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralysed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn't change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

She continued. "The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Worry about them for a while and nothing happens. Worry about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. If you worry about them all day long, you will feel paralysed - incapable of doing anything. It's important to remember to let go of your stresses as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down, don't carry them through the evening and into the night. Let them be concerns rather than worries. Remember to put the glass down!"

15 OCTOBER 2020

October 15, 2020

REMEMBRANCE VIDEO

We have been invited (as individuals or as a choir depending on take up) to join the Gillingham Imperial Silver Band to make a video for Remembrance Sunday. Like ourselves, they have been unable to rehearse in person since mid March and have had to adapt. They have done this by making videos of themselves, all done individually at home, then put together into one finished 'performance'. (This is a link to their latest effort: https://youtu.be/DpSogohKxQc It looks and sounds very professional I’m sure you’ll agree.) The band would usually be heavily involved in the Remembrance Day parade and service on the morning of Remembrance Sunday, but as with everything else, this is not possible this year. So, they are going to make a video instead and Jim Bennett, their MD, is asking if any of us would be up for joining them by singing the hymn 'Oh Valiant Hearts'. All it would require is for each of us to video ourselves singing along to a backing track that he will provide. We would do this from the comfort of our own homes. The deadline for sending the videos to him is October 25 which gives him the time to do the necessary editing. I need to know take up by this weekend so that I can get the backing tracks etc. from him in good time to be able to send stuff to you and for you to send your video on to Jim. Do take part in this if you can. Although the occasion is very serious of course, the activity itself should be fun and, for most of us, a bit of an adventure.

OTHER THINGS TO DO

Saturday 17 October: 8pm Sydney time (10am UK)

Keeping with all things Australian, Karen’s friend Gillian from Norwich has been joining us online for several weeks now and would like to draw our attention to SPZOOMKY.
To quote from their publicity, this is a “special online event where we will make the very best of the current restrictions to create an intimate spooky performance for you. In the grandest of the blue mountain halls, with appropriate social distancing, sweet lighting, and your smiling schnozzes and comments on a screen we can see, we’re going to go as close to the real spooky experience as we can.” This is a nominally free event, but they’d love you to donate. Tickets and all details at www.massivesinglet.com/spzoomky

Book now, because….tickets are limited. The concert will last approximately 75 minutes.

Saturday 24 October: Celebration Day 2020 Those of you who enjoy church music will be interested to hear about the latest virtual evensong being organised by the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM). It is on 24 October 2020 at 17:30. Let me know if you would like a copy of the music being used so that you can join in. More information about Celebration Day 2020 can be found on www.rscm.org.uk/events/rscm-celebration-day-2020/.

Looking ahead: The Big RSCM Carol Service On Saturday 12 December the RSCM will be hosting a joint their Big Christmas Carol Service with the Churches Conservation Trust. As with our other big services, there will be downloadable music packs available in advance and plenty of opportunities for you to join in from home. Do save the date, more information to follow in due course.

ONLINE ARTS DIARY

Keep well, keep in touch, keep on singing, and, with luck, see you next week. Bring a friend along too.

David

1 OCTOBER 2020

October 4, 2020

Lovely to see quite a few new faces last night. Do continue to feel free to invite friends and family to join us. We intend keeping going with Zoom until the end of the month and then, depending on the state of play, possibly getting back together in some form or other. A number of choirs in Germany, and no doubt elsewhere, have kept going this year, sometimes in garden or even parking lots. This link is to a short film entitled Choirs in Corona Time and is quite inspiring. Well worth watching. (Don’t worry if you don’t speak German, it has subtitles!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb5DOqmFfl8&feature=youtu.be

One other bit of good news we heard this week is that the Town Council have voted to give the choir another year of free use of the Town Hall. Thankyou Shaftesbury. We all hope we will be able to avail ourselves of their offer before too long.

Finally, today is the Chinese Moon Festival – jolly picture attached. So “zhong qiu jie kuai le” as we say in Kington Magna.

THINGS TO DO

There is a lovely mixed exhibition of paintings, ceramics, sculpture and jewellery starting in the gallery at Fisherton Mill, Salisbury this Saturday featuring the work of local artist Rachel Sargent, whom many of you will know, amongst others. (See attached flyer.) The cafe will be open and the Mill is full of beautiful arts and crafts to browse. The Mill is following government safety regulations and has a QR code for scanning for track and trace purposes. If you are unable to get there or you would prefer to look at Rachel’s work on line you can see her paintings here:

https://www.rachelsargent.co.uk/fisherton-mill-paintings

You can also see some examples of work by the other exhibitors here: https://fisherton-mill.myshopify.com/collections/natural-elements

ONLINE ARTS DIARY

Keep well, keep in touch, keep on singing, and, with luck, see you next week. Bring a friend along too.

David

1 October 2020

17 SEPTEMBER 2020

September 17, 2020

GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES

Although things are changing by the minute, this clause was posted on the government guidance website on Monday:

It is against the law to gather in groups of more than six, where people are from different households or support bubbles. The rule above does not mean that there cannot be more than six people in any one place. All activities for under 18s are exempt. There can be multiple groups of six people in a place, provided that those groups do not mingle.

In practice, however, this will make it difficult for some activities to take place without breaking the law. Activities where there is a significant likelihood of groups of more than six mingling – and therefore breaking the law – should not take place until further COVID-19 Secure guidance has been developed and approved to enable the activity to happen safely. This may include extended tour groups, large banquet dinners, society or club meetings, or amateur music or drama rehearsals.

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Things are changing all the time though and I am still very optimistic we will get to enjoy our summer afternoon picnic and sing-song at Melbury Abbas. So, as I’ve said before, watch this space. It would be a shame not to take advantage of our glorious Indian Summer, but who knows it may be a case of thermals and flasks of cocoa when the time comes. We are still really hoping to return to singing in the Town Hall at the beginning of November too.

THINGS TO DO

Heidi (alto) would like to draw our attention to the CABARET EVENING this coming Saturday. Shaftesbury Arts Centre is delighted to be back entertaining us again so come along to Castle Green and bring your picnic to join their outdoor cabaret.

All tickets must be purchased in advance. No tickets will be available on the night. We are encouraged to purchase tickets in groups (maximum six people) to help with the spacing on the Green. 'Doors' open at 5.30pm. Performance starts at 6pm. Tickets £8. For further details and to book, see their website.

ONLINE ARTS DIARY

David

10 SEPTEMBER 2020

September 10, 2020

We are still meeting on Zoom, singing to ourselves in our living rooms but watching as rules for meeting to sing together develop … hopefully, then not so … currently our Newsletters are not always appropriate for the public domain of a website but the one below is! Andrea

Last night was particularly cheery I thought. It was lovely to sing Noyana again after so long (not sure why that had slipped through the net I must confess) and Ghafoor’s Bus was just so life affirming it will, I am sure, become a firm favourite.

THINGS TO DO - BRAIN CHALLENGE

Kathie (soprano) and Richard (bass) have been listening to old videos of the Muppet Show and Kenny Rogers sang something that sounded familiar ... and much humming and hah-ing later realised it was similar to a community choir song ... what do you think ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSGCvPeSkYk

LATE SUMMER CHOIR PICNIC

No developments yet but we remain as optimistic as ever.

ONLINE ARTS DIARY

HOMEGROWN EGGS!

Homegrown chickens are laying again and there’s lots of veg. Open Wednesday/Friday and Sunday mornings at the farm on Breach Lane for purchases or if you’re passing on Bimport, Karen may have eggs outside her door.

David