I APRIL 2023

Last week’s session was particularly jolly, all the more uplifting as it was such a filthy evening, and it was really lovely to see people socializing during our extended biscuit break.  Thanks to Claire (alto) for reminding me we hadn’t had a Badge Wednesday for ages.  Time seemed to run away with us and although we worked hard and covered a lot of ground we certainly didn’t do everything we had intended.  Shaftesbury’s Delights and 500 Miles still need consolidation and polish, there are a few bars Bogoroditse left to do and we completely ran out of time when it came to looking That Lonesome Road, Our Choir and the Ukrainian Easter hymn – words attached last week.  With luck, we will do all of these this coming week together with We Got All the Love as a warm-up.  Hope to see you there.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS 

Saturday 22 April Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall.

Monday 1 May (BANK HOLIDAY) Fundraising day at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.  More details soon.

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete  tbd

Wednesday 21 June  Make Music Day 2023.  We hope to arrange something extra special.  Watch this space.

Saturday 1 July  Gold Hill Fair  tbd

Sunday 23 July  Shaftesbury Fringe   11.15 a.m.  Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens

OTHER EVENTS

THIS WEEKEND Saturday 1 April Come & Sing in Fordingbridge,  Mendelssohn Hymn of Praise and a piece we know well, Rachmaninov (Bogoroditse) -  it’s his 150th birthday!   A bargain with tea and cake included.  See last week’s flyer.

Sunday 2 April (Palm Sunday)  Come with me – a refreshingly different service with quite a number of familiar faces at St John’s, Enmore Green.  6.00 p,m.  See last week’s flyer.

Tues 4 – Sat 15 April  Spinning the Moon - Dorchester’s 7th community play.  Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester.  See earlier flyer.  (Tess [alto] and her husband Mark are both involved.  Music by ex-Shastonian Tim Laycock.)

Sunday 23 April Fonthill House Open Garden Music Alfresco – (see earlier flyer)

Sunday 7 May  Dream of Gerontius.  Gillingham Methodist Church.   What a coup!  For my money, one of the greatest choral works ever written!  See attached flyer

David

1 April 2023

25 MARCH 2023

Yet another great turn out last Wednesday with lots of great singing. We‘ve now completed Shaftesbury’s Delights and 500 Miles – all that remains is to consolidate and polish.  This coming week we will work on these, finish learning / polishing That Lonesome Road, Our Choir and Bogoroditse and make a start on a Ukrainian Easter hymn – words attached.  We will also do Simply There as our warm-up once more together with Bamba Lela.     Please print the Ukrainian hymn out yourselves if you possibly can.   The words of the others, where needed, have all been attached in recent weeks …

… and don’t forget, next week will be having BADGE WEDNESDAY.  Please come wearing a name badge and get to know a few more people.  (Sticky labels available for those who forget!)

COMING CHOIR EVENTS 

Saturday 22 April Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall.

Monday 1 May (BANK HOLIDAY) Fundraising day at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.  More details soon.

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete  tbd

Wednesday 21 June  Make Music Day 2023.  We hope to arrange something extra special.  Watch this space.

Saturday 1 July  Gold Hill Fair  tbd

Sunday 23 July  Shaftesbury Fringe   11.15 a.m.  Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens

OTHER EVENTS

THIS WEEKEND Sat 25 – Sun 26 March Sculpture exhibition CONGREGATION at The Chapel, Tuckingmill, Tisbury SP3 6JB  12 - 4pm.  Karen is improvising 2-3pm both days.  Press release attached.

also

Saturday 25 March  Rolling Harmony at Holy Trinity Church, Bradford on Avon.  Stupendous vocal group and well worth the trip.  See attached flyer.

also

Sunday 26 March  Shaftesbury Orchestra.  Beethoven and Offenbach.  2.30 p.m. St James Church.  ADMISSION FREE.  See last week’s flyer.

Saturday 1 April Come & Sing in Fordingbridge,  Mendelssohn Hymn of Praise and a piece we know well, Rachmaninov (Bogoroditse) -  it’s his 150th birthday!   A bargain with tea and cake included.  See last week’s flyer.

Sunday 2 April (Palm Sunday)  Come with me – a refreshingly different service with quite a number of familiar faces at St John’s, Enmore Green.  6.00 p,.m.  See last week’s flyer.

Tues 4 – Sat 15 April  Spinning the Moon - Dorchester’s 7th community play.  Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester.  See earlier flyer.  (Tess [alto] and her husband Mark are both involved.  Music by ex-Shastonian Tim Laycock.)

Sunday 23 April Fonthill House Open Garden Music Alfresco – (see earlier flyer)

David

25 March 2023

PS Don’t forget the clocks go forward an hour tonight!

18 MARCH 2023

A great turn out last Wednesday, a lot of hard work and a lot of great singing. We made real progress with Shaftesbury’s Delights and 500 Miles in particular.  This coming week we will finish learning both of these along with That Lonesome Road, Our Choir and Bogoroditse – all held over from last time.  We will do Oak of Old, as our warm-up once more and have a look at another new one – Simply There.   You won’t need words for Simply There; the words of the others, where needed, have all been attached in recent weeks.   Please print them out yourselves if you possibly can.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS 

Saturday 22 April Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall.

Monday 1 May (BANK HOLIDAY) Fundraising day at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.  More details soon.

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete  tbd

Wednesday 21 June  Make Music Day 2023.  We hope to arrange something extra special.  Watch this space.

Saturday 1 July  Gold Hill Fair  tbd

Sunday 23 July  Shaftesbury Fringe   11.15 a.m.  Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens

OTHER EVENTS

TODAY  Saturday 18 March  Rhyme and Rhythm.  Listen to poetry from local poet Marigold Rumble, and piano music from yours truly while enjoying a delicious cream tea.  3.00 p.m. St Peter’s Church.

Sat – Sun 18/19 March  Coracle (ArtsReach)  Karen and Co in Milborne St Andrew and Burton Bradstock See https://artsreach.co.uk/event/coracle

Sunday 26 March  Shaftesbury Orchestra.  Beethoven and Offenbach.  2.30 p.m. St James Church.  ADMISSION FREE.  See attached flyer.

Saturday 1 April Come & Sing in Fordingbridge,  Mendelssohn Hymn of Praise and a piece we know well, Rachmaninov (Bogoroditse) -  it’s his 150th birthday!   A bargain with tea and cake included.  See attached flyer.

Sunday 2 April (Palm Sunday)  Come with me – a refreshingly different service with quite a number of familiar faces at St John’s, Enmore Green.  6.00 p,.m.  See attached flyer.

Tues 4 – Sat 15 April Spinning the Moon - Dorchester’s 7th community play.  Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester.  See earlier flyer.  (Tess [alto] and her husband Mark are both involved.  Music by ex-Shastonian Tim Laycock.)

Sunday 23 April Fonthill House Open Garden Music Alfresco – (see last week’s flyer)

David

18 March 2023

5 MARCH 2023

A particularly jolly session last week I thought.  It was great to re-visit Bogoroditse after so long – special thanks to Halyna for help with the pronunciation. This coming week we will look at the next section, continue with Shaftesbury Delights, polish Don’t Worry Be Happy (do download the “order of events” for this song if you are confused as to what to sing and when to sing it!) make a start on 500 Miles which Ann Ridout has specially requested for her late husband’s celebration party on 22nd April and have a look at That Lonesome Road (held over for a couple of weeks now) along with Ceremony Boogie and Sithi Shwele / A Yele as warm-ups.   Words of 500 Miles are attached along with the structure of Don’t Worry. The words of the others, where needed, have been attached over the last few weeks. Please print them out yourselves if you possibly can.

REFRESHMENT BREAK

We are considering re-introducing a longer refreshment break when the clocks change.  This would give more time for socializing and enable us to have teas and coffees once more.  For Covid precautions as well as for practical reasons you would need to bring your own mug.  Choir would then run until 9.30 rather than 9.00 or thereabouts.  Do give it some thought and if you have any strong views, let us know next week.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS 

Saturday 22 April Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall.

Monday 1 May (BANK HOLIDAY) Fundraising day at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.  More details soon.

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete  tbd

Wednesday 21 June  Make Music Day 2023.  We hope to arrange something extra special.  Watch this space.

Saturday 1 July  Gold Hill Fair  tbd

Sunday 23 July  Shaftesbury Fringe   11.15 a.m.  Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens

OTHER EVENTS

TODAY Saturday 4 March FOR THE LOVE OF SONG with Sarah Pennington. Venue: Village Hall, Cranborne, BH21 5QB Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm Cost: £30

also

Saturday 4 March  Pater Noster.  Farrant Singers  St Thomas’ Church, Salisbury.  See earlier flyer.

Saturday 11 March  Harmonium.  6.00 p.m. and 8.00 p.m.  Trinity Centre, Shaftesbury.  New music by Karen and others performed by Palida Choir.  See attached flyer

also

An Evening with Nicola Chester.  See earlier flyer.

also

RockForte – an evening of rockin’, rollin’ and dancin’.  Victoria Hall, Tisbury.  See attached flyer.

Saturday 18 March  Rhyme and Rhythm.  Listen to poetry from local poet Marigold Rumble, and piano music from yours truly while enjoying a delicious cream tea.  3.00 p.m. St Peter’s Church.  Tickets £6.00 from TIC or sign up on the sheet at the back of the church or simply roll up on the day.

Sat – Sun 18/19 March  Coracle (ArtsReach)  Karen and Co in Milborne St Andrew and Burton Bradstock See https://artsreach.co.uk/event/coracle

Tues 4 – Sat 15 April  Spinning the Moon - Dorchester’s 7th community play.  Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester.  See earlier flyer.  (Tess [alto] and her husband Mark are both involved.  Music by ex-Shastonian Tim Laycock.)

David

4 March 2023

PS Don’t forget the Food Bank.

18 FEBRUARY 2023

More great singing last week and some really good progress too. This coming week we will continue learning Shaftesbury Delights (held over from last time), polish Our Choir, Say Say Yes and Don’t Worry Be Happy [see STOP PRESS below] and have a look at Go Placidly and That Lonesome Road together with Balanced Be the Way and Rongo Mau as warm-ups. You won’t need the words for Balanced be the Way or Rongo Mau, Go Placidly and That Lonesome Road are attached while the words of the others have been attached over the last few weeks.  Please print them out yourselves if you possibly can.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS 

Saturday 22 April Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall.

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete  tbd

Wednesday 21 June  Make Music Day 2023.  We hope to arrange something extra special.  Watch this space.

Saturday 1 July  Gold Hill Fair  tbd

Sunday 23 July  Shaftesbury Fringe   11.15 a.m.  Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens

OTHER EVENTS

TODAY Saturday 18 February  11 - 4.30. Springhead Gardens open.   Entrance is free but they would appreciate a donation for the charity.  The Friends of Springhead would love to see you there

Saturday 25 February Live opera in … wait for it … Henstridge!!!!  La Grotte de Versailles by Lully.  3.00 p.m.  FREE  See attached flyer.

Wednesday 1 March 7.30, Concert by the talented young musicians of Bryanston School.  St Peter’s Church.  Tickets £10 or £8  (for members in advance) and the under 18s, from the Arts Centre box office or on the door.  See attached flyer.

Saturday 4 March FOR THE LOVE OF SONG with Sarah Pennington.Venue: Village Hall, Cranborne, Dorset, BH21 5QB Time: 10.30am – 4.30pmCost: £30 on the day / £25 if booked and paid by 25th February  Email: info@joyousisle.com Tel: 01202 885294 or 01258 840097

Saturday 4 March  Pater Noster Farrant singers  St Thomas’ Church, Salisbury.  See attached flyer.

Tues 4 – Sat 15 April  Spinning the Moon - Dorchester’s 7th community play.  Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester.  See earlier flyer.  (Tess [alto] and her husband Mark are both involved.  Music by ex-Shastonian Tim Laycock.)

July  Orchestral course in Sicily for musicians of Grade VII and above.  All instruments.  This comes highly recommended.  Contact Peter Fender:  info@sicilymusicholiday.com

David

18 February 2023

STOP PRESS

There is a wonderfully life-affirming version of Don’t Worry Be Happy on Youtube.  Find it at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWXUWepSak4   You’re in for a real treat.  The melody and most of the accompaniment is what is known as penatatonic.  For a novel take on this (by Bobby McFerrin who wrote the song) click on www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne6tB2KiZuk  Thanks Elinor (tenor) for the link.

11 FEBRUARY 2023

Good to see Nicki Hall from Open House / Foodbank this week and to hear what she had to say.  She brought a number of leaflets with her, copies of which are attached in case you weren’t there or forgot to pick one up. 

This coming week we will continue learning Our Choir and Shaftesbury Delights (held over from last time), polish Say Say Yes, Don’t Worry Be Happy and Wade in the Water, all of which are sounding good already, together with Love is Here and Good News Chariot’s Comin’ as warm-ups. You won’t need the words of these last two while the words of the others have been attached over the last couple of weeks.  Please print them out yourselves if you possibly can.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS 

Saturday 22 April Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall.

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete  tbd

Wednesday 21 June  Make Music Day 2023.  We hope to arrange something extra special.  Watch this space.

Saturday 1 July  Gold Hill Fair  tbd

Sunday 23 July  Shaftesbury Fringe   11.15 a.m.  Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens

OTHER EVENTS

TOMORROW Sunday 12 February  Dorset Bach Cantata Club.  FREE informal concert, with orchestra, of Bach Cantatas Nos. 4 and 64.  Sturminster Newton School 4.30 p.m.

Tues 4 – Sat 15 April  Spinning the Moon - Dorchester’s 7th community play.  Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester.  See attached flyer.  (Tess [alto] and her husband Mark are both involved.  Music by ex-Shastonian Tim Laycock.)

July  Orchestral course in Sicily for musicians of Grade VII and above.  All instruments.  This comes highly recommended.  Contact Peter Fender:  info@sicilymusicholiday.com

FRIENDS OF SPRINGHEAD

The gardens will be open today and tomorrow and again on Saturday 18 from 11 - 4.30.  Entrance is free but they would appreciate a donation for the charity.  Light refreshments will be available on 11 and 12 February provided by, and in aid of, Andrew's School, Fontmell Magna.  They would love to see you there.

FOOD BANK

See attached fliers. Let’s give it all the support we can.

David

4 FEBRUARY 2023

Looking forward to being with you all on Wednesday.  This coming week we will continue learning Our Choir, Say, Say Yes, Shaftesbury Delights and Don’t Worry Be Happy, recap our two gospel songs (Wade in the Water and Where Shall I be?) along with Cry heart and Bela Mama as warm-ups. You won’t need the words of these last three while the words of the others have been attached over the last couple of weeks.  Please print them out yourselves if you possibly can.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS 

Saturday 22 April Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall.

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete  tbd

Wednesday 21 June  Make Music Day 2023.  We hope to arrange something extra special.  Watch this space.

Saturday 1 July  Gold Hill Fair  tbd

Sunday 23 July  Shaftesbury Fringe   11.15 a.m.  Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens

OTHER EVENTS

TODAY Saturday 4 February  Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s “Nativity – the Musical”.  Lots of well-known faces.   Last two performances today (2.30 and 7.30)

ALSO

TODAY Saturday 4 February  Pasture and Storms.  Celebrating left hand alone virtuoso pianists.  6.00 – 8.00 p.m. Tickets are £8/10 and there will be drinks and snacks in the interval! See earlier flier.  also https://shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk/events/pasture-storm-a-celebration-of-left-hand-alone-virtuoso-pianists/

Sunday 12 February  Dorset Bach Cantata Club.  FREE informal concert, with orchestra, of Bach Cantatas Nos. 4 and 64.  Sturminster Newton School 4.30 p.m.

Tues 4 – Sat 15 April  Spinning the Moon - Dorchester’s 7th community play.  Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester.  See attached flyer.  (Tess [alto] and her husband Mark are both involved.  Music by ex-Shastonian Tim Laycock.)

July  Orchestral course in Sicily for musicians of Grade VII and above.  All instruments.  This comes highly recommended.  Contact Peter Fender:  info@sicilymusicholiday.com

FRIENDS OF SPRINGHEAD

The weather is looking clear, if perhaps a little chilly, for Springhead’s open gardens next week.   The gardens will be open Monday 6 February-Sunday 12 between 11-3 and again on Saturday 18 from 11-4.30.  Entrance is free but they would appreciate a donation for the charity.  Light refreshments will be available on 11 and 12 February provided by, and in aid of, St Andrew's School, Fontmell Magna.  They would love to see you there.

FOOD BANK

This is still up and running – let’s give it all the support we can.

David

22 JANUARY 2023

Although we have no performances planned for the immediate future I can confirm that we have our usual spot in the Abbey Gardens for the Shaftesbury Fringe, Sunday 23rd July at 11.15 a.m.  Put it in your diaries NOW!    Gold Hill Fair arrangements are still to be confirmed.  This coming week we will be singing Cry Heart once more, polishing Drive the Cold Winter Away, continuing our new song Shaftesbury Delights, making a start on When I was One and Twenty and Where Shall I Be (held over from last time) together with We Wish You Joy to welcome in the Chinese Year of the Rabbit.  No words are needed for Where Shall I Be and Cry Heart; the others were attached last time or the week before.  Please do print them out yourselves if you possibly can. 

COMING CHOIR EVENTS  

Saturday 22 April Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall. 

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete  tbd 

Saturday / Sunday 1 & 2 July  Gold Hill Fair  tbd   

Sunday 23 July  Shaftesbury Fringe   11.15 a.m.  Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens 

OTHER EVENTS  

Sunday 22 January  Chinese New Year Celebration  See attached flier. 

Thurs 26 Jan – Sat 4 Feb  Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s “Nativity – the Musical”.  Do give the show your support.  Lots of well-known faces. 

Sunday 29 January Salisbury Baroque concert 3pm St Peter’s. See earlier flyer 

Saturday 4 February  Pasture and Storms.  Celebrating left hand alone virtuoso pianists.  See earlier flier. 

July  Orchestral course in Sicily for musicians of Grade VII and above.  All instruments.  This comes highly recommended.  Contact Peter Fender:  info@sicilymusicholiday.com 

FOOD BANK 

This is still up and running – let’s give it all the support we can. 

Happy Year of the Rabbit to everyone. 

David 

14 JANUARY 2023

What a brilliant start to the New Year.  Great singing and a great turn-out.  Marvellous.  I am attaching a photo of Marie and me together with newlyweds Pam and Peter who met at Community Choir and who were married last week.  We wish them every happiness.  This coming week we will be polishing Gloucester Wassail (see below), continuing Joyful Mysteries and Drive the Cold Winter Away, making a start on When I was One and Twenty, Where Shall I Be and Cry Heart (all held over from last time) together with a new song, Shaftesbury Delights, by Karen and Richard (tenor) and Listen as our warm-up.  No words are needed for Listen, Where Shall I Be and Cry Heart, Richard and Karen’s song will follow shortly and the others were attached last time.  Please do print them out yourselves if you possibly can. 

COMING CHOIR EVENTS  

Saturday 22 April Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall. 

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete  tbd 

Saturday / Sunday 1 & 2 July  Gold Hill Fair  tbd   

Fri 21 – Sun 23 July  Shaftesbury Fringe   tbd 

OTHER EVENTS  

Sunday 15 January  If you’ve enjoyed the Gloucester Wassail and if, like, Tom Durfey, you are in need of a further pill to purge melancholy, there is wassailing TOMORROW in Donkey Field Orchard, halfway down Church Hill, Enmore Green.  3.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.  Take a little money to buy a bit of seasonal fare. Hot cider and Morris dancing on Church Hill too.  Leader is Joe Hashman -I have no doubt that he will encourage us all to sing! 

Thurs 19 – Fri 20 January  Artsreach is excited to welcome New England based Windborne to Dorset on Thursday 19th January to Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall and Friday 20th January to Morden Village Hall.   Hailed as the most exciting vocal group in a generation, this is a fantastic opportunity to hear their wonderful harmonies and even join them in a vocal harmony workshop at Wootton Fitzpaine, ahead of the show. See attached flier. 

Thurs 26 Jan – Sat 4 Feb  Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s “Nativity – the Musical”.  Do give the show your support.  Lots of well-known faces. 

Sunday 29 January Salisbury Baroque concert 3pm St Peter’s. See last wek’s flyer 

Saturday 4 February  Pasture and Storms.  Celebrating left hand alone virtuoso pianists.  See last week’s flier. 

July  Orchestral course in Sicily for musicians of Grade VII and above.  All instruments.  This comes highly recommended.  Contact Peter Fender:  info@sicilymusicholiday.com

FOOD BANK 

This is still up and running – let’s give it all the support we can. 

THE HAMMOUD KITCHEN – AUTHENTIC SYRIAN CUISINE 

Karen and Julia both recommend the food prepared by one of our Syrian families here in Shaftesbury.  If you feel you've cooked at least one dish too many, Samar and Amar Hammoud are very happy to relieve your burden with delicious food at very reasonable cost. Their menu is attached. They'll deliver to your door and just need 24 hours notice. 

David 

14, January 2023 

7 JANUARY 2023

Happy New Year one and all.  Karen and I are looking forward to seeing you this coming Wednesday for the start of another year of fun, camaraderie and joyful singing.  This week we will be singing Viva la musica, Joyful Mysteries (although opening verses are about the birth of Jesus the remaining one isn’t and, anyway, it is a really lovely song), Gloucester Wassail, May your cup / We wish you joy, Drive the cold winter away, When I was one and twenty, Where shall I be and Cry heart but do not break.  No words are needed for Viva, Where shall I be and Cry heart. The words for the others are attached.  Please do print them out yourselves if you possibly can. 

COMING CHOIR EVENTS  

Wednesday 11 January  Choir resumes 

Saturday 22 April Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall. 

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete  tbd 

Saturday 1 July  Gold Hill Fair  tbd   

Fri 21 – Sun 23 July  Shaftesbury Fringe   tbd 

OTHER EVENTS  

Thurs 19 – Fri 20 January  Artsreach is excited to welcome New England based Windborne to Dorset on Thursday 19th January to Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall and Friday 20th January to Morden Village Hall.   Hailed as the most exciting vocal group in a generation, this is a  fantastic opportunity to hear their wonderful harmonies and even join them in a vocal harmony workshop at Wootton Fitzpaine, ahead of the show. See attached flier. 

Thurs 26 Jan – Sat 4 Feb  Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s “Nativity – the Musical”.  Do give it your support.  Lots of well-known faces. 

Sunday 29 January Salisbury Baroque concert 3pm St Peter’s. See attached flyer 

Saturday 4 February  Pasture and Storms.  Celebrating left hand alone virtuoso pianists.  See attached flier. 

July  Orchestral course in Sicily for musicians of Grade VII and above.  All instruments.  This comes highly recommended.  Contact Peter Fender:  info@sicilymusicholiday.com 

David 

17 DECEMBER 2022

Firstly,  a big thankyou to those of you who braved the cold last Saturday afternoon to sing by the Christmas tree outside the Town Hall.  It seems such a long time ago.  With one notable exception, I think we sounded pretty good, and certainly Keri (This is Alfred) was very happy with our performance.  Check out our website for photos.     

I hope many of you will join Karen and me for the Motcombe Donkey Procession tomorrow Sunday (18th).  Please arrive at the Coppleridge (SP7 9HW) ready to start walking and singing at 6.00. The walk ends at the Motcombe Memorial Hall (SP7 9NT) for more singing and seasonal refreshments.  You will, of course, need to walk back to wherever you have left your car and so it might be sensible to bring a torch. Alternatively, you could team up with friends so that you have transport at both ends.   If the weather is really grim, the procession will be cancelled and we will simply gather in the Motcombe Memorial Hall for carol singing, mulled wine etc. at 6.00.  I will e-mail you all by 5. 00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon if that is going to be the case. In either case, the words of the carols we will be singing are attached for you to print out.  Copies will also be available beforehand.  The good folk of Motcombe are very generous when it comes to supporting the choir and it would be lovely if we could support them in return.  TELL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND LET’S TRY AND GET ANOTHER GOOD CROWD OF CAROLLERS.  DON’T LET THE WEATHER DETER YOU. 

We will meet as usual this coming Wednesday of course when we will be having our Christmas Party with fun, games, seasonal refreshments and more festive singing. All the words of our songs have been attached in recent weeks.  PLEASE PRINT THEM OUT YOURSELF IF YOU ARE ABLE.  Following the party we will be having a couple of weeks off and will resume on Wednesday 11 January

Carol singing at The Cedars, Angel Lane 

We have been asked if members of the choir would like to join the St Johns’ Occasional Singers at The Cedars Residential Home in Shaftesbury on Thursday 22nd at 3.00 p.m. to sing some standard carols for and with the residents.  Please let me know if you would like to join the merry company – it should be fun.  

COMING CHOIR EVENTS  

2022 

TOMORROW  Sunday 18 December Motcombe Christmas procession (carols + band + donkey) Please note that it is now 6 o’clock.  Words attached. 

Wednesday 21 December  Choir Christmas Party 

Thursday 22 December  Carol singing at The Cedars, Angel Lane (see above) 

2023 

Wednesday 11 January  Choir resumes 

Saturday 22 April Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall 

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete 

Saturday 1 July  Gold Hill Fair 

OTHER EVENTS  

Saturday 4 February  Pasture and Storms.  Celebrating left hand alone virtuoso pianists.  More details in the New Year, but in the meantime have a look at https://shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk/events/pasture-storm-a-celebration-of-left-hand-alone-virtuoso-pianists/ 

CHRISTMAS FOODBANK  

Our last chance to keep the trolley filled to overflowing!  The organisers are particularly asking for boxes of savoury crackers, Christmas puddings, jams and spreads, Christmas chocolates and crisps, non-alcoholic drinks, boxes of Christmas crackers, other Christmas treats. 

TWO GREAT YOUTUBE CLIPS 

Monica (alto) has sent us the link to this Ukrainian lullaby along with a piece we all know well. 

Several members of the Dorchester based Quangle Wangle choir are taking part. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vkThOmajwcI&feature=youtu.be 

… and Jackie (tenor) sent this link:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLhxWordOII  

It is a really beautiful carol by Will Todd (of “Call of Wisdom” fame) 

 DAVID

3 DECEMBER 2022

Another brilliant effort on Wednesday.   

Looking forward to seeing most (if not all) of you this Sunday in the Abbey Gardens on Park Walk ready for a good sing.  Please arrive shortly before 2.15 ready to start at 2.30.  AND TELL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TOO.  LET’S TRY AND GET A GOOD CROWD OF CAROLLERS 

Dress Code: Shades of red above the waist (no patterns please), dark or black below.  Make sure you are WARM though … that’s every bit as important as looking good!   

Programme: (in no particular order) Fais Dodo, Christmas is Coming, Come tune your cheerful voice, Carol of the Bells, Ding Dong, Hosanna, Cherry Tree Carol + O Little Town, Silent Night, While Shepherds watched (jolly tune), In the bleak, Away in a manger, Joy to the world.  

I will have Bethlehem Carol Sheets with me and hopefully members of our audience will join in the well-known carols.  I had an interview about our programme with This is Alfred on Thursday but hopefully that will not have driven away too many would-be punters.   

 

We will meet as usual this coming Wednesday of course for more festive singing and then the following week we will be having our Christmas Party.  More info next week, but if you have a suitable item you would like to offer as part of the entertainment please let me know and I can sort out a short programme. (Nothing too long please.) Following the party we will be having a couple of weeks off and will resume on Wednesday 11 January. 

COMING CHOIR EVENTS  

2022 

Sunday 4 December  Singing in Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens.  2.30 – 3.15 

Saturday 10 December Singing outside Town Hall  2.30 – 3.15 

Sunday 18 December Motcombe Christmas procession (carols + donkey) 5pm (alongside the band).   

Wednesday 21 December  Choir Christmas Party 

2023 

Wednesday 11 January  Choir resumes 

Saturday 22 April Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall 

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete 

Saturday 1 July  Gold Hill Fair 

OTHER EVENTS  

until Tuesday 6 December Pergaudeo III, exhibition at Shaftesbury Arts Centre. 10 – 4 daily.  Seven abstract artists celebrate their love of the genre in different styles and mediums. Expect colour, quirkiness, thoughtfulness; a feast for the eyes. See last week’s flyer.   

TODAY Saturday 3 December  A Christmas Carol – music, poetry and prose for the festive season.  3.00 p.m. St James’ Church. The one-hour concert in aid of Read Easy will consist of Christmas music on the organ, trumpet, recorder, carols and readings.  There will be a collection on leaving.  See earlier flyer. 

also 

Gillingham Singers Christmas Concert.  St Mary’s Church, Gillingham.  7.30 p.m. See last week’s flyer.  Lots of familiar faces so do come if you can 

Sunday 4 December  Light up the World.  Pilgrim Singers in Wincanton. 6.30 p.m.  See earlier flier. 

Friday 9 December  Nöel – a concert by candlelight.  St Peter's.  See last week’s flyer.  There are only 50 seats available so if you’d like to come along do book your seat in advance via this link:  https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/alex-wilson/t-qjmzyme  The concert has a suggested £10 donation but you are welcome to come along for free. 

Saturday 10 December    Palida and Sturminster Choral Society.  Britten’s Ceremony of Carols + other treats.  St Mary’s, Sturminster Newton.   See last week’s flyer 

Sunday 11 December  Shaftesbury Orchestra at St James Church.  3.00 pm  See earlier flier. 

Friday 16 December Christmas Cheer Carols, Readings, and a Mummers Play performed by the fantastic Gillingham Arts Workshop.  5.15 – 6.15  Gillingham Library.  See attached flyer.

and looking further ahead 

2023 

Saturday 4 February  Pasture and Storms.  Celebrating left hand alone virtuoso pianists.  More details later, but have a look at https://shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk/events/pasture-storm-a-celebration-of-left-hand-alone-virtuoso-pianists/ 

CHRISTMAS FOODBANK  

Keep our trolley filled to overflowing!  The organisers are particularly asking for boxes of savoury crackers, Christmas puddings, jams and spreads, Christmas chocolates and crisps, non-alcoholic drinks, boxes of Christmas crackers, other Christmas treats. 

THE RED KALYNA 

Don’t miss the chance of hearing this BBC broadcast about the huge significance of the song for the Ukrainian people.  We’ll be singing it again early in the New Year of course. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001fm2r?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile 

David

25 NOVEMBER 2022

Brilliant effort on Wednesday.  It was possibly a bit of a slog for some of you (and a bit cold too perhaps) but we are more or less on target for our Christmas programme. As you know, we have three events planned as well as our party (see “Coming Events” below) so do please make every effort to turn up ready for a good sing.  This coming Wednesday we will be back in the Town Hall where plan to polish Carol of the Bells, Hosanna, Come tune your cheerful voice and Fais Dodo, continue Christmas is Coming + The Cherry Tree Carol, learn Ding Dong, and sing a couple more standard carols too of course.  As ever, something for everyone we hope.  There are no words for Hosanna while words for the others have been attached in recent weeks. Although we will have some sets of words with us, please do print them out yourselves if you possibly can.    

COMING CHOIR EVENTS  

2022 

Sunday 4 December  Singing in Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens.  2.30 – 3.15 

Saturday 10 December Singing outside Town Hall  2.30 – 3.15 

Sunday 18 December Motcombe Christmas procession (carols + donkey) 5pm (alongside the band).   

Wednesday 21 December  Choir Christmas Party 

2023 

Saturday 22 April Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall 

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete 

Saturday 1 July  Gold Hill Fair 

OTHER EVENTS  

until Tuesday 6 December Pergaudeo III, exhibition at Shaftesbury Arts Centre. 10 – 4 daily.  Seven abstract artists celebrate their love of the genre in different styles and mediums. Expect colour, quirkiness, thoughtfulness; a feast for the eyes. See attached flyer.  (PS If any choir members would like to drop in for a drink and a chat with the artists on Saturday 26th (5 – 7 p.m.)you would be very welcome! 

Sunday 27 November The Seagull (Chekhov).  Live screening from the National Theatre at Shaftesbury Arts Centre,  7.00 p.m. 

Saturday 3 December  A Christmas Carol – music, poetry and prose for the festive season.  3.00 p.m. St James’ Church. The one-hour concert in aid of Read Easy will consist of Christmas music on the organ, trumpet, recorder, carols and readings.  There will be a collection on leaving.  See last week’s flyer. 

also 

Gillingham Singers Christmas Concert.  St Mary’s Church, Gillingham.  7.30 p.m. See attached flyer.   

Sunday 4 December  Light up the World.  Pilgrim Singers in Wincanton. 6.30 p.m.  See last week’s flier. 

Friday 9 December  Nöel – a concert by candlelight.  St Peter's.  See attached flyer.  More details at https://www.alexwilsonpianist.com/noeumll.html 

Saturday 10 December    Palida and Sturminster Choral Society.  Britten’s Ceremony of Carols + other treats.  St Mary’s, Sturminster Newton.   See attached flyer 

Sunday 11 December  Shaftesbury Orchestra at St James Church.  3.00 pm  See earlier flier. 

and looking further ahead 

2023 

Saturday 4 February  Pasture and Storms.  Celebrating left hand alone virtuoso pianists.  More details later, but have a look at https://shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk/events/pasture-storm-a-celebration-of-left-hand-alone-virtuoso-pianists/ 

CHRISTMAS FOODBANK  

Keep our trolley filled to overflowing!  The organisers are particularly asking for boxes of savoury crackers, Christmas puddings, jams and spreads, Christmas chocolates and crisps, non-alcoholic drinks, boxes of Christmas crackers, other Christmas treats. 

CHURCHES TOEGETHER OUTDOOR NATIVITY PLAY   

Carol singers wanted (I am playing the keyboard) for the Churches Together Outdoor Nativity at 1 pm on Sunday 18th Dec outside the Town Hall.  

Music for ' Come and Join the Dance' which you may not know, is attached (see Outdoor Nativity 1 and 2) and is for the procession up the High Street. 

Other carols are: O Little Town of Bethlehem; Once in Royal David's City; While Shepherds Watched; On Christmas Night; We Three Kings; Good Christians All Rejoice. 

Practices 5.45pm Tuesdays at Bell Street United Church.  More details from Sue (alto) 

 DAVID

19 NOVEMBER 2022

Another good turn-out last Wednesday – marvelous. This coming week, we’ll be meeting in St. Peter’s (next door to the Town Hall) but still at our usual time of 7.15 for 7.30 and finishing at around 9.00 - the Town Hall has the electricians in all day.  It’s likely to be a bit chilly in there so bring whatever you need to keep your body temperature up! As you know, we have three Christmas events planned as well as our party (see “Coming Events” below) so do please make every effort to turn up ready for a good sing.  This Wednesday we plan to complete Carol of the Bells, [see STOP PRESS below] continue Christmas is Coming + The Cherry Tree Carol, learn Ding Dong, have a quick polish of Hosanna, Come tune your cheerful voice and Fais Dodo, and sing a couple more standard carols too of course.  As ever, something for everyone we hope.  There are no words for Hosanna while words for the others have been attached in recent weeks. Although we will have some sets of words with us, please do print them out yourselves if you possibly can.   

COMING CHOIR EVENTS  

2022 

Sunday 4 December  Singing in Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens.  2.30 – 3.15 

Saturday 10 December Singing outside Town Hall  2.30 – 3.15 

Sunday 18 December Motcombe Christmas procession (carols + donkey) 5pm (alongside the band).   

Wednesday 21 December  Choir Christmas Party 

2023 

Saturday 22 April Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall 

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete 

Saturday 1 July  Gold Hill Fair 

OTHER EVENTS  

Sunday 20 November  Afternoon concert with Wessex Strings.  3.00 p.m. Cheap Street Church, Sherborne.  See earlier flier. 

Thursday 24 November Recital given by Tim Blinko at St Peter’s.   Sandwiches and coffee for £10 (or £9 for SAC members if booked in advance).  Tim is a composer of film music and will explain its process and advantages. He will also create piano works with audience participation.  Saturday 3 December  A Christmas Carol – music, poetry and prose for the festive season.  3.00 p.m. St James’ Church. The one-hour concert in aid of Read Easy will consist of Christmas music on the organ, trumpet, recorder, carols and readings.  There will be a collection on leaving.  See attached flyer. 

Sunday 4 December  Light up the World.  Pilgrim Singers in Wincanton. 6.30 p.m.  See attached flier. 

Sunday 11 December  Shaftesbury Orchestra at St James Church.  3.00 pm  See earlier flier. 

FOODBANK  

Keep the trolley filled to overflowing! 

CHURCHES TOEGETHER OUTDOOR NATIVITY PLAY  Sunday 18th December 

Are you able to join in?  The organisers are looking for more people to take part in their Nativity play on Sunday 18th December at 1pm in the market square. 

If you would like to take part, please contact Sam on sam@samskey.co.uk  

Home: 01747 853273 Mob: 07815 095 524   

David 

19, November 2022  

STOP PRESS – CAROL OF THE BELLS 

This link comes from Katie (alto).  The conductor is the father their Ukrainian guest Halyna, conducting his choir in the university where he was working until he retired last year. 

https://uk-ua.facebook.com/OperGraz/videos/weihnachtsst%C3%A4ndchen-des-ukrainischen-chors-gaudeamus-f%C3%BCr-oks/1646917982013940/ 

5 NOVEMBER 2022

Good to see a few new faces last night and a few old faces too of course. Welcome back. This coming week, we’ll be meeting in the Town Hall at our usual time of 7.15 for 7.30 and finishing at around 9.00. The heating has now been reset so it should be warmer too. We plan to continue Carol of the Bells + The Cherry Tree Carol, sing a few standard carols, work on our new warm-up - Cry Heart together with our usual Christmas warm-up song Hosanna, and have a look at Come tune your cheerful voice, Fais Dodo, and Christmas is Coming.  As ever, something for everyone we hope.  There are no words for the warm-ups, words for the last three carols are attached, while those for the other two were attached last week. Although we will have some sets of words with us, please do print them out yourselves if you possibly can. 

SPECIAL NOTE TO ALTOS, TENORS AND BASSES – IF YOU STILL HAVE YOUR MUSIC COPIES FOR OUR “STANDARD” CHRISTMAS CAROLS FROM LAST YEAR PLEASE BRING THEM WITH YOU FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. 

COMING CHOIR EVENTS  

Sunday 4 December  Singing in Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens.  Afternoon.  More details later. 

Sunday 18 December Motcombe Christmas procession (carols + donkey) 5pm (alongside the band).   

Saturday 22 April 2023 Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall 

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete 

Saturday 1 July  Gold Hill Fair 

OTHER EVENTS  

TODAY Saturday 5 November.  Heart of the Matter.  5.00 p.m. and  7.00 p.m. St. Mary’s Sturminster Newton.  Karen and co in an inspiring double bill of new chamber works.  See attached flyer. 

Monday 7 November Salisbury Cathedral Choir, St Mary’s, Sturminster Newton  7.30 

Saturday 12 November  An evening with Tony Hawkins, family and friends.  7.00 p.m. St Peter’s Church.  FREE!  See attached flyer 

Sunday 13 November   Gillingham Methodist Church’s final organ concert for 2022 features Geoffrey Morgan from Christchurch Priory.  Sadly, this may well be the last series of concerts at Music at GMC since the church may be forced to close in 2023.  Sad news indeed.  The concert is at 3.00 p.m. and  is FREE!! 

Sunday 20 November  Afternoon concert with Wessex Strings.  Cheap Street Church, Sherborne.  See last week’s flier. 

Sunday 11 December  Shaftesbury Orchestra at St James Church.  3.00 pm  See attached flier. 

FOODBANK  

Keep the trolley filled to overflowing! 

CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP at The English Florist, Stalbridge, DT10 2SG 

Learn how to make a beautiful fresh foliage Christmas wreath for your front door. 

£52.95 per person, including step by step tuition and all the equipment and materials you will need to complete a wreath to take home. Complimentary tea, coffee, festive mince pies and cake are provided. Free parking on site. Details from: www.theenglishflorist.co.uk/floristryandcraftworkshopsdorset 

David 

29 OCTOBER 2022

Lovely singing the other night – The Red Kalyna sounded particularly beautiful I thought – thankyou Halyna.  This coming week, we’ll be meeting in the Town Hall at our usual time of 7.15 for 7.30 and finishing at around 9.00.   We plan to polish Chattanooga, Campfire Song and The Red Kalyna, sing Go Placidly (held over from last time) and have a look at Carol of the Bells + The Cherry Tree Carol along with a couple of warm-ups - Cry Heart (a new one) and Viva la Musica.  As ever, something for everyone we hope.  There are no words for the warm-ups, words for the two carols are attached, while the others have all been attached over the last couple of weeks. Although we will have some sets of words with us, please do print them out yourselves if you possibly can.  

COMING CHOIR EVENTS  

Sunday 4 December  Singing in Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens.  Afternoon.  More details later. 

Sunday 18 December Motcombe Christmas procession (carols + donkey) 5pm (alongside the band).   

Saturday 22 April 2023 Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall 

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete 

Saturday 1 July  Gold Hill Fair  

OTHER EVENTS  

TOMORROW Sunday 30 October  Gillingham Methodist Church Autumn Organ Concert #4: Lyndon Ford: 3pm   No tickets are required and admission is free, but a retiring collection will be taken. 

Thursday 3 November   Rosemary Tuck, playing lots of lovely romantic piano music Chopin, Ravel and Liszt. 1pm at St Peter’s (free sandwich and coffee, just £10 or £9 for members booked in advance). 

Monday 7 November Salisbury Cathedral Choir, St Mary’s, Sturminster Newton  7.30 

Sunday 13 November   GMC’s final organ concert for 2022 features Geoffrey Morgan from Christchurch Priory.  Sadly, this may well be the last series of concerts at Music at GMC since the church may be forced to close in 2023.  Sad news indeed. 

Sunday 20 November  Afternoon concert with Wessex Strings.  Cheap Street Church, Sherborne.  See attached flier. 

Sunday 11 December  Shaftesbury Orchestra at St James Church.  3.00 pm  See earlier flier. 

FOODBANK  

Keep the trolley filled to overflowing! 

CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP at The English Florist, Stalbridge, DT10 2SG 

Learn how to make a beautiful fresh foliage Christmas wreath for your front door. 

£52.95 per person, including step by step tuition and all the equipment and materials you will need to complete a wreath to take home. Complimentary tea, coffee, festive mince pies and cake are provided. Free parking on site. Details from: www.theenglishflorist.co.uk/floristryandcraftworkshopsdorset 

DAVID

22 OCTOBER 2022

This coming week, we’ll be meeting in the Town Hall at our usual time of 7.15 for 7.30 and finishing at around 9.00.   We plan to continue Chattanooga and Campfire Song, polish The Long and Winding Road and Go Placidly and have a look at To Walk Along This Shore, As I went down in the River to Pray and The Red Kalyna.  As ever, something for everyone we hope.  There are no words for “Walk” while the others have all been attached over the last couple of weeks. Although we will have some sets of words with us, please do print them out yourselves if you possibly can. 

COMING CHOIR EVENTS  

Sunday 4 December  Singing in Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens.  Afternoon.  More details later. 

Sunday 18 December Motcombe Christmas procession (carols + donkey) 5pm (alongside the band).   

Saturday 22 April 2023 Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall 

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete 

OTHER EVENTS  

LAST NIGHT Saturday 22 October  The Flint Street Nativity.  (Adult comedy!!)  Shaftesbury Arts Centre. See earlier flier. 

Sunday 30 October  Gillingham Methodist Church Autumn Organ Concert #4: Lyndon Ford: 3pm   No tickets are required and admission is free, but a retiring collection will be taken. 

Thursday 3 November   Rosemary Tuck, playing lots of lovely romantic piano music Chopin, Ravel and Liszt. 1pm at St Peter’s (free sandwich and coffee, just £10 or £9 for members booked in advance). 

Monday 7 November Salisbury Cathedral Choir, St Mary’s, Sturminster Newton  7.30 

Sunday 13 November   GMC’s final organ concert for 2022 features Geoffrey Morgan from Christchurch Priory.  Sadly, this may well be the last series of concerts at Music at GMC since the church may be forced to close in 2023.  Sad news indeed. 

Sunday 11 December  Shaftesbury Orchestra at St James Church.  3.00 pm  See earlier flier. 

LIFT WANTED 

One of our former choir members is very keen to rejoin us.  She lives in St James and has some mobility issues.  If you feel you can offer a lift to the Town Hall and back please on a Wednesday evening let me know either by e-mail or next time we meet. 

FOODBANK  

Keep the trolley filled to overflowing! 

CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP at The English Florist, Stalbridge, DT10 2SG 

Learn how to make a beautiful fresh foliage Christmas wreath for your front door. 

£52.95 per person, including step by step tuition and all the equipment and materials you will need to complete a wreath to take home. Complimentary tea, coffee, festive mince pies and cake are provided. Free parking on site. Details from: www.theenglishflorist.co.uk/floristryandcraftworkshopsdorset 

DAVID

15 OCTOBER 2022

Another jolly session on Wednesday I thought – it’s really good to see numbers creeping up again.   Based on last week’s show of hands we have arranged to sing at the Abbey on the afternoon on Sunday 4 December.  More details later but please put this date in your diary now.  This coming week, we’ll be meeting in the Town Hall at our usual time of 7.15 for 7.30 and finishing at around 9.00.  

Next time we plan to continue The Long and Winding Road and Campfire Song and have a look at Go Placidly (held over from last time) along with Bach Minuet, As I went down in the River to Pray, Chatanooga and Kalyna.  As ever, something for everyone I hope.  Words for the last three are attached, there are no words for the Bach and the others have been attached over the last couple of weeks. Although we will have some sets of words with us, please do print them out yourselves if you possibly can. 

COMING CHOIR EVENTS  

Sunday 4 December  Singing in Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens.  Afternoon.  More details later. 

Sunday 18 December Motcombe Christmas procession (carols + donkey) 5pm (alongside the band).   

Saturday 22 April 2023 Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall 

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete 

OTHER EVENTS  

TODAY Sat 15 – Sun 16 October  Come and Sing Purcell.  Wardour.  See earlier flyer. 

Wed 19 – Sat 22 October  The Flint Street Nativity.  (Adult comedy!!)  Shaftesbury Arts Centre. See earlier flyer. 

Monday 7 November Salisbury Cathedral Choir at St Mary’s Sturminster Newton  7.30 

Sunday 11 December  Shaftesbury Orchestra at St James Church.  3.00 pm  See attached flier. 

FOODBANK  

Keep the trolley filled to overflowing! 

SHORTAGE OF MEN 

Being west of the great divide (i.e. Henstridge traffic lights), Milborne Port Opera are desperately short of men for their spring production – Yeomen of the Guard.  They are a very friendly group and really would welcome you with open arms.  They rehearse on Thursday evenings.  Let me know if you’d like contact details.  

CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP at The English Florist, Stalbridge, DT10 2SG 

Learn how to make a beautiful fresh foliage Christmas wreath for your front door. 

£52.95 per person, including step by step tuition and all the equipment and materials you will need to complete a wreath to take home. Complimentary tea, coffee, festive mince pies and cake are provided. Free parking on site. Details from: www.theenglishflorist.co.uk/floristryandcraftworkshopsdorset 

David

8 OCTOBER 2022

A particularly jolly session on Wednesday I thought, with three birthdays to celebrate, cards to sign, cakes from Kim (tenor), one or two new members and a visit from four young men from Shaftesbury School two of whom stayed for our opening song (Ya Azim) and really quite enjoyed themselves!  I wonder whether they will be with us again this week?  We missed Jerome (tenor) of course and wish him a very speedy recovery.  (For those of you who don’t know, he was knocked off his bike last week.)  This coming week, we’ll be meeting in the Town Hall at our usual time of 7.15 for 7.30 and finishing at around 9.00.  

Next time we plan to polish Travellers’ Blessing (held over from last time), continue The Long and Winding Road and Campfire Song together with Wake Up and Go Placidly + a couple of warm-ups.  As ever, something for everyone I hope.  Words for all of these have been attached over the last couple of weeks. Although we will have some sets of words with us, please do print them out yourselves if you possibly can. 

COMING CHOIR EVENTS  

Sunday 18 December Motcombe Christmas procession (carols + donkey) 5pm (alongside the band).   

Saturday 22 April 2023 Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Afternoon.  Charlton Hall 

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete 

OTHER EVENTS  

TODAY Saturday 8th October FOR THE LOVE OF SONGCranborne Village Hall, BH21 5QB.  10.30am – 4.30pm.   Email: info@joyousisle.com  Tel: 01202 885294 or 01258 840097.  Led by Sarah Pennington (of Sarah and Gilo fame).  BACS payment via Joyous Isle website 

Sunday 9 October  Bach Cantatas at Sturminster Newton High School.  Choir and full orchestra.  4.30.  FREE 

Sat 15 – Sun 16 October  Come and Sing Purcell.  Wardour.  See earlier flyer. 

Wed 19 – Sat 22 October  The Flint Street Nativity.  (Adult comedy!!)  Shaftesbury Arts Centre. See earlier flyer. 

Monday 7 November Salisbury Cathedral Choir at St Mary’s Sturminster Newton  7.30 

FOODBANK  

Keep the trolley filled to overflowing! 

  

CAN YOU HELP? 

Linda (alto) has been trying to contact friends of her friend Bryan to let them know about his illness. She knows he has a friend Julia who lives in Shaftesbury, probably in one of the housing estates north of Tesco's, but doesn't know her surname or any contact details.  She does have a husband, Stan, who has Parkinson's disease and used to run a Watch (Junior wildlife) group in Somerset.   Do you know who Linda is talking about?  If you do, can you contact her direct or let me know and I’ll forward on the info to her.  Many thanks 

SHORTAGE OF MEN 

Being west of the great divide (i.e. Henstridge traffic lights), Milborne Port Opera are desperately short of men for their spring production – Yeomen of the Guard.  They are a very friendly group and really would welcome you with open arms.  They rehearse on Thursday evenings.  Let me know if you’d like contact details.  

CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP at The English Florist, Stalbridge, DT10 2SG 

Learn how to make a beautiful fresh foliage Christmas wreath for your front door. 

£52.95 per person, including step by step tuition and all the equipment and materials you will need to complete a wreath to take home. Complimentary tea, coffee, festive mince pies and cake are provided. Free parking on site. Details from: www.theenglishflorist.co.uk/floristryandcraftworkshopsdorset 

DAVID

24 SEPTEMBER 2022

I hope you are enjoying this lovely sunny morning and that those of our number who are in Palida and who singing with Karen in France had a safe journey. The Festival of 1001 Vegetables sounds great fun.  Numbers were down a bit again on Wednesday but we had a good sing nonetheless.  This coming week, we’ll be meeting in the Town Hall at our usual time of 7.15 for 7.30 and finishing at around 9.00.  

Next time we plan to polish Every Time I Feel the Spirit and Travellers’ Blessing (held over from last time), continue Forever Young and have a look at Campfire Song and The Long and Winding Road together with Ya Azim and I open my arms wide as warm-ups.  As ever, something for everyone I hope.  You won’t need words for the warm-ups, Campfire Song and Winding Road are attached while the words of the others have been attached recently. Although we will have some sets of words with us, please do print them out yourselves if you possibly can.    

COMING CHOIR EVENTS  

Sunday 18 December Motcombe Christmas procession (carols + donkey) 5pm (alongside the band).   

Saturday 22 April 2023 Celebration of the life of Steven Ridout.  Charlton Hall 

Saturday 10 June  Motcombe Fete 

OTHER EVENTS  

TODAY  Saturday 24 September  ‘Sing like a Nun — for Fun!’ exploring plainchant and polyphony. £12.50 (or £11.50 Members of SAC). Booking essential via the Shaftesbury Arts Centre.   

NEXT WEEKEND Saturday 1 October  Choral Day Stainer’s Crucifixion and The Daughter of Jairus.  St James’ Church.  (See attached flyer – there’s still time to book your place) 

Sunday 2 October  Organ recital at Gillingham Methodist Church given by David Bednall (Bristol Cathedral).  3.00 p.m. 

Saturday 8th October FOR THE LOVE OF SONGCranborne Village Hall, BH21 5QB.  10.30am – 4.30pm.  £25 on the day / £20 if booked and paid by 1st October   Email: info@joyousisle.com  Tel: 01202 885294 or 01258 840097.  Led by Sarah Pennington (of Sarah and Gilo fame).  BACS payment via Joyous Isle website.  (I’m going myself and may well be able to offer you a lift if you’d like to go.)
Sat 15 – Sun 16 October 
Come and Sing Purcell.  Wardour.  See earlier flyer. 

Wed 19 – Sat 22 October  The Flint Street Nativity.  (Adult comedy!!)  Shaftesbury Arts Centre. See attached flyer. 

Monday 7 November Salisbury Cathedral Choir at St Mary’s Sturminster Newton  7.30 

FOODBANK  

Keep the trolley filled to overflowing! 

SHAFTESBURY SKETCHES   

As you know, Elizabeth (tenor) has  produced a lovely book of sketches which she is selling to raise money for the Westminster Hospital’s League of Friends.  RRP is £12.50 but Elizabeth will be selling them at choir at a special price of £10.   

THIS IS ALFRED 

Listen to Alfred Arts with Jeanette Hardiman.  Listen on demand at https://player.autopod.xyz/226162 (fast forward 8.30 seconds). 

 -Jeanette chats with Lindsay Buck who talks about her business, Slumbermonkey and explains some of the more unusual materials she’s used. 

 -Artist Cali Norton reveals her love of painting and her passion for calligraphy and hidden symbols.  

 -Anya Noakes chats  about her recent work on the Dave comedy awards at Edinburgh Fringe. 

DAVID