8 JUNE 2024

More excellent singing on Wednesday although I had planned to do rather more than we had time for.  No matter – we’ll pick up where we left off next time when we will polish Moma Don’t Allow (I think we all know what we should be doing now!), continue with Lifting and In My Life, look at Banana Boat and Funiculi Funicula (both held over from last week) and, if time, 500 Miles along with Bela Mam and Vive la Compagnie as our warm-ups.

CHOIR COMING EVENTS

Sunday 28 July  Concert in Abbey Gardens. (Shaftesbury Fringe)  11.15 for 11.30

Wednesday 31 July  Supper and Song – in aid of Shaftesbury Hospital – Abbey.  6.30. (The organisers will leave the gazebo from the Fringe up for shade and will serve ices and drink to supplement people’s picnics.)

(To remind you, songs will be selected from our summer pad i.e. Banaha; Bela Mama; Lili Marlene, Ghafoor’s Bus; Hamba Nighale; I am a River; Jug of Punch; Vive la Compagnie; Home; When I was One and Twenty; Wake Up, Viva la Musica, Funiculi Funicula, Java Jive, In My Life, Go Placidly, Say Say Yes, Five Hundred Miles, Banana Boat Song, Moma don’t allow, Lifting As we Climb + Simama and Heart to Heart)

MAYOR MAKING

The Mayor of Shaftesbury, Cllr Alex Chase, is holding his Mayor Making ceremony on Friday 21 June at 6.30pm in the Guild Hall. The Town Council are hoping to make more of an event of it and are in the process of organising a food stall, as well as selling drinks. All proceeds will go to the mayor’s charity, The Brave and Determined Company.  The event will start at 5.30, with music from Conor Smith beforehand. The ceremony itself will be from 6.30 to 7.00 and, although we will not be taking part as a choir, we have an open invitation to attend.

OTHER COMING EVENTS   

TODAY until Tues 11 June  Summertime – exhibition by Andrea Jenkins at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.  See earlier flyer.

TOMORROW Sunday 9 June  Serenata Guitar Trio.  St James Church.  3.00 p.m.  FREE  See earlier flyer.

Thursday 13 June  Shaftesbury Westminster Hospital fish and chip supper and quiz night.

Friday 14 June  Caroline d’Cruz and Tracy Kennington.  St Andrew’s Church, Fontmell Magna.  12.15  FREE + retiring collection.  See earlier flyer for details of this and future events.

Sunday 16 June  Wessex Strings  3.00, Cheap Street Church, Sherborne.  WELL WORTH THE TRIP.  See earlier flyer

Fri 21 and Sat 22 June  Two concerts for Ukraine.  7.30 p.m.  St John’s Tisbury.  FREE with retiring collection.  See earlier flyer

Saturday 22 June Casey Jazz at Donhead St Andrew church SP7 9EB  4.00 p.m.  See earlier flyer  http://cherubimtrust.org/tkts.

Thursday 27 June  Phantasia present Albion’s Delight  7.00 p.m. St Peter’s Church.  See earlier flyer  Tickets available from Shaftesbury Arts Centre (01747) 854321 www.shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk  Complimentary wine or juice provided.

Saturday 29 June  Songs of Returning.  St Peter’s Church  7.30 p.m. with workshop at 4.30 p.m.  Tickets from: helenchadwick.com/events   See earlier flyer

Sunday 30 June  Shaftesbury Symphony Orchestra.  4.00 p.m.  St James’ Church.  Music by Mendelssohn, Smetana and others.  FREE   See attached flyer.

Thurs 11 – Sat 13 & Thurs 18 – Sat 20 July Kipps – the new Half a Sixpence.  Shaftesbury Arts Centre’ summer show.  A real feel-good experience.  More details later.

PAYMENT BY BACS

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are:

Shaftesbury Community Choir

Account no. 23158960    Sort code: 30-65-21

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of session/s paid for.

David

1 JUNE 2024

My apologies if you didn’t get last week’s newsletter - quite a few bounced back as undeliverable for some reason or other.  More excellent singing on Wednesday although number were just a little bit down.  We have now just about finished learning Moma Don’t Allow and  Funiculi Funicula and made really good progress with Lifting As we Climb and Banana Boat Song.  This coming week we will polish the first two, continue with Lifting and Banana Boat, revisit Lili Marlene and In My Life and, if time, take a look at 500 Miles (words attached*) along with Banaha as our warm-up. (* You should already have the words of the others.)

CHOIR COMING EVENTS

Sunday 28 July  Concert in Abbey Gardens. (Shaftesbury Fringe)  11.15 for 11.30

Wednesday 31 July  Supper and Song – in aid of Shaftesbury Hospital – Abbey.  6.30. (The organisers will leave the gazebo from the Fringe up for shade and will serve ices and drink to supplement people’s picnics.)

(To remind you, songs will be selected from our summer pad i.e. Banaha; Bela Mama; Lili Marlene, Ghafoor’s Bus; Hamba Nighale; I am a River; Jug of Punch; Vive la Compagnie; Home; When I was One and Twenty; Wake Up, Viva la Musica, Funiculi Funicula, Java Jive, In My Life, Go Placidly, Say Say Yes, Five Hundred Miles, Banana Boat Song, Moma don’t allow, Lifting As we Climb + Simama and Heart to Heart)

OTHER COMING EVENTS   June seems to be a particularly busy month. Don’t forget it is the second of the two Dorset Art Weeks as well.

Wed 5 – Tues 11 June  Summertime – exhibition by Andrea Jenkins at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.  See below and also attachment.

Friday 7 June   Violin classics played by Emma-Marie Kabanova accompanied by Dr Richard Hall, former director of the Dorset Rural Music Centre. The bar will be open and snacks (not sandwiches) provided. Bring your own lunch if you like. 1.00 Phoenix Room, Shaftesbury Arts Centre

Sunday 9 June  Serenata Guitar Trio.  St James Church.  3.00 p.m.  FREE  See earlier flyer.

Thursday 13 June  Shaftesbury Westminster Hospital fish and chip supper and quiz night.

Friday 14 June  Caroline d’Cruz and Tracy Kennington.  St Andrew’s Church, Fontmell Magna.  12.15  FREE + retiring collection.  See earlier flyer for details of this and future events.

Sunday 16 June  Wessex Strings  3.00, Cheap Street Church, Sherborne.  WELL WORTH THE TRIP.  See attached flyer

Fri 21 and Sat 22 June  Two concerts for Ukraine.  7.30 p.m.  St John’s Tisbury.  FREE with retiring collection.  See last week’s flyer

Saturday 22 June Casey Jazz at Donhead St Andrew church SP7 9EB  4.00 p.m.  See last week’s flyer.  http://cherubimtrust.org/tkts.

Thursday 27 June  Phantasia present Albion’s Delight  7.00 p.m. St Peter’s Church.  See last week’s flyer.  Tickets available from Shaftesbury Arts Centre (01747) 854321 www.shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk  Complimentary wine or juice provided.

Saturday 29 June  Songs of Returning.  St Peter’s Church  7.30 p.m. with workshop at 4.30 p.m.  Tickets from: helenchadwick.com/events   See last week’s flyer.
SUMMERTIME

To all my Choir friends:

It would be lovely to see you at the celebration of my exhibition ‘Summertime’ at Shaftesbury Arts Centre Gallery on FRIDAY 7TH JUNE 5 -7PM.

The exhibition takes place from 5th to 11th June and will be open every day 10am - 4pm, so do visit to see my new collection of colourful, abstract paintings and collages, intended to make you smile! I will be there every day and am always happy to chat about the ideas and processes behind my work.    I hope to see you soon.   Andrea x'

PAYMENT BY BACS

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are:

Shaftesbury Community Choir

Account no. 23158960    Sort code: 30-65-21

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of session/s paid for.

David

1 June 2024

25 MAY 2024

More excellent singing on Wednesday and a lot of fun as ever.  This coming week we will continue with Lifting As we Climb, Moma Don’t Allow, Funiculi Funicula (held over from last time) and Banana Boat Song along with I am a River and Viva la Musica as warm-ups.

CHOIR COMING EVENTS

Sunday 28 July  Concert in Abbey Gardens. (Shaftesbury Fringe)  11.15 for 11.30

Wednesday 31 July  Supper and Song – in aid of Shaftesbury Hospital – Abbey.  6.30. (The organisers will leave the gazebo from the Fringe up for shade and will serve ices and drink to supplement people’s picnics.)

(To remind you, songs will be selected from our summer pad i.e. Banaha; Bela Mama; Lili Marlene, Ghafoor’s Bus; Hamba Nighale; I am a River; Jug of Punch;  Vive la Compagnie; Home; When I was One and Twenty; Wake Up, Viva la Musica, Funiculi Funicula, Java Jive, In My Life, Go Placidly, Say Say Yes, Five Hundred Miles, Banana Boat Song, Moma don’t allow, Lifting As we Climb + Simama and Heart to Heart)

OTHER COMING EVENTS   June seems to be a particularly busy month.

Friday 7 June   Violin classics played by Emma-Marie Kabanova accompanied  by Dr Richard Hall, former director of the Dorset Rural Music Centre. The bar will be open and snacks (not sandwiches) provided. Bring your own lunch if you like. 1.00 Phoenix Room, Shaftesbury Arts Centre

Sunday 9 June  Serenata Guitar Trio.  St James Church.  3.00 p.m.  FREE  See last week’s flyer.

Thursday 13 June  Shaftesbury Westminster Hospital fish and chip upper and quiz night.

Friday 14 June  Caroline d’Cruz and Tracy Kennington.  St Andrew’s Church, Fontmell Magna.  12.15  FREE + retiring collection.  See last week’s flyer for details of this and future events.

Fri 21 and Sat 22 June  Two concerts for Ukraine.  7.30 p.m.  St John’s Tisbury.  FREE with retiring collection.  See attached flyer

Saturday 22 June Casey Jazz at Donhead St Andrew church SP7 9EB  4.00 p.m.  See attached flyer.  http://cherubimtrust.org/tkts.

Thursday 27 June  Phantasia present Albion’s Delight  7.00 p.m. St Peter’s Church.  See attached flyer.  Tickets available from Shaftesbury Arts Centre (01747) 854321 www.shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk  Complimentary wine or juice provided.

Saturday 29 June  Songs of Returning.  St Peter’s Church  7.30 p.m. with workshop at 4.30 p.m.  Tickets from: helenchadwick.com/events   See attached flyer.

POOLE LIGHTHOUSE

The choir were very well represented at Poole Lighthouse last weekend for Townsend Production’s “Behold Ye Ramblers”.  And what a great time we had.  The one man show about the Clarion Movement and the rise of socialism in northern England was absolutely riveting and I for one felt really privileged  to be a part of it.  Neil Gore (the “one man”) was first rate and, as one of the choir put it, so generous with his thanks (and praise) for us.  A memorable experience for all the right reasons.  A very atmospheric photo attached – thanks Di (soprano) and Marie (alto).

FOODBANK

Although Sue (alto) will be away for a few weeks, the foodbank collections will continue to operate as near to normal as possible.  Thanks to all those who support this very sad necessity.

PAYMENT BY BACS

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are:

Shaftesbury Community Choir

Account no. 23158960    Sort code: 30-65-21

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of session/s paid for.

David

25 May 2024

18 MAY 2024

Excellent singing on Wednesday and a lot of good work done.  We are making good progress with Lifting As we Climb, Funiculi Funicula and Banana Boat Song all of which we will be continuing next time along with Moma don’t allow (held over from last time) Go Placidly and Simama once more.  (I am thinking we might add Simama and Heart to Heart to our summer pad* as they are such fun to sing too.)

CHOIR COMING EVENTS

Sunday 28 July  Concert in Abbey Gardens. (Shaftesbury Fringe)  11.15 for 11.30

Wednesday 31 July  Supper and Song – in aid of Shaftesbury Hospital – Abbey.  6.30. (The organisers will leave the gazebo from the Fringe up for shade and will serve ices and drink to supplement people’s picnics.)

(* To remind you, songs will be selected from our summer pad i.e. Banaha; Bela Mama; Lili Marlene, Ghafoor’s Bus; Hamba Nighale; I am a River; Jug of Punch;  Vive la Compagnie; Home; When I was One and Twenty; Wake Up, Viva la Musica, Funiculi Funicula, Java Jive, In My Life, Go Placidly, Say Say Yes, Five Hundred Miles, Banana Boat Song, Moma don’t allow, Lifting As we Climb + Simama and Heart to Heart)

OTHER COMING EVENTS

TODAY Saturday 18 May  Behold Ye Ramblers a new musical production about the Clarion Movement and the Right To Roam – 8.00 p.m.  Lighthouse Poole   Quite a few choir members are appearing in this show so do come and support us if you can.     https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/behold-ye-ramblers/ 

BOX OFFICE: 01202 280000

Sunday 9 June  Serenata Guitar Trio.  St James Church.  3.00 p.m.  FREE  See attached flyer.

Friday 14 June  Caroline d’Cruz and Tracy Kennington.  St Andrew’s Church, Fontmell Magna.  12.15  FREE + retiring collection.  See attached flyer for details of this and future events.

FISH AND CHIP QUIZ

Apologies to all those who set out for a good evening last Thursday, but as  those of us who were in Shaftesbury at the time know, the power was on and off all evening.  Elizabeth writes:  “We were all set up for last night’s quiz when the lights went out and halted us in our tracks.  We understood that power might not be restored  until 11.00pm so we felt there was no option but to postpone the event as there would be no Fish&Chips even if we could get light.”

The revised date is Thursday 13 June.

FOODBANK

Although Sue (alto) will be away for a few weeks, the foodbank collections will continue to operate as near to normal as possible.  Thanks to all those who support this very sad necessity.

PAYMENT BY BACS

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are:

Shaftesbury Community Choir

Account no. 23158960    Sort code: 30-65-21

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of session/s paid for.

David

18 May 2024

11 MAY 2024

There was a really great turn out for the Food Festival last weekend and our efforts were much appreciated by both the abbey volunteers and our audience, who stayed the course despite the pretty terrible weather.  Monica (alto) suggested we should rename ourselves the “Shaftesbury All-weather Choir”. A photo is attached – thanks Estrella (alto) - and Julia has uploaded a few more on our website https://www.shaftesburycommunitychoir.org/  

Excellent singing last Wednesday as well.  Home, Java Jive, In My Life and Say, Say Yes are now sounding very secure, and we are making good progress with Moma don’t allow and Lifting As we Climb. This coming week we’ll continue with these last two together with Funiculi Funicula and Banana Boat Song (both held over from last time) + Tongo and Viva la Musica  as a warm-up.  All words (where needed) have been attached in recent weeks.

CHOIR COMING EVENTS

Sunday 28 July  Concert in Abbey Gardens. (Shaftesbury Fringe)  11.15 for 11.30

Wednesday 31 July  Supper and Song – in aid of Shaftesbury Hospital – Abbey.  6.30 (TBD)

(To remind you, songs will be selected from our summer pad i.e. Banaha; Bela Mama; Lili Marlene, Ghafoor’s Bus; Hamba Nighale; I am a River; Jug of Punch;  Vive la Compagnie; Home; When I was One and Twenty; Wake Up, Viva la Musica, Funiculi Funicula, Java Jive, In My Life, Go Placidly, Blue Moon, Say Say Yes, Five Hundred Miles, Banana Boat Song, Moma don’t allow, Lifting As we Climb)

OTHER COMING EVENTS – LOTS HAPPENING THIS COMING WEEK

TODAY Saturday 11 May  Bruton Choral Society spring concert.  See last week’s flyer. 

TOMORROW Sunday 12 May   Coracle at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.  (Karen and friends) See last week’s flyer. 7.00 p.m.

Thursday 16 May Fish and Chips quiz night in aid of the hospital Friends.  7.30  British Legion Hall, Coppice Street.    It’s great that we’re fielding a team and that quite a few other choir members are taking part as well.

Friday 18 May  Behold Ye Ramblers a new musical production about the Clarion Movement and the Right To Roam – 8.00 p.m.  Lighthouse Poole   Quite a few choir members are appearing in this show so do come and support us.  BOX OFFICE: 01202 280000   https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/behold-ye-ramblers/

RIDE THE NIGHT

Many, many congratulations to Vanessa (soprano) who completed her 100 km night bike ride across London last weekend to raise research money for those women living with cancer and those lost to it to celebrate their bravery.  If you would like to learn more or to contribute to the money that she is raising please click on the link below:

https://womenvcancer.enthuse.com/pf/vanessa-day

PAYMENT BY BACS

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are:

Shaftesbury Community Choir

Account no. 23158960    Sort code: 30-65-21

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of session/s paid for.

David

11 May 2024

4 MAY 2024

A whirlwind of a session on Wednesday in preparation for tomorrow’s Food Festival concert.  Looking forward to seeing you all (+ family and friends too of course – the more the merrier) at the Abbey.  11.00 for 11.15.  Usual dress code – shades of red (no patterns) above the waist, dark or black beneath. 

Our programme will be taken from the following (in no particular order):  Banaha; Bela Mama; Lili Marlene, Ghafoor’s Bus; Hamba Nighale; I am a River; Jug of Punch;  Vive la Compagnie; Home; When I was One and Twenty; Wake Up + Viva la Musica.

Next week we will look at anything that may need attention following our Feastival performance and then get on with some of the other songs in our summer pad which have (where needed) all been attached in recent weeks i.e. Funiculi Funicula, Java Jive, In My Life, Say, Say Yes, Banana Boat Song, Moma don’t allow + a completely new one, Lifting As we Climb. (The words of this last one are attached.)  Something for everyone I hope.

CHOIR COMING EVENTS

TOMORROW Sunday 5 May  Music for the Food “Feastival”  11.00 for 11.15 – Abbey.   See attached flyer.    We have permission to park in the grounds of Castle Hill House on Bimport.  Thankyou Sue (alto) for organizing this.

Sunday 28 July  Concert in Abbey Gardens. (Shaftesbury Fringe)  11.15 for 11.30

Wednesday 31 July  Supper and Song – in aid of Shaftesbury Hospital – Abbey.  6.30 (TBD)

OTHER COMING EVENTS – LOTS HAPPENING ONCE MORE

TODAY Saturday 4 May Orlando Singers.  St Peter’s 7.00 p.m.   I know nothing about the choir, which I think is Blandford based, but their conductor, Sam Hanson, is a 5* musician and I’m definitely going.  Maybe see you there.  See earlier flyer.

Friday 10 May  Bird Tunes.  Sandford Orcas.  See earlier flyer.

Saturday 11 May  Bruton Choral Society spring concert.  See attached flyer. 

Sunday 12 May   Coracle at Shaftesbury Arts Centre.  (Karen and friends) See attached flyer. 7.00 p.m.

Thursday 16 May Fish and Chips quiz night in aid of the hospital Friends.  7.30  British Legion Hall, Coppice Street.    It’s great that we’re fielding a team and that quite a few other choir members are taking part as well.

Friday 18 May  Behold Ye Ramblers a new musical production about the Clarion Movement and the Right To Roam – 8.00 p.m.  Lighthouse Poole   Quite a few choir members are appearing in this show so do come and support us.  BOX OFFICE: 01202 280000   https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/behold-ye-ramblers/

PAYMENT BY BACS

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are:

Shaftesbury Community Choir

Account no. 23158960    Sort code: 30-65-21

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of session/s paid for.

David

4 May 2024

27 APRIL 2024

A pretty good turn out last Wednesday and a lot of good work done. This coming week we will sing through our pieces for the Food Festival (see below) most of which should be quite straightforward.  Assuming all goes well we will then spend the rest of the evening sorting out Moma Don’t Allow which will, hopefully be ready in time.  Words, where needed, have all been attached in recent weeks.

CHOIR COMING EVENTS

Sunday 5 May  Music for the Food “Feastival”  11.00 for 11.15 – Abbey.  Our programe will be taken from the following (in no particular order):

Banaha; Bela Mama; Java Jive; Lili Marlene, Ghafoor’s Bus; Hamba Nighale; I am a River; Jug of Punch; Say, Say Yes; Vive la Compagnie; Home; When I was One and Twenty; Wake Up + Moma Don’t Allow (with luck).

Sunday 28 July  Concert in Abbey Gardens. (Shaftesbury Fringe)  11.15 for 11.30

Wednesday 31 July  Supper and Song – in aid of Shaftesbury Hospital – Abbey.  6.30 (TBD)

OTHER COMING EVENTS

TODAY   Saturday 27 April  Cello Recital – St Mary’s Church Compton Abbas.  6.00 p.m.  See earlier flyer

Saturday 4 May Orlando Singers   See last week’s flyer.

Friday 10 May  Bird Tunes.  Sandford Orcas.  See earlier flyer.

Thursday 16 May Fish and Chips quiz night in aid of the hospital Friends.  7.30  British Legion Hall, Coppice Street.   

PAYMENT BY BACS

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are:

Shaftesbury Community Choir

Account no. 23158960    Sort code: 30-65-21

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of session/s paid for.

David

27 April 2024

20 APRIL 2024

Great turn out last Wednesday and some great singing too. We made an excellent start on Funiculi Funicula and Moma Don’t Allow, while In My Life just needs a bit of polish.  This coming week we should be able to complete Java Jive, Moma and Banana Boat Song + continue Funiculi Funicula - all of which will form part of our summer “pad”.  We will also do Bela Mama and Vive la Compagnie as our warm-ups along with Ghaafoor’s Bus and Go Placidly.  Something for everyone as ever I hope.  Words, where needed, have all been attached in recent weeks. 

CHOIR COMING EVENTS

Sunday 5 May  Music for the Food “Feastival”  11.00 for 11.15

Sunday 28 July  Concert in Abbey Gardens. (Shaftesbury Fringe)  11.15 for 11.30

Wednesday 31 July  Supper and Song – in aid of Shaftesbury Hospital – Abbey.  6.30 (TBD)

OTHER COMING EVENTS

TODAY  Saturday 20 April   Iuventus String Quartet with Haydn “Sunrise” Quartet, Shostakovich String Quartet no. 8 opus 110 and Schubert “Death & The Maiden”, 6pm, Port Regis.   (The first of three concerts to mark the relaunch of the Shaftesbury Chamber Music Series.)   Future concerts on Saturday 15th June Saturday 21st September.  Tickets from: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/t-dvoazqo 

also

'O Flowr'y May'. Tim Laycock & Alastair Braidwood present an evening of words and folk music celebrating Spring  Shaftesbury Abbey  See attached flyer.

Sunday 21 April  All Trees are Clocks.  Karen and friends.  Dorchester.  See last week’s flyer

also

Gildas Quartet 3pm in St Peter’s, as one of the Concerts in the West series

Saturday 27 April  Cello Recital – St Mary’s Church Compton Abbas.  6.00 p.m.  See last week’s flyer

Saturday 4 May Orlando Singers   See attached flyer.

Friday 10 May  Bird Tunes.  Sandford Orcas.  See earlier flyer.

Thursday 16 May Fish and Chips quiz night in aid of the hospital Friends.  7.30  British Legion Hall, Coppice Street.    Have a word if you are interested in forming or being part of a team.

PAYMENT BY BACS

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are:

Shaftesbury Community Choir

Account no. 23158960    Sort code: 30-65-21

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of session/s paid for.

David

20 April 2024

13 APRIL 2024

Numbers were a bit down last week but some great singing nonetheless.  This coming week we should be able to complete Java Jive and In My Life, continue Banana Boat Song and hopefully make a start on Funiculi Funicula (held over for quite a few of weeks now) - all of which will form part of our summer “pad”.  We will also be looking at a new foodie song by Steve (Moma Don’t Allow) together with Vive la Compagnie [words by Jackie] and Banaha as our warm-ups.  Words for Moma and Compagnie attached;  others, where needed, have all been attached in recent weeks. 

CHOIR COMING EVENTS

Sunday 5 May  Music for the Food “Feastival”  11.00 for 11.15

Sunday 28 July  Concert in Abbey Gardens. (Shaftesbury Fringe)  11.15 for 11.30

Wednesday 31 July  Supper and Song – in aid of Shaftesbury Hospital – Abbey.  6.30 (TBD)

OTHER COMING EVENTS

TODAY  Saturday 13 April  All in the April Evening.  Gillingham Singers.  7.00 p.m. Motcombe Church.  Lots of familiar faces in the choir so do give them (us!) your support.   It would be really lovely to see you.  See last week’s flyer.   Tickets (£8) from 07572 786416 or at the door.

Saturday 20 April   Iuventus String Quartet with Haydn “Sunrise” Quartet, Shostakovich String Quartet no. 8 opus 110 and Schubert “Death & The Maiden”, 6pm, Port Regis.   (The first of three concerts to mark the relaunch of the Shaftesbury Chamber Music Series.)   Future concerts on Saturday 15th June Saturday 21st September.  Tickets from: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/t-dvoazqo 

Sunday 21 April  All Trees are Clocks.  Karen and friends.  Dorchester.  See last week’s flyer

Saturday 27 April  Cello Recital – St Mary’s Church Compton Abbas.  6.00 p.m.  See attached flyer.

Friday 10 May  Bird Tunes.  Sandford Orcas.  See last week’s flyer

Thursday 16 May Fish and Chips quiz night in aid of the hospital Friends.  7.30  British Legion Hall, Coppice Street.    Have a word if you are interested in forming or being part of a team.

FUNDING FOR MUSIC IN STATE SCHOOLS

I am hopeful some of you might be interested in signing this petition which draws attention to the dire state of funding for school music – something that is very close to my heart.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/656558

PAYMENT BY BACS

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are:

Shaftesbury Community Choir

Account no. 23158960    Sort code: 30-65-21

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of session/s paid for.

David

13 April 2024

6 APRIL 2024

What a marvelous turn-out on Wednesday.  Nine tenors and eight basses too!  That must be a bit of a record. Special thanks to those of you who have expressed an interest in forming a team for the hospital quiz night on 16 May.  Let me know if there are any more of you out there and I’ll let you have the details!

This coming week we will continue work on Java Jive and In My Life and make a start on Funiculi Funicula (held over for a couple of weeks now).  We will also begin to put together a “pad” of around twenty pieces from which we will select songs for our various performances this summer.   Karen and I are open to further suggestions of course but we will be making a start with I am a River, Banaha, Wake Up and Banana Boat Song.  Words for these last three are attached, others, where needed, have all been attached in recent weeks. 

CHOIR COMING EVENTS

Sunday 5 May  Music for the Food “Feastival”  11.00 for 11.15

Sunday 28 July  Concert in Abbey Gardens. (Shaftesbury Fringe)  11.15 for 11.30

Wednesday 31 July  Supper and Song – in aid of Shaftesbury Hospital – Abbey.  6.30 (TBD)

OTHER COMING EVENTS

TODAY Saturday 6 April  Milborne Port Opera “The Drowsy Chaperone".   Details at: https://thelittleboxoffice.com/mpo/event/view/196334

ALSO

Hambledon Hopstep Band Ceildidh.  (Shaftesbury Town Twinning event)  7.00 p.m.  Motcombe Village Hall.  See earlier flyer.

Saturday 13 April  All in the April Evening.  Gillingham Singers.  7.00 p.m. Motcombe Church.  Lots of familiar faces in this choir too so do give them (us!) your support.   See last week’s flyer.   Tickets (£8) from 07572 786416.

Saturday 20 April   Iuventus String Quartet with Haydn “Sunrise” Quartet, Shostakovich String Quartet no. 8 opus 110 and Schubert “Death & The Maiden”, 6pm, Port Regis.   (The first of three concerts to mark the relaunch of the Shaftesbury Chamber Music Series.)   Future concerts on Saturday 15th June and Saturday 21st September.  Tickets from: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/t-dvoazqo 

Sunday 21 April  All Trees are Clocks.  Karen and friends.  Dorchester.  See attached flyer

Friday 10 May  Bird Tunes.  Sandford Orcas.  See attached flyer

Thursday 16 May Fish and Chips quiz night in aid of the hospital Friends.  7.30  British Legion Hall, Coppice Street.    Maybe we could field a team???   More details later.

FUNDING FOR MUSIC IN STATE SCHOOLS

I am hopeful some of you might be interested in signing this petition which draws attention to the dire state of funding for school music – something that is very close to my heart.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/656558

PAYMENT BY BACS

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are:

Shaftesbury Community Choir

Account no. 23158960    Sort code: 30-65-21

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of session/s paid for.

David

6 April 2024

16 MARCH 2024

Another great turn out on Wednesday and some equally great singing too.  The Shaftesbury Anthem and Go Placidly are sounding very confident and we should be able to give a fine rendition of both NEXT Saturday (23rd).  (Keep up the sirening to exercise those vocal chords.)   Thanks to Kathy (soprano) for recording One and Twenty for us; I have sent a copy to Tony’s son Richard and it is already on our choir website.   Thanks too to Freda for the little piece on Roseberry Topping (see attachment).  This coming week we will run through the Shaftesbury Anthem and Go Placidly once more for good measure, work on Throw it away (held over for a couple of weeks now) together with Ezulwini, Hold On, Funiculi Funicula, Lili Marlene, + Oak of Old and Let the Sunshine as warm-ups.   Words where needed attached. 

TONY’S FUNERAL

This is on Monday (18th) at 2.00 p.m. at St Peter’s.  Bright colours requested.

CHOIR COMING EVENTS

Saturday 23 March   Opening of Shaftesbury Abbey  12 o’clock.   We will be singing  Shaftesbury Anthem and Go Placidly.  Normal dress code (shades of red [no patterns] above waist, dark or black beneath).

Sunday 28 July  Concert in Abbey Gardens. (Shaftesbury Fringe)  11.15 for 11.30

OTHER COMING EVENTS – lots happening today and tomorrow.

TODAY and Sunday 17 March  Reading the Land.  Shaftesbury Book Festival.  There are a few tickets still available.  There are also FREE family events over the weekend.

https://www.shaftesburybookfestival.com/reading-the-land-2024  

also

Saturday 16 March FOR THE LOVE OF SONG in Witchampton Village Hall.  10.30am – 4.30pm; Cost: £30.  NOTE THE CHANGE OF VENUE.  Email: info@joyousisle.com   Tel: 01202 885294 or 01258 840097   https://www.naturalvoice.net/event/for-the-love-of-song-cranborne/

also

Pilgrim Singers Training Day.  10.00 – 2.00 Wincanton Methodist Church.  £25.  A very friendly local choir. 

Sunday 17 March  Shaftesbury Symphony Orchestra  4.00 pm St James Church  FREE   See last week’s poster

Thurs 21 – Sat 23 March  “Allo Allo”  Mere Amateur Dramatic Society.  See earlier flyer

Saturday 6 April  Hambledon Hopstep Band Ceildidh.  7.00 p.m.  Motcombe Village Hall.  See earlier flyer.

Saturday 13 April  All in the April Evening.  Gillingham Singers.  7.00 p.m. Motcombe Church.  Lots of familiar faces in the choir so do give them (us!) your support.  Tickets (£8) from 07572 786416.

PAYMENT BY BACS

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are:

Shaftesbury Community Choir

Account no. 23158960    Sort code: 30-65-21

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of the session/s paid for.

David

16 March 2024

9 MARCH 2024

Another great turn out on Wednesday and really lovely to see Julia back too after her trip to the Emerald Isle.   Welcome home. The Shaftesbury Anthem and Go Placidly are already sounding really good and Call of Wisdom is just about finished too while Ghafoor’s Bus was sung is a particularly spirited way I thought.  This coming week we will continue to polish the Shaftesbury Anthem and Go Placidly, work on Throw it away (held over from last time) and with luck finish Call of Wisdom along with When I was one and twenty (only briefly looked at) Jug of Punch (held over from last time) + Viva la musica, We Got All the Love and Balanced is the Way as warm-ups.   Words where needed have all been attached recently. 

CHOIR COMING EVENTS

Saturday 23 March   Opening of Shaftesbury Abbey  12 o’clock.   We will be singing  Shaftesbury Anthem and Go Placidly

Sunday 28 July  Concert in Abbey Gardens. (Shaftesbury Fringe)  11.15 for 11.30

OTHER COMING EVENTS

TODAY Sat 9 – Sun 10 March   An opportunity to learn about how to cook Ukrainian food in workshops being held in collaboration with Compton McRae near Semley. All the info is here: https://www.shaftesburyrefugeegroup.org/events

also

Rolling Harmony workshop and concert.  (Take it from me they are a really first rate bunch of singers.)   7.30 p.m. Holy Trinity Church Bradford on Avon.  See attached flyer.

Fri 15 – Sun 17 March  Reading the Land.  Shaftesbury Book Festival.  There are a few tickets still available and all the info is here: https://www.shaftesburybookfestival.com/reading-the-land-2024  and on the attached flyer. There are also free events for families over the weekend.

Saturday 16 March FOR THE LOVE OF SONG in Cranborne  led by the wonderful Sarah Pennington.  Village Hall, Cranborne, BH21 5QB; 10.30am – 4.30pm; Cost: £30 on the day / £25 if booked and paid by 9th March.   Email: info@joyousisle.com   Tel: 01202 885294 or 01258 840097   https://www.naturalvoice.net/event/for-the-love-of-song-cranborne/

also

Pilgrim Singers Training Day.  10.00 – 2.00 Wincanton Methodist Church.  £25.  A very friendly local choir.  Let me know if you would like more details.

Sunday 17 March  Shaftesbury Symphony Orchestra  4.00 pm St James Church  FREE   See attached poster

Thurs 21 – Sat 23 March  “Allo Allo”  Mere Amateur dramatic Society.  See attached flyer

Saturday 6 April  Hambledon Hopstep Band Ceildidh.  7.00 p.m.  Motcombe Village Hall.  See earlier flyer.

PAYMENT BY BACS

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are:

Shaftesbury Community Choir

Account no. 23158960    Sort code: 30-65-21

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of the session/s paid for.

David

9 March 2024

2 MARCH 2024

Another great turn out on Wednesday and really lovely to see a few old friends there too.  Say, Say Yes sounded particularly spirited and was a very fitting tribute to Tony.  FYI, his funeral will be at St Peter’s at 2.00 p.m. on Monday 18th March. At the time of writing Karen and I have not decided what to sing alongside the Shaftesbury Anthem for the opening of the abbey later this month (i.e. Every time I feel the spirit, Up above my head, My little cup, Kyrie or Go Placidly).  We will let you know on Wednesday.  This coming week we will continue to polish the Shaftesbury Anthem and Throw it away and with luck finish Call of Wisdom (held over from last time) as well, along with Jug of Punch, When I was one and twenty and Ghafoor’s Bus + Simama and Yenamanoa as warm-ups.   Words where needed attached.  Others have all been attached recently. 

CHOIR COMING EVENTS

Saturday 23 March   Opening of Shaftesbury Abbey  12 o’clock.

Sunday 28 July  Concert in Abbey Gardens. (Shaftesbury Fringe)  11.15 for 11.30

OTHER COMING EVENTS

TODAY Saturday 2 March  Quiz Night + Syrian Buffet.  Motcombe Memorial Hall.  (See earlier flyer)

Friday 8 March BSO Quintet.  7.00 p.m. St Peter’s Church.  A real coup!  See attached flyer.

Sat 9 – Sun 10 March   An opportunity to learn about how to cook Ukrainian food in workshops being held in collaboration with Compton McRae near Semley. All the info is here: https://www.shaftesburyrefugeegroup.org/events

Fri 15 – Sun 17 March  Reading the Land.  Shaftesbury Book Festival.  There are a few tickets still available and all the info is here: https://www.shaftesburybookfestival.com/reading-the-land-2024  and on the attached flyer. There are also free events for families over the weekend.

Saturday 16 March FOR THE LOVE OF SONG in Cranborne  led by the wonderful Sarah Pennington.  Village Hall, Cranborne, BH21 5QB; 10.30am – 4.30pm; Cost: £30 on the day / £25 if booked and paid by 9th March.   Email: info@joyousisle.com   Tel: 01202 885294 or 01258 840097   https://www.naturalvoice.net/event/for-the-love-of-song-cranborne/

Sunday 17 March  Shaftesbury Symphony Orchestra  4.00 pm St James Church  FREE   See attached poster

Saturday 6 April  Hambledon Hopstep Band Ceildidh.  7.00 p.m.  Motcombe Village Hall.  See earlier flyer.

PAYMENT BY BACS

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are:

Shaftesbury Community Choir

Account no. 23158960    Sort code: 30-65-21

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of the session/s paid for.

David

2 March 2024

24 FEBRUARY 2024

Great turn out on Wednesday and a glorious sound too.  This coming week we will polish the Shaftesbury Anthem and make our choice of what else to sing on 23 March with a brief look at all the contenders: Every time I feel the spirit, Up above my head, My little cup, Kyrie and Go Placidly.  With luck we will finish Call of Wisdom as well, continue Throw it away (held over from last time, revisit Say say yes + This is home as a warm up.

Words where needed have all been attached recently.  There are no additional words this week.

Please note that this week we will have to access the Town Hall using the side doors as there will be scaffolding across the front doors.  Apologies for any inconvenience that this may cause, it will be for 1 week only.

Stand for Ukraine 1.00pm today, Saturday, at the War Memorial on Park Walk – marking two years since the Russian invasion.   ALL WELCOME.

CHOIR COMING EVENTS

Saturday 23 March   Opening of Shaftesbury Abbey  12 o’clock.

Sunday 28 July  Concert in Abbey Gardens. (Shaftesbury Fringe)  11.15 for 11.30 (Sorry for the mistake in last week’s newsletter.)

TOWN TWINNING INVITATION

Most of us took part in the wonderful Town Twinning concert that was held in St Peter’s last year when members of the community choir were joined by Palida and musician from Brionne.  Brionne have invited everyone over from 30th August to 1st September to help them celebrate the anniversary of their liberation in 1944 and the organisers wonder whether members of the Community Choir might be interested in joining the celebration?  The cost would be around £200.  Let me know if you would like more info or are interested in going.

OTHER COMING EVENTS

TODAY Saturday 24 February  

also

Voices of Freedom  7.00 p.m. Blandford Parish Church.  Palida, Karen, Abby Fiddik, Emily Burridge.  Tickets can be bought from members of Palida as well as Eventbrite.  Tickets also available at the door. See earlier flyer.

also

A Concert for Child of Hope. St Peter’s Church.   7:00-9:00pm.  (See earlier flyer)

Saturday 2 March  Quiz Night + Syrian Buffet.  Motcombe Memorial Hall.  (See earlier flyer)

Friday 8 March BSO Quintet.  7.00 p.m. St Peter’s Church.  A real coup!  See attached flyer.

Saturday 16 March FOR THE LOVE OF SONG in Cranborne  led by the wonderful Sarah Pennington.  Lift your heart with a day of singing heartfelt songs in glorious harmony with others.  Venue: Village Hall, Cranborne, BH21 5QB; Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm; Cost: £30 on the day / £25 if booked and paid by 9th March.   Email: info@joyousisle.com   Tel: 01202 885294 or 01258 840097   https://www.naturalvoice.net/event/for-the-love-of-song-cranborne/

Saturday 6 April  Hambledon Hopstep Band Ceildidh.  7.00 p.m.  Motcombe Village Hall.  See earlier flyer.

PAYMENT BY BACS

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are:

Shaftesbury Community Choir

Account no. 23158960

Sort code: 30-65-21

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of the session/s paid for.

David

24 February 2024

17 FEBRUARY 2024

Numbers were a bit down on Wednesday, no doubt a combination of rotten weather, half term and (of course) Valentine’s Day, but the singing was as good as ever.  We made a promising start on the anthem* Tim Laycock and Nick Crump wrote for the Abbey and I am attaching a copy of the music for those who are readers.   (We will be singing this on 23 March - see below.)  This coming week we will work on this and Call of Wisdom* (held over from last time) and continue Throw it Away* along with Evo banke and Plovi Barko + Feelin’ Groovy and Cry Heart as warm-ups .  Words attached where needed. (Words of those marked with * were attached recently.) Please print them of yourselves if you possibly can.   

CHOIR COMING EVENTS

Saturday 23 March   Opening of Shaftesbury Abbey  12 o’clock.

Sunday 26 July  Concert in Abbey Gardens. (Shaftesbury Fringe)  tbd

AN INVITATION

Most of us took part in the wonderful Town Twinning concert that was held in St Peter’s last year when members of the community choir were joined by Palida and musician from Brionne.  Brionne have invited everyone over from 30th August to 1st September to help them celebrate the anniversary of their liberation in 1944 and the organisers wonder whether members of the Community Choir might be interested in joining the celebration?  The cost would be around £200.  Give it some thought and I will ask for a rough show of hands on Wednesday.

OTHER COMING EVENTS

Saturday 24 February   Voices of Freedom  Blandford Parish Church.  Palida, Karen, Abby Fiddik, Emily Burridge.  Tickets can be bought from members of Palida as well as Eventbrite.   See last week’s flyer.

also

A Concert for Child of Hope. St Peter’s Church.   7:00-9:00pm.  (See earlier flyer)

Saturday 2 March  Quiz Night + Syrian Buffet.  Motcombe Memorial Hall.  (See earlier flyer)

Saturday 16 March FOR THE LOVE OF SONG in Cranborne  led by the wonderful Sarah Pennington.  Lift your heart with a day of singing heartfelt songs in glorious harmony with others.  Venue: Village Hall, Cranborne, BH21 5QB; Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm; Cost: £30 on the day / £25 if booked and paid by 9th March.   Email: info@joyousisle.com   Tel: 01202 885294 or 01258 840097   https://www.naturalvoice.net/event/for-the-love-of-song-cranborne/

Saturday 6 April  Hambledon Hopstep Band Ceildidh.  7.00 p.m.  Motcombe Village Hall.  See attached flyer.

PAYMENT BY BACS

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are:

Shaftesbury Community Choir

Account no. 23158960

Sort code: 30-65-21

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of the session/s paid for.

David

17 February 2024

3RD FEBRUARY 2024

More good singing last Wednesday. Bravo.  This coming week we will continue One Man’s Hands* and Call of Wisdom*, polish John Ball* and sing Go Placidly* (held over from last week), Throw it Away, May Your Cup/We Wish You Joy (to welcome in the Year of the Dragon), To Walk Along this Shore and Ya Asim.  Words attached where needed. (Words of those marked with * were attached recently.) Please print them of yourselves if you possibly can.   

CHOIR COMING EVENT 

Saturday 23 March   Opening of Shaftesbury Abbey  12 o’clock.

OTHER COMING EVENTS – lots of them!

TODAY Saturday 3 February  Salisbury Sinfonia.  St Thomas’ Church  (See last week’s flyer)

Mon 5 to Sun 11 February The lakeside gardens at Springhead, Fontmell Magna, will be open from 10-4 with a cafe serving light refreshments on 9, 10 and 11 (11-3). There will also be an art exhibition in the Mill Building

Saturday 24 February   A Concert for Child of Hope.   From Joe Stone, curate of St Francis Church, Salisbury writes:  Child of Hope runs schools in Eastern Uganda, providing free education, healthcare and welfare to kids from the poorest and most vulnerable families. The Concert for Hope is to raise funds to help furnish and equip two new sixth-form classrooms which Child of Hope are adding to their secondary school. The concert will be from 7:00-9:00pm.  If you would like to support the concert, I am looking for donations for the tombola – unwanted Christmas gifts and other high-quality items welcome.  

joe@st-francischurch.org.uk, Tel: 07512 482 114  (See last week’s flyer)

Saturday 2 March  Quiz Night + Syrian Buffet.  Motcombe Memorial Hall.  (See last week’s flyer)

COVID

The Community Choir don’t appear to have been unduly hit yet (we are clearly a healthy lot) but we will be practising with the doors open unless it is blowing a gale or absolutely perishing … or both.  If you are ill or know you should probably self-isolate please stay at home.

FOODBANK
The weekly collection is up and running once more.

COULD YOU OFFER A HOME TO UKRAINIAN REFUGEES IN DORSET?

See last week’s flyer.

PAYMENT BY BACS

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are:

Shaftesbury Community Choir

Account no. 23158960

Sort code: 30-65-21

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of the session/s paid for.

David

3 February 2024

27 JANUARY 2024

More good singing last Wednesday and really great to have such a good turn-out for our Badge Wednesday.  A few new faces too - lovely to have you with us. 

This coming week we will with luck complete Tuxedo Junction*, look at One Man’s Hands* (held over for  couple of weeks now) and continue Call of Wisdom* along with Ego Sum Pauper, Go Placidly, This is Home and John Ball.  Words attached where needed. (Words of those marked with * were attached either last week or the week before.) Please print them of yourselves if you possibly can.    

CHOIR COMING EVENT   

Saturday 23 March   Opening of Shaftesbury Abbey  12 o’clock. 

OTHER COMING EVENTS – lots of them! 

TOMORROW Sunday 28 January Shaftesbury Festival of Baroque – final concert. 3 o’clock.  St Peter’s Church. (See earlier flyer) 

Thursday 1 February  Jazz at the Grosvenor.  Karen is joined by singer and pianist Helen Porter.  6.00 – 7.00.  FREE  Pass the Hat.  DEFINITELY NOT TO BE MISSED (See attached flyer) 

Saturday 3 February  Salisbury Sinfonia.  St Thomas’ Church  (See attached flyer) 

Mon 5 to Sun 11 February The lakeside gardens at Springhead, Fontmell Magna, will be open from 10-4 with a cafe serving light refreshments on 9, 10 and 11 (11-3). There will also be an art exhibition in the Mill Building 

Saturday 24 February   A Concert for Child of Hope.   From Joe Stone, curate of St Francis Church, Salisbury writes: Child of Hope runs schools in Eastern Uganda, providing free education, healthcare and welfare to kids from the poorest and most vulnerable families. The Concert for Hope is to raise funds to help furnish and equip two new sixth-form classrooms which Child of Hope are adding to their secondary school. The concert will be from 7:00-9:00pm.  If you would like to support the concert, I am looking for donations for the tombola – unwanted Christmas gifts and other high-quality items welcome.   

joe@st-francischurch.org.uk, Tel: 07512 482 114  (See attached flyer) 

Saturday 2 March  Quiz Night + Syrian Buffet.  Motcombe Memorial Hall.  (See attached flyer) 

COVID 

The Community Choir don’t appear to have been unduly hit yet (we are clearly a healthy lot) but we will be practising with the doors open unless it is blowing a gale or absolutely perishing … or both.  If you are ill or know you should probably self-isolate please stay at home. 

FOODBANK
The weekly collection is up and running once more. 

COULD YOU OFFER A HOME TO UKRAINIAN REFUGEES IN DORSET? 

See attached flyer. 

PAYMENT BY BACS 

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are: 

Shaftesbury Community Choir 

Account no. 23158960 

Sort code: 30-65-21 

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of the session/s paid for. 

David 

27 January 2024 

20 JANUARY 2024

More good singing last Wednesday and really great to have got such a positive response to the invitation for us to sing Nick Crump and Tim Laycock’s hymn for the opening of the abbey on Saturday 23 March.  A lovely way of paying tribute to Nick who meant so much to so many people I think. Put the date in your diary now. 

This coming week we will polish To drive the cold winter away* and Everytime I feel the spirit*, continue Tuxedo Junction* and look at One Man’s Hands* (held over from last time) along with Ceremony Boogie, a new warm-up This is Home, Call of Wisdom + Hambani Ghale to finish.  Words attached where needed. (Words of those marked with * were attached last week.) Please print them of yourselves if you possibly can.   And most importantly, this coming Wednesday it will be BADGE WEDNESDAY.  Do come along sporting a name badge so that you can get to know some new people.  Sticky labels available for those who forget! 

REMINDER FOR THOSE SINGING FOR THE HOSPITAL TOMORROW (SUNDAY). 

We will meet for a quick run through at 2.45 prompt in St Peter’s before moving over to the Town Hall for a 3 o’clock start.  Usual dress code (shades of red [no patterns] above the waist, dark or black below).  Tea and buns afterwards of course. 

CHOIR COMING EVENT 

Sunday 21 January  Remembrance “Service” (but a non-religious event) for families who have lost a loved one at the Westminster Hospital.   

Saturday 23 March   Opening of Shaftesbury Abbey  12 o’clock. 

OTHER COMING EVENTS 

Tues 23 to Sun 28 January Shaftesbury Festival of Baroque.  Four daytime events. (see last week’s flyer) 

Mon 5 to Sun 11 February The lakeside gardens at Springhead, Fontmell Magna, will be open from 10-4 with a cafe serving light refreshments on 9, 10 and 11 (11-3). There will also be an art exhibition in the Mill Building 

COVID 

The Community Choir don’t appear to have been unduly hit yet (we are clearly a healthy lot) but we will be practising with the doors open unless it is blowing a gale or absolutely perishing … or both.  If you are ill or know you should probably self-isolate please stay at home. 

FOODBANK
The weekly collection is up and running once more. 

PAYMENT BY BACS 

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are: 

Shaftesbury Community Choir 

Account no. 23158960 

Sort code: 30-65-21 

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of the session/s paid for. 

David 

20 January 2024 

7 JANUARY 2024

Happy New Year everyone. 

Karen and I are looking forward to seeing you all this coming Wednesday, renewed and refreshed and ready for a good sing.  This week we plan on doing Senzeni Na, May Your Cup/We Wish You Joy,  I am a river, Green Man, Everytime I feel the spirit, Sunshine fire and rain, To drive the cold winter away. Words attached where needed.   

We shall be asking for a few volunteers to sing a couple of songs on Sunday 21st (see “Choir Coming Events” below) and before I forget, if you have taken a copy (copies?) of the Bethlehem Carol Sheet can you make sure you return it / them on Wednesday if possible? 

CHOIR COMING EVENT 

Sunday 21 January  Remembrance Service on for families who have lost a loved one at the Westminster Hospital.   We have been asked if a small group of us could sing two joyful songs at some point between 3 pm - 4 pm.   

COVID 

The Community Choir don’t appear to have been hit yet (we are clearly a healthy lot) but we will be practising with the doors open unless it is blowing a gale.  If you are ill or know you should probably self-isolate please stay at home. 

PAYMENT BY BACS 

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are: 

Shaftesbury Community Choir 

Account no. 23158960 

Sort code: 30-65-21 

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of the session/s paid for. 

David 

7 January 2024 

23 DECEMBER 2023

Although I’ve had a really marvellous holiday, it was lovely to be back home and to be able to enjoy Wednesday’s party with you all  – thanks to everyone who made it such a success.  Karen has clearly done a great job over the past five weeks.

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and come back on 10th renewed and refreshed.   Karen and I will no doubt get together over the holidays to plan what we’re going to be singing so watch this space.  And before I forget, if you have taken a copy (copies?) of the Bethlehem Carol Sheet can you make sure you return it / them?

CHOIR COMING EVENTS

Wednesday 10 January.  Choir recommences.  Karen and I will be in touch nearer the date with the pieces we will be singing.

Sunday 21 January  Remembrance Service on for families who have lost a loved one at the Westminster Hospital.   We have been asked if a small group of us could sing two joyful songs at some point between 3 pm - 4 pm.  More details later. 

COVID

The Community Choir don’t appear to have been hit yet (we are clearly a healthy lot) but we will be practising with the doors open unless it is blowing a gale.  If you are ill or know you should probably self-isolate please stay at home.

PAYMENT BY BACS

If any choir members would prefer to pay their subs online, our bank details are:

Shaftesbury Community Choir

Account no. 23158960

Sort code: 30-65-21

Payments can be made for individual sessions or block payments of several weeks but payments should be made before the session and please indicate the date of the session/s paid for.

Wishing you a very merry Christmas

David

23 December 2023

...