January 2012
Scarborough Workshop
The Choir's annual workshop was held, for the fifth successive year, at the Red Lea Hotel in Scarborough. This was Alan's first workshop with the Choir and, along with Anne, he worked hard to make sure we got a flying start on the new music. 'Angels', 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' and 'I Will' were well rehearsed by the time we departed on Sunday afternoon. Of course, the weekend is not all about rehearsal. The vast majority of the Choir come to Scarborough and it's an opportunity to enjoy some hard socialising as well. Members made visits to various bars and cafes and we held our usual 'sing-a-thon' in the Highlander on Saturday evening.
We broke our return trip on Sunday afternoon with an informal concert at the Masonic Retirement Home in Fulford, York. Geoffrey Richardson, a resident of New Mill for an incredible 92 years, wove a fascinating personal biography illustrating how he was connected to the Choir through our joint relationships with former Choir President Edgar Dickinson and his grandfather's founding of local butchers business Atkinson's, now run by our former Chairman John Mallinson. Later, a few members were priveledged to hear Geoffrey's account of his 'sale', as a two year old, by his grandfather to a fellow drinker in a public house in Holmfirth. Fortunately, his irate Mother insisted on his re-purchase and his somewhat chastened grandfather had to return to the pub and rescind the deal!
First concert of 2012
The Choir started their 2012 Concert season in Thornhill as guests of the Parish Church. The venue was a first for us. The tower of this Grade 1 listed building dates from the 15th century and there has been a church on the site since Anglo-Saxon times. The tombs of early members of the influential Saville family surrounded us as we prepared for the concert. Our programme included the first performance by the Choir of Robbie Williams' Angels, chosen to coincide with the Angels display in the church. Unfortunately, the display had been postponed until May so we were a little premature although the Vicar, Sue Clarke, appreciated the song. We shared the stage with the Wakefield Youth Choir who produced the highlight of the night with their performance of the Elton John/Bernie Taupin classic, Your Song. This young choir were a delight, entertaining the audience with a lively programme which even included beatboxing!
Shelley Village Hall - April
The Choir performed at Shelley Village Hall for, I think, the first time. I have to confess that I wasn't at this concert so I have to rely on others for this report. Our two soloists were Alison Dempster, playing flute and piccolo and our very own Baritone virtuoso John Ibbotson who sang a selection of Flanders and Swann numbers. I'm informed by John aka 'The Great Ibbo', that it was a resounding success but this concert was his first venture into solo public performance so 'he would say that, wouldn't he'. Perhaps it's best to quote this assessment of the evening from Leanne Childs, the concert organiser...
"I would like to thank you and all the choir for a wonderful, entertaining performance on Saturday evening. Everyone had an excellent and uplifting evening and I have received a lot of lovely comments about the performance."
