CONCERTS

May and June has been a busy time for the choir with concerts at Barnby Dunn Methodist Church, "Hatfields" in Hatfield and at Sewerby Hall in Bridlington, North Yorkshire. 

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Barnby Dunn Methodist Church 

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Although the space inside the church was small, thus limiting the audience size, everyone who came along enjoyed the evening.

It was a varied programme of songs from the choir, a duet from our conductress Gwyn Platts and Dave Smith. Solos from Mel Jepson and Brian Hempstock, as well as some audience participation with some Al Jolson songs. Ofcourse jokes from Ian Gibson.

"Hatfields"

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"Hatfields" was the venue of the choirs own concert entitled "SING INTO SPRING" and I suppose we just made the end of spring because we performed on the 30th May. The programme was basically the same as Barnby Dunn but without the soloists but included a welcome return of Christeen Littlewood and her wonderful anecdotes. We Had a bigger audience than expected with quite a few people paying at the door.

The feedback from most of the audience I spoke to said they really enjoyed the afternoon and our performance, however there were some mixed reviews about some of the songs we sang.

Every on enjoyed joining in with the audience participation song "Your Just in Love". Whereas - "Shepherd, shepherd" & De animals a-comin" did not quite do it for everyone.  I suppose spirituals are not everyone's thing. Also I am sorry to say this Gwyn the duets did not quite do it for everyone!! 

Unlike the Christmas concert the seating arrangement was laid out better. We performed in front of the audience who were sat in rows of about 8. 
At the end everyone moved to one the round tables laid out near the bar to be served tea, coffee, jam and cream scones. As a nice feature each table centre had a selection of chocolate sweets donated by our sponsor for every ones consumption.  

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Sewerby Hall

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What can I say about our trip to Sewerby Hall apart from it has to be the highlight of our year. The concert we gave in the orangery was the the best we have given all year.

The Programme was the same as our "Sing Into Spring" concert  in May but this time we did not have Christeen Littlewood and the duet was on this occasion was Gwyn Platts and her soprano friend Lesley Fox. They sang four beautiful pieces. "Perhaps Love", "I'm a Small Part of the World", " The Lord is My Shepherd" and " Can You Feel The Love Tonight" and they went down a whow with the audience.

We once again had audience participation with "Your Just in Love" (which also went down a whow). and that was all. The feedback I got was terrific.

I don't think anything we sang didn't get a good round of applause. In fact some of our most popular songs ie" American Trilogy" "My Heart Will Go On" even got whoops!! after we finished singing them.

I spoke to a lady who was a member of a choir in Liverpool and she had been on holiday in Scarborough with a friend. They had some time to spare and decided to visit Bridlington or Sewerby, but saw the add for our choir so came along to see us, and very glad they did. So now we now have fans in Liverpool!!

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There was no charge for the people attending the concert at Sewerby Hall so a donation box was left at the door for anyone kind enough to make a contribution to the choir funds. When we checked the box on our journey home we were delighted to find we had collected £116.07p.

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We left Sewerby Hall  at 3.30pm and were dropped off by our coach driver in Bridlington where we all enjoyed a relaxing wander around the harbour etc. before  congregating at Rags Restaurant  for our evening meal before heading back to Thorne. The meal at Rags was excellent and the staff could not have been more helpful. In fact it was a perfect day out with perfect weather.

I would like to thank Steve our driver from Buckley's for his help and not forgetting John Purdy for all the work he has put into once again organising this trip. 

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Photos to  follow soon!!!!

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Dave and Verity's Wedding

On Saturday 27th July members of the choir attended at Bawtry Parish Church  to sing at Dave Hicklin's wedding/marriage to long time girl friend Verity. Dave is a member of our choir and one of the 2nd Tenors. 

We started our performance as the guests arrived at the church. The songs we sang varied from Al Jolson melodies, to Amazing Grace and You Raised Me Up. 

During the signing of the register we sang two numbers, My Heart Will Go On and Let There Be Peace On Earth. 

I have to say and everyone would agree with me that even though the weather on that day was horrendous ( torrential rain)  it did not dampen anyone's spirits. The ceremony was wonderful. All made more special by the lovely lady vicar of Bawtry Parish Church.  She just had a way about her that lifted everyone's hearts.

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On behalf of the members of the Thorne and District Male Voice Choir I would like to wish David and Verity a long and happy life together and may all their dreams and wishes be fulfilled in the future.

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