Welcome to this slightly earlier than usual newsletter. I’m sending it out today (Friday) so that those of you taking part in the opening ceremony at the abbey on Saturday have all the info you need in good time. I am really hopeful we have a good turn-out of course. (See below)
Great to see numbers creeping up on Wednesday and although it was hard work we had a good sing I thought. Particular thanks to those who stayed behind for a quick look at our proposed “Melodies Remembered” singalong numbers too. We will be having a similar session this coming week. At our main practice we will be concentrating on the “featured” pieces: Blue Moon, Lili Marlene, California Dreamin’, Green Green, I Can’t Help Falling in Love, 500 Miles and Feelin’ Groovy. We will also keep going with If there is to be peace and, if time, make a start on Summer is a-comin in. Words of this last one are attached. Please print them out yourselves if you can and maybe a spare copy to pass onto the needy!
COMING CHOIR EVENTS
Saturday 22 March Opening of Shaftesbury Abbey. Please arrive by 10.30 for a short practice in the abbey “lodge” (inside the gates) before the 11.00 start. We will be singing Shaftesbury Anthem (Our faith shall lasting be) + Ego sum pauper. Usual dress code - shades of red above the waist, dark or black below. It will be a short event and we are all invited for refreshments afterwards The order of service + a music copy of the anthem are attached for those who would like a copy.
Wednesday 26 March Short “Melodies Remembered” singalong practice following our main choir session. Word sheets will be available on the day.
Thursday 27 March Singing for “Melodies Remembered” Shaftesbury Football Club - Coppice Street (adjacent to the British Legion Hall). There will probably be adequate parking space, though, as many of the audience are brought by car, it would be wise to walk or park elsewhere if you can. Arrive at 2.00 for 2.15 – sing from 2.30 – 3.30.
Thursday 24 April Summer is a-comin’ in – a “welcoming springtime” procession. More details later.
Sunday 20 July Shaftesbury Fringe. 11.00 a.m. Abbey Gardens
Saturday 27 September We have been asked by the organisers of Shaftesbury Carnival whether the choir be able to take part in the all-day entertainment.
OTHER COMING EVENTS
Saturday 22 March St Matthew Passion by Bach. South Somerset Choral Society. Yeovil. See earlier flyer.
Sunday 23 March Kanekt at the Grosvenor Hotel. (Karen and Co featuring guitar, sitar and clarinet.) See earlier flyer.
Saturday 29 March Wareham Whalers and the Shaston Shantyers (featuring Marie [alto] and Elinor [tenor]). Shaftesbury Arts Centre.
Thurs 3 – Sun 6 April Fiction for Fun. Grosvenor Hotel. See attached flyer.
Sunday 6 April St John Passion by Bach. Wincanton Choral Society. See earlier flyer. The lead tenor is the very talented Matthew McKinney who last year won the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Award.
Saturday 26 April Town Twinning Ceilidh. See attached flyer.
Sunday 27 April Phoenix Café Orchestra. Marnhull Village Hall. See attached flyer.
Thurs 1 – Sun 4 May Hidden Gems singing weekend in Brussels. See earlier flyer
CHOIR FEES
We have kept our weekly fees as low as possible for as long as possible but, very reluctantly, we are going to have to raise them to £4 from the beginning of April.
Over the last year we have not been getting quite enough regular attendees to cover our costs. If we can increase our numbers back to previous years we may even be able to return to the lower fees but we hope, even at £4, you'll agree it's great value!
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
21 March 2025