Another good sing last Wednesday and a lot of good work done, both in connection with “You are the Sunshine” and our short programme for the opening of Shaftesbury Abbey later this month. Also, many, many thanks to those members of the choir who stayed behind to practise for “In Jolly Good Company” at the British Legion Hall on Tuesday week, 17 March. As well as the songs we looked at we will also sing “Cockles and Mussels” as it will be St Patrick’s Day.
This coming week we welcome Sarah, our guest leader, so please do spread the word. Although our session is not really open to the public, friends, family and all members of the choir, past and present, are enthusiastically invited. Please be pro-active and do your bit to ensure that we have a full house. It is in no small part due to Sarah’s initial singing day in Shaftesbury almost 15 years ago that the Shaftesbury Community Choir actually exists.
COMING CHOIR EVENTS
Wednesday 11 March We welcome our guest leader Sarah Pennington.
Tuesday 17 March Singing for “In Jolly Good Company” 10.30 – 11.30 British Legion Hall, Coppice Street. Please arrive by 10.15. Usual dress code (shades of red above the waist, black or dark beneath) + something Irish if you have it!
Saturday 28 March Short ceremony to mark the opening of Shaftesbury Abbey. 12.00 (Please assemble by 11.45.)
and looking ahead
Thursday 25 June Singing for “Dementia Friendly Shaftesbury” British Legion Hall.
Sunday 19 July Shaftesbury Fringe. More details later
OTHER COMING EVENTS
Various Friday afternoon from now until June “Name This Tune” St Martin’s House, Gillingham. See earlier flyer.
TODAY - Saturday 7 March, 7.00pm St Gregory’s Marnhull The Phantom of the Opera. Organ improvisation to this classic silent movie by David Bednall See attached flyer. For the entire 1 hour 45 minute film, David will compose and perform the music on the spot, reacting to every moment of the drama in real time. It’s an astonishing musical feat and makes the film feel thrillingly alive. Tickets £12 Available online from: https://wegottickets.com/event/689597 If you’ve never experienced a silent film with live organ before, this is the perfect chance — atmospheric, dramatic, and unforgettable.
Wednesday 11 March Film screening and discussion – Turning Streets into Power Stations. 3.30 for 4.00 Shaftesbury School. See attached flyer
Sunday 15 March (Mothering Sunday) The beautiful lakeside gardens at Springhead will be open from 10.00 am – 4.00 pm. Entry is free; donations welcome. Teas, coffees, soft drinks and cake available. Assisted wheelchair access. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Fri 20 – Sun 22 March Reading the Land. Shaftesbury Book Festival. For more details and tickets visit www.shaftesburybookfestival.com (Flyers available on Wednesdays)
Saturday 28 March Shaftesbury Refugee Group quiz night. See below.
Sunday 29 March Shaftesbury Symhony Orchestra concert. St James Church. See attached flyer.
Saturday 8 April A Concert for Ukraine. St John’s, Tisbury. See attached flyer.
SHAFTESBURY REFUGEE GROUP
There are a small number of tables left at the legendary fundraising quiz organised by the Shaftesbury Refugee Group on Saturday 28 March at 6 pm. There'll be a feast of delicious Middle Eastern food inspired by the first home of the Hammoud's Kitchen and some fun and funny challenges. No pressure and high rewards!
For more info and to secure your place follow this link: https://www.shaftesburyrefugeegroup.org/motcombe-quiz-night-march-2026
TAI CHI
My excellent tai chi teacher is starting a new class on Tuesdays from 5.30 – 6.30 in St Peter’s Church Hall (top of Gold Hill). Let me know if you would like her contact details.
GOLD HILL MUSEUM
The museum is looking for a few more volunteers to meet-and-greet and / or work in the shop. To that end they are holding a couple of coffee mornings on Saturday 7 and Wednesday 11 March, 10-12. They would love to see you there!
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
7 March 2026