2 JUNE 2017

June 5, 2017

Dear All,

Lots of coming events so please get your diaries out. The provisional programme for Castle Hill is attached. Other programmes to follow.

COMING EVENTS

Saturday 17 June: Singing for Castle Hill House Book Swap and BBQ (including Great Pudding Bake Off). Community choir singing between 12.30 & 1.15 and any members may bring books & £1 to take any book away, or £5 for 6 books.The provisional programme will consist of (in no particular order): Up above my head, Dvorak Anthem, Java Jive, Hold On, Bela Mama, Eternal Flame, For Once in my life, Alleluia, Rongo Mau, Chattanooga. Normal dress code please.

Saturday 1 July: Gospel Singalong at the Cattle Market (£5) as part of Shaftesbury Fringe Festival. 10.00 – 11.00 a.m.

Sunday 2 July: Singing on Park Walk from 1 - 2pm (partly in conjunction with the ukes) again as part of the Shaftesbury Fringe Festival. .

Sunday 23 July: Afternoon concert at St James’ Church. 3 o’clock. Followed by afternoon tea.

Unspecified Wednesday sometime VERY soon: Bring-a-friend day. Four or five new songs for regulars and newcomers alike. More details later.

SHAFTESBURY FRINGEMAKERS

Shaftesbury Fringe Festival is looking for volunteers to help over our 3 day festival. The tasks will include being a visible presence in the town, meeting and greeting visitors and helping them find the various venues. The Festival coincides with the Gold Hill Fair and we are expecting it to be a really busy, exciting weekend packed with a whole variety of live performances. If you're free over the weekend and would like to help with any of the morning, afternoon or evening sessions please email: Fringemakers@shaftesburyfringe.co.uk. As you know the choir is performing on Saturday morning (1 July) and Sunday afternoon (2 July) so as you'll be in town already you may like to volunteer before or after the performance.

OTHER DATES

Friday 9 June: Free lunchtime concert. Flute (Quentin Edwards) and piano (me). 12.30 p.m. St John’s Church, Tisbury. (See details on our website)

Sat 10 – Sun 11 June: Singing, Yoga and Massage Weekend, Sete, France. Details on our website.

Thursday 15 June: Walk and Talk around Shaftesbury. Following the great success last year of Matthew’s (tenor) historic walk and talk around Shaftesbury there is a follow on at 6.30 p.m. starting at Cedars Nursing Home, Angel Lane. Free, but donations to Cedars / Castle Hill welcome. Contact Sue Daddy (alto) on 01747 853733 or via e-mail:drsuedaddy@hotmail.com

Saturday 17 June: Bournmouth Male Voice Choir singing at St Mary’s Gillingham at 7-30pm. £5 on the door.

Saturday 1 July: BIG SING DAY at Othona West Dorset with Gilo and Sarah 10am – 5pm£20 including buffet lunchContact Othona to book: 01308 897130 OR mail@othona-bb.org.uk

Also

Summer Nights with Spectra Musica. North Cadbury. See attached flier

Saturday 15 July: Tisbury Community Choir Festival. See details on our website.

BIG BANG PIZZA

If you want to order a pizza and have it waiting for you before choir on a Wednesday, call 07521 413720.

David

26 MAY 2017

May 27, 2017

Dear All,

Great work the other night despite the heat. The Dvorak Anthem is REALLY secure now. The programmes for our FOUR (!!) forthcoming performances will be announced shortly. There’ll be something for everybody so please check you’ve put the dates in your diaries.

COMING EVENTS

Unspecified Wednesday sometime VERY soon: Bring-a-friend day. Four or five new songs for regulars and newcomers alike. More details later.

Saturday 17 June: Singing for Castle Hill House Book Swap and BBQ. 12.30 -1.15

Saturday 1 July: Gospel Singalong at the Cattle Market (£5) as part of Shaftesbury Fringe Festival. 10.00 – 11.00 a.m.

Sunday 2 July: Singing on Park Walk (partly in conjunction with the ukes) again as part of the Shaftesbury Fringe Festival. Times tbc.

Sunday 23 July: Afternoon concert at St James’ Church. 3 o’clock. Followed by afternoon tea.

IMMINENT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Fri 26 – Sat 27 May: Tap Your Trouble Away. Cabaret Evening with supper at Shaftesbury Arts Centre. Details on our website.

also

Friday 26 May: Live Music at Marnhull Village Hall in aid of Chernobyl Children’s Life Line. Details on our website.

Bank Holiday Monday 29 May: Springhead Gardens Open. 10 – 5. The cafe will be open for refreshments and light lunches and there will be a variety of stalls including plants, bric a brac, jewellery, art, books and basketware.

OTHER DATES

Friday 9 June: Free lunchtime concert. Flute (Quentin Edwards) and piano (me). 12.30 p.m. St John’s Church, Tisbury (see flier)

Sat 10 – Sun 11 June: Singing, Yoga and Massage Weekend, Sete, France. Details on our website.

Saturday 1 July: BIG SING DAY at Othona West Dorset with Gilo and Sarah 10am – 5pm£20 including buffet lunchContact Othona to book: 01308 897130 OR mail@othona-bb.org.uk

Saturday 15 July: Tisbury Community Choir Festival. See letter of invitation below

BIG BANG PIZZA

If you want to order a pizza and have it waiting for you before choir on a Wednesday, call 07521 413720.

David

INVITATION FROM TISBURY CHOIR

Dear All

As some of you are aware I am organising a festival for the Tisbury Community Choir on July 15th 2017. As part of this festival, we will be joined on stage by the Military Wives’ Choir too.

We are expecting a large crowd for this event as there will be a lot going on in the evening include stalls, beers tents children’s entertainment and, of course the music too.

As it is going to be such a big event in our diary, we want to make the biggest sound possible. As such we are inviting anyone that would like to sing with us and share a song with the Military Wives too, to come join and join us.

This invite is extended to those people that may only be able to join us for this concert, previous members, people thinking about starting but not sure how to get involved, those that would love to sing but don’t think they can, people that would just like to try something different, mums and dads that are looking to do something together away from the kids, gran and granddads that are looking to do something to impress the kids, young people that enjoy singing, old people that love singing and people that have nothing better to do! In short we are inviting everyone

Rehearsals are only £4 per night on a Friday at 7.30 in the Methodist Hall, High Street, Tisbury. Although the choir have a uniform all we would ask on the day is to wear something blue

We provide all the music for you and we can even provide tracks with separate parts recorded on so that you can learn away from choir in your own time too. This is all with no charge as it comes under the weekly subscriptions.

If you would like to come along to join us then please either contact me directly by email mark@jnxmusicschool.co.uk or via our facebook page Tisbury Community Choir or by phone 01747 873189

I look forward to seeing you there

Many thanks

Mark James
Owner JNX Productions

11 MAY 2017

May 12, 2017

Dear All,

More great singing last night. Looking forward to Sunday (and the premiere of our Anthem of course) with eager anticipation. (See below)

COMING EVENTS

THIS WEEKEND - Sunday 14 May: Shaftesbury Food and Drink Festival. 11.15 a.m. Park Walk.

Please arrive between 11 o’clock and five past. Usual dress code (ie shades of red above the waist, dark or black beneath. No patterns please.)

Programme will consist of (in no particular order): Good New Chariots Comin’, Up Above My Head, Follow the Heron, Dvorak Anthem, Java Jive, Let's Call the Whole Thing Off, Hold On, Morning Has Come, Bela Mama and Plovi Barko.

Unspecified Wednesday sometime VERY soon: Bring-a-friend day. Four or five new songs for regulars and newcomers alike. More details later.

Saturday 1 July: Gospel Singalong at the Cattle Market (£5) as part of Shaftesbury Fringe Festival

Sunday 2 July: Singing on Park Walk (partly in conjunction with the ukes) again as part of the Shaftesbury Fringe Festival

Sunday 23 July: Afternoon concert at St James’ Church. 3 o’clock. Followed by afternoon tea.

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Fri 12 – Sun 14 May: St. Mary's Church (Motcombe) is having a Flower Festival this Weekend to raise money. The arrangements are representing musical melodies and there are 36 local organisations submitting. See attached flier.

Saturday 13 May: Concert by Sturminster Newton Choral Society. (See our website for full details)

Thursday 18 May: Shreen Harmony and guests in a concert in memory of Val Amos (who was a founder member of the Shaftesbury Community Choir too). Gillingham Methodist Church. See attached flier

Sunday 21 May: Wincanton Choral Society concert. Carmen and other opera choruses.

TUESDAY 23 May: Gillingham Singers “The Sprig of Thyme”. St James’ Church. See attached flier.

Fri 26 – Sat 27 May: Tap Your Trouble Away. Cabaret Evening with supper at Shaftesbury Arts Centre. See attached flier

also

Friday 26 May: Live Music at Marnhull Village Hall in aid of Chernobyl Children’s Life Line. See attached flier.

Saturday 10 June: All the Queen’s Men. St. Michael’s Church, Mere. 7.30pm. Tickets £10 from Casa Fina, High Street, Salisbury, online at www.farrantsingers.org or by phone on 01722 324731 or 01747 861212. (Every summer Queen Elizabeth l travelled about the shires in stately pageantry to be hosted and entertained by members of the aristocracy. With little notice and chaos ensuing, it was said that to have the dainty footfall of the Queen through one’s home was like a whirlwind, a comet and a plague of locusts all rolled into one! As part of the Mere Festival of Flowers and Music, ‘All the Queen’s Men’ is a fictionalised account, written by Deborah Mackay, of one of these visitations with music by composers from Byrd to Weelkes. See attached flier.

Sat 10 – Sun 11 June: Singing, Yoga and Massage Weekend, Sete, France. See their website: www.pramchorus.com/inspire

Saturday 1 July: BIG SING DAY at Othona West Dorset with Gilo and Sarah 10am – 5pm£20 including buffet lunchContact Othona to book: 01308 897130 OR mail@othona-bb.org.uk

BIG BANG PIZZA

If you want to order a pizza and have it waiting for you before choir on a Wednesday, call 07521 413720.

David

4 May 2017

May 5, 2017

Dear All,

Great singing last night. Our programme is shaping up VERY well.

COMING EVENTS

Sunday 14 May: Shaftesbury Food and Drink Festival. 11.15 a.m. Park Walk. Programme will consist of (in no particular order): Good New Chariots Comin’, Up Above My Head, Follow the Heron, Dvorak Anthem, Java Jive, Let's Call the Whole Thing Off, Hold On, Morning Has Come, Bela Mama and Plovi Barko.

Unspecified Wednesday sometime soon(ish): Bring-a-friend day. Four or five new songs for regulars and newcomers alike. More details later.

Saturday 1 July: Gospel Singalong at the Cattle Market (£5) as part of Shaftesbury Fringe Festival

Sunday 2 July: Singing on Park Walk (partly in conjunction with the ukes) again as part of the Shaftesbury Fringe Festival

Sunday 23 July: Afternoon concert at St James’ Church.

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Sunday 7 May: Maxwell String Quartet at Farrington Hall, Port Regis, at 5.30 p.m Haydn, Ravel, and Beethoven.
This is the final concert of their West Country tour, before going to play in Osaka, Japan. Tickets are selling fast [£15], but some are still available, in advance from Dick (bass) at 01747 853 989, or on the night at the door.

Saturday 13 May: Concert by Sturminster Newton Choral Society.

Sunday 21 May: Wincanton Choral Society concert. Carmen and other opera choruses.

Fri 26 – Sat 27 May: Tap Your Trouble Away. Cabaret Evening with supper at Shaftesbury Arts Centre. See attached flier

Sat 10 – Sun 11 June: Singing, Yoga and Massage Weekend, Sete, France. See their website:www.pramchorus.com/inspire

INSPIRE Holiday Courses

www.pramchorus.com

Pram Chorus is a friendly, daytime choir for parents/carers with young children based in Balham, London, UK. Bring your baby and come and join us!

Saturday 1 July: BIG SING DAY at Othona West Dorset with Gilo and Sarah 10am – 5pm£20 including buffet lunchContact Othona to book: 01308 897130 OR mail@othona-bb.org.uk

BIG BANG PIZZA

If you want to order a pizza and have it waiting for you before choir on a Wednesday, call 07521 413720.

David

20 April 2017

April 20, 2017

Dear All,

What a great evening we had last night with the B Naturals. A couple of fun, energetic warmups and some absolutely superlative singing, both from them and us too of course. Stevie Wonder and Lou Reed have never sounded so good! Julia is ordering the “dots” so you can rest assured Karen, Anne Marie and I will be adding the songs to our repertoire. If you missed it you missed a real treat, but we will be inviting them back so all is not lost. For those that are interested, Nick and Jon run regular workshops including residential courses and you can find out more about these from their website. We are still not sure whether or not we are going to be invited to sing at Stourhead again this summer. No doubt an invitation (if there is one that is) will materialize over the coming weeks. By popular request we are also planning a summer party at Amore (date to be decided). Other dates, including provisional appearances at the Shaftesbury Fringe Festival are listed below. If you haven’t already done so, please put the dates in your diaries.

COMING EVENTS

Unspecified Wednesday sometime soon(ish): Bring-a-friend day. Four or five new songs for regulars and newcomers alike. More details later, but I think we should extend a special invitation to those staff from Guys Marsh who joined us a week or so ago.

Sunday 14 May: Shaftesbury Food and Drink Festival. We have been asked to provide a 45 minute slot. More details later.

Saturday 1 July: Gospel Singalong at the Cattle Market (£5). Shaftesbury Fringe Festival

Sunday 2 July: Singing on Park Walk (partly in conjunction with the ukes) Shaftesbury Fringe Festival

Sunday 23 July: Afternoon concert at St James’ Church.

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

until Saturday 22 April: Into the Woods. Milborne Port Opera. Tickets from 07926 983585 orwww.milborneportopera.co.uk. (see flier)

Milborne Port Opera - Light Opera in South Somerset

www.milborneportopera.co.uk

Milborne Port Opera is an amateur operatic society. We perform Gilbert and Sullivan and other light opera in South Somerset every Easter.

Wed 25 – Sat 29 April: Under Milk Wood. Several members of the community choir are taking part in this production so do support us if you possibly can (but NOT on the Wednesday of course). See our website for flier.

also Saturday 29 April: World TaiChi and QiGong DayJoin Men Bao (soprano) and some other familiar faces on Park Walk at 10.00 a.m.

and again on Saturday 29 April: Deverills Performing Arts series: Apollo5. The internationally acclaimed a cappella group will be singing an amazing range of pieces from Renaissance to contemporary, classical to swing. Full details about the group and how to book tickets are on the festival website (deverillsfestival.com)

Home - Deverills Festival

deverillsfestival.com

Internationally renowned, the multi-talented a cappella quintet have been widely praised for their engaging and entertaining performances. With a repertoire ranging ...

Monday 1 May (Bank Holiday Monday): Open afternoon at English Organ School, Milborne Port. 2.00 - 4.00

also Sunday 7 May: STUPENDOUS SINGING DAY. If you like the idea of singing together with hundreds of other singers, you won’t want to miss the Dorset Community Choir Festival on at Charlton Down Village Hall (otherwise known as Herrison Hall). Although we won’t be taking part as a choir, several choir members have been in the past and have really loved it. (Talk to Nicola and Linda in the altos amongst others.) Choir leaders include Sarah Pennington (of Gilo ‘n’ Sarah) and Jon Conway (B Naturals). It starts in the early afternoon, followed by an early evening concert in which choirs from across Devon, Dorset and Hampshire will perform from their own repertoire. It's £15 for the whole event, with an additional £10 if you'd like supper. Alternatively if you prefer, you could just go to the concert in the evening - £5 a ticket. Contact Su Lewis for information and tickets. Tel: 01305 776106 or email her on weysound@yahoo.co.uk

Saturday 13 May: Concert by Sturminster Newton Choral Society. (See last week’s newsletter or website for full details)

Sat 10 – Sun 11 June: Singing, Yoga and Massage Weekend, Sete, France. See attached flier and / or visit the website. www.pramchorus.com/inspire

INSPIRE Holiday Courses

www.pramchorus.com

Pram Chorus is a friendly, daytime choir for parents/carers with young children based in Balham, London, UK. Bring your baby and come and join us!

BIG BANG PIZZA

If you want to order a pizza and have it waiting for you before choir on a Wednesday, call 07521 413720.

David

13 April 2017

April 13, 2017

Dear All,

Happy Easter one and all!

Don’t forget the B Naturals will be with us next week. It promises to be great fun once more. As you know, we are asking choir members to pay £5 for this. We are still not sure whether or not we are going to be invited to sing at Stourhead again this summer. No doubt an invitation (if there is one that is) will materialise over the coming weeks. By popular request we are also planning a summer party at Amore (date to be decided). Other dates, including provisional appearances at the Shaftesbury Fringe Festival are listed below. Please put the dates in your diaries.

COMING EVENTS

Wednesday 19 April: Evening session with the B Naturals.

Sunday 14 May: Shaftesbury Food and Drink Festival. We have been asked to provide a 45 minute slot. More details later.

Saturday 1 July: Gospel Singalong at the Cattle Market (£5). Shaftesbury Fringe Festival

Sunday 2 July: Singing on Park Walk (partly in conjunction with the ukes) Shaftesbury Fringe Festival

Sunday 23 July: Afternoon concert at St James’ Church.

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Friday 14 April (Good Friday) Faure Requiem at Motcombe. 7.45 p.m. (See last week’s newsletter or website for full details)

Saturday 15 April: Celebration of World Voices – Royal Albert Hall. This looks ABSOLUTELY WONEDERFUL.

http://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2017/a-celebration-of-world-voices

Monday 1 May (Bank Holiday Monday): Open afternoon at English Organ School, Milborne Port. 2.00 - 4.00

Sunday 7 May: STUPENDOUS SINGING DAY. If you like the idea of singing together with hundreds of other singers, you won’t want to miss the Dorset Community Choir Festival on at Charlton Down Village Hall (otherwise known as Herrison Hall). Although we won’t be taking part as a choir, several choir members have been in the past and have really loved it. (Talk to Nicola and Linda in the altosamongst others.) Choir leaders include Sarah Pennington (of Gilo ‘n’ Sarah) and Jon Conway (B Naturals). It starts in the early afternoon, followed by an early evening concert in which choirs from across Devon, Dorset and Hampshire will perform from their own repertoire. It's £15 for the whole event, with an additional £10 if you'd like supper. Alternatively if you prefer, you could just go to the concert in the evening - £5 a ticket. Contact Su Lewis for information and tickets. Tel: 01305 776106 or email her onweysound@yahoo.co.uk

Saturday 13 May: Concert by Sturminster Newton Choral Society. (See last week’s newsletter or website for full details)

6 April 2017

April 6, 2017

A good sing last night and some very positive news from Brian re mental health provision in North Dorset. The B Naturals will be with us the week after next which promises to be great fun once more. At the moment, I am not sure whether or not we are going to be invited to sing at Stourhead again this summer. No doubt an invitation (if there is one that is) will materialize over the coming weeks. We have been invited to give a concert at St James’ Church once more however and I have provisionally said yes. Please put the date – 23rd July – in your diaries!

COMING EVENTS

Wednesday 19 April: Evening session with the B Naturals. Don’t forget that we are asking choir members to pay £5 for this session if you can. Although B Naturals are terrific value they are rather expensive and we don’t want to break the bank.

Sunday 14 May: Shaftesbury Food and Drink Festival. We have been asked to provide a 45 minute slot. More details later.

Sunday 23 July: Probable afternoon concert at St James’ Church.

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Sunday 9 April: Concert for Parkinson’s Disease by the Pilgrim Singers. Wincanton Memorial Hall. See flier.

Friday 14 April (Good Friday) Faure Requiem at Motcombe. See flier.

Saturday 15 April: Celebration of World Voices – Royal Albert Hall. This looks ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL.

http://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2017/a-celebration-of-world-voices

Saturday 13 May: Concert by Sturminster Newton Choral Society. See flier.

BEREAVEMENT DROP-INS

These are held on the first Saturday of every month from 12.00 until 2.00 pm at Bell Street United Church. If you have lost a loved one - recently or long ago – and would like to join us for a quick coffee or some light lunch, just come along. More info from Linda (altos)

BIG BANG PIZZA

Summer must be on the way because the pizza man is back. If you want to order a pizza in advance and have it waiting for you before choir on a Wednesday, call 07521 413720.

David

23 March 2017

March 23, 2017

Dear All,

Congratulations and thanks to those of who came along to Guys Marsh yesterday morning as part of their Wellbeing Day. It was a lot of fun and greatly appreciated by those that attended the session.

COMING EVENTS

Wednesday 19 April: Evening session with the B Naturals. We are asking choir members to pay £5 for this session if you can. Although B Naturals are terrific value they are rather expensive and we don’t want to break the bank. For those that don’t know them, they are experienced workshop leaders teaching their own arrangements of popular songs - songs that are always full of fun, with some wonderful harmonies. There are four of them and four teachers mean much faster learning of course. They will also entertain us with 3 or 4 songs from their current repertoire while we take a well-earned rest from all the learning. If you’ve not experienced them before, you might like to click onto http://thebnaturals.com/workshops/ so that you can get the idea!!

Workshops | The B Naturals

thebnaturals.com

Booking Information. Concessions for students and over 65’s (except when an Early Bird deal is being offered). Workshops normally run from 10am till 4:30pm.

Sunday 14 May: Shaftesbury Food and Drink Festival. We have been asked to provide a 45 minute slot. More details later.

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Saturday 1 April: Concert by Spectra Musica, Wincanton. See last week’s newsletter or our website for flier.

also

Concert by Palida. St Mary’s Church, Shroton. See last week’s newsletter or our website for flier.

Sunday 9 April: Concert by the Pilgrim Singers. Wincanton Memorial Hall. See last week’s newsletter or our website for flier.

Wed 25 – Sat 29 April: Under Milk Wood. Several members of the community choir are taking part in this production so do support us if you possibly can (but NOT on the Wednesday of course). Flier attached.

Sunday 7 May: STUPENDOUS SINGING DAY If you like the idea of singing together with hundreds of other singers, you won’t want to miss the Dorset Community Choir Festival on at Charlton Down Village Hall (otherwise known as Herrison Hall). Although we won’t be taking part as a choir, several choir members have been in the past and have really loved it. (Talk to Nicola and Linda in the altos amongst others.) Choir leaders include Sarah Pennington (of Gilo ‘n’ Sarah) and Jon Conway (B Naturals). It starts in the early afternoon, followed by an early evening concert in which choirs from across Devon, Dorset and Hampshire will perform from their own repertoire. It's £15 for the whole event, with an additional £10 if you'd like supper. Alternatively if you prefer, you could just go to the concert in the evening - £5 a ticket. Contact Su Lewis for information and tickets. Tel: 01305 776106 or email her on weysound@yahoo.co.uk

David

16 March 2017

March 18, 2017

Dear All,

As you will know, if you were with us yesterday evening, we have been invited to offer a couple of singing sessions to the staff at Guys Marsh next Wednesday morning (22nd). If you would like to take part you MUST let me have your full name by Monday 20th 4.00 p.m. at the latest so that I can forward it to the prison office in time. We will meet at the main entrance / reception to the prison at 9.00 a.m. when you will need to produce your passport or some other photo ID. DON’T whatever you do bring a mobile phone or camera with you. There is a big visitors’ carpark. After parking your car, follow the perimeter fence to the main entrance. Our sessions are from 9.30 to 10.30 and from 11 o’clock to midday. Refreshments will be provided and we should be on our way home again by 12.30 at the latest. For security reasons you will need to be able to commit yourself to BOTH sessions. (There is no need to dress in shades of red by the way.)

COMING EVENTS

Wednesday 22 March: Sing for Pleasure – part of the Wellbeing Day at Guys Marsh. See above.

Wednesday 19 April: Evening session with the B Naturals.

Unspecified Wednesday sometime soon(ish): Bring-a-friend day. Four or five new songs for regulars and newcomers alike. More details later.

Sunday 14 May: Shaftesbury Food and Drink Festival. We have been asked to provide a 45 minute slot. More details later.

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Saturday 18 March: Choir and orchestra concert in St John’s Church Tisbury at 7pm. Music from the Tisbury Community Choir (director Mark James) and soloists and the St John’s Chamber Players. We are celebrating St David and St Patrick’s days with suitable songs, some to join in with, plus orchestral music. There is no entrance charge but there will be a licensed bar and a collection for the St John’s Church Development project.

Saturday 1 April: Concert by Spectra Musica, Wincanton. See last week’s newsletter or our website for flier.

also

Concert by Palida. St Mary’s Church, Shroton. See flier.

Sunday 9 April: Concert by the Pilgrim Singers. Wincanton Memorial Hall. See flier.

Sunday 7 May: STUPENDOUS SINGING DAY If you like the idea of singing together with hundreds of other singers, you won’t want to miss the Dorset Community Choir Festival on at Charlton Down Village Hall (otherwise known as Herrison Hall). Although we won’t be taking part as a choir, several choir members have been in the past and have really loved it. (Talk to Nicola and Linda in the altos amongst others.) Choir leaders include Sarah Pennington (of Gilo ‘n’ Sarah) and Jon Conway (B Naturals). It starts in the early afternoon, followed by an early evening concert in which choirs from across Devon, Dorset and Hampshire will perform from their own repertoire. It's £15 for the whole event, with an additional £10 if you'd like supper. Alternatively if you prefer, you could just go to the concert in the evening - £5 a ticket. Contact Su Lewis for information and tickets. Tel: 01305 776106 or email her on weysound@yahoo.co.uk

David

9 March 2017

March 18, 2017

Dear All,

Another excellent sing last night! I have a number of photos from the concert we gave for the Stroke Association last month. For various reasons we can’t put them on the website but they will be on the coming events table for the next couple of Wednesdays and I am always happy to scan in photos and zap them to you on an individual basis.

COMING EVENTS

Unspecified Wednesday in March or early April: Bring-a-friend day. Four or five new songs for regulars and newcomers alike. More details later.

Sunday 14 May: Shaftesbury Food and Drink Festival. We have been asked to provide a 45 minute slot. More details later.

BEREAVEMENT

Linda Hopkins (alto) writes: “Shaftesbury Methodist Church have started to hold bereavement sessions once a month on the first of the month starting on the 1st April. If you have lost someone and you would like to have a chat together with a light lunch of bread, cheese and soup we would like to see you.” She adds: “We also have a lovely lady called Jane who offers a hand or shoulder massage which I can say is very good.” Chat to Linda if you want to know more.

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Saturday 1 April: Concert by Spectra Musica, Wincanton. See attached flier.

David

9 February 2017

February 10, 2017

Dear All,

Another excellent sing last night! Next week will be a BADGE WEDNESDAY. Come along with a name badge – as flamboyant as you like. (Sticky labels provided for those who forget.)

COMING EVENTS

Tuesday 14 February 10.30 – 12.00Singing for and with the North Dorset Stroke Club. Charlton Village Hall - just off the A30 about 2m from Shaftesbury. [Heading along the A30 towards Salisbury, turn right at St John’s Church (the church with the twin towers on the left hand side). The Hall is then about 100 or so yards on the right.] Can we meet at 10.15 prompt please for a quick warm-up?

Our programme will consist of (in no particular order): We’ve got all the love; Let’s call the whole thing off; California Dreamin’; Every time I feel the spirit; Shenandoah; Lollipop; Chattanooga Choo Choo. I hope we can also do I’m gonna sing, sing, sing; Bela Mama and / or Hambani Ghale as participation numbers. (As you know, I have invited a flautist friend from Tisbury to contribute a couple of items too.)

Dress: shades of red above the waist (not patterned); dark or black below.

Unspecified Wednesday in March or early April: Bring-a-friend day. Four or five new songs for regulars and newcomers alike. More details later.

WEBSITE

Make sure you have a good look at our website: www.shaftesburycommunitychoir.org Tell your friends about it too.

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Saturday 11 February Spectra Musica invite you to their Come and Sing Day in Cheap Street Church, Sherborne. The workshop will feature Handel’s ‘Israel in Egypt’ in a programme entitled ‘A Georgian Choral Extravaganza’.

Friday 10 March Introductory meeting for Salisbury International Arts Festival’s “Voices of the Whale” project. See attached flier or talk to Yuko (soprano) for more details

Sunday 7 May STUPENDOUS SINGING DAYIf you like the idea of singing together with hundreds of other singers, you won’t want to miss the Dorset Community Choir Festival on at Charlton Down Village Hall (otherwise known as Herrison Hall). Although we won’t be taking part as a choir, several choir members have been in the past and have really loved it. (Talk to Nicola and Linda in the altosamongst others.) Choir leaders include Sarah Pennington (of Gilo ‘n’ Sarah) and Jon Conway (B Naturals). It starts in the early afternoon, followed by an early evening concert in which choirs from across Devon, Dorset and Hampshire will perform from their own repertoire. It's £15 for the whole event, with an additional £10 if you'd like supper. Alternatively if you prefer, you could just go to the concert in the evening - £5 a ticket. Contact Su Lewis for information and tickets. Tel: 01305 776106 or email her onweysound@yahoo.co.uk

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

The Red Cross are looking for volunteers in the Shaftesbury / Blandford area. Details on the attached flier. More info from Angela Faulding (alto).

David

2 February 2017

February 7, 2017

Dear All,

Great work last night I thought – and very jolly too!

COMING EVENTS

Tuesday 14 February 10.30 – 12.00Singing for and with the North Dorset Stroke Club. Charlton Village Hall (Just off the A30 about 2m from Shaftesbury).

Our programme will consist of (in no particular order): We’ve got all the love; Let’s call the whole thing off; California Dreamin’; I’m gonna sing, sing, sing; Every time I feel the spirit; Shenandoah; Lollipop; Chattanooga Choo Choo. (As agreed, I have invited a flautist friend from Tisbury to contribute an item too.) Although we will be including all of these songs in our sessions over the coming weeks, if we feel there is a need for an extra practice nearer the date then I am fairly sure that can be organised.

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Thurs 2 – Sat 4 February Your last chance to see Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves at Shaftesbury Arts Centre, 7.30 pm. Quite a few choir members are taking part so do support it if you possibly can.

Friday 3 February 12.00Foteini Koutsotheodorou, who co-ordinated the humanitarian response to refugees on the Greek island of Samos, will share stories of her experiences, at Bell Street United Church, Shaftesbury. All welcome. Bring your own lunch.

Friday 10 March Introductory meeting for Salisbury International Arts Festival’s “Voices of the Whale” project. See attached flier or talk to Yuko (soprano) for more details

Sunday 7 May STUPENDOUS SINGING DAY If you like the idea of singing together with hundreds of other singers, you won’t want to miss the Dorset Community Choir Festival on at Charlton Down Village Hall (otherwise known as Herrison Hall). Although we won’t be taking part as a choir, several choir members have been in the past and have really loved it. (Talk to Nicola and Linda in the altosamongst others.) Choir leaders include Sarah Pennington (of Gilo ‘n’ Sarah) and Jon Conway (B Naturals). It starts in the early afternoon, followed by an early evening concert in which choirs from across Devon, Dorset and Hampshire will perform from their own repertoire. It's £15 for the whole event, with an additional £10 if you'd like supper. Alternatively if you prefer, you could just go to the concert in the evening - £5 a ticket. Contact Su Lewis for information and tickets.

Tel: 01305 776106 or email her on weysound@yahoo.co.uk

STOP PRESS Westminster Memorial Hospital Dick (bass) writes:

I think we are winning! Thanks to you all and everyone involved. We have certainly stirred things up!

The chief of the DCCG [Tim Goodson] has visited us, twice, and is coming again. He has received delegations from MPs, mayors, and others, and has listened to verbal and written views, expressed in correspondence, petitions, questionnaires, and personal conversations. He can be in no doubt of the local strong feelings on keeping our beds, and retaining Shaftesbury’s central role in serving North Dorset and parts of neighbouring counties.

Several groups have joined in the pressure, including the both town council, smaller councils in the area, and Julian Prichard’s group. All deserve our gratitude for focussing on the issue and promoting questionnaire responses.

Two MPs, 2 mayors, 4000 people via the petition [which DCCG has now agreed can be ‘counted’ in the response], several meetings, local councils, and questionnaire returns which you have sent in, plus questions in Parliament, make it impossible to ignore!

Let us hope that a decision will emerge that is to our liking. Fingers crossed! I think it will!

David

26 January 2017

January 29, 2017

Dear All,

Two new recordings have been added to the LISTEN page –“Evo Banke” and “California Dreamin”. Hope you enjoy them. It was rather too warm in the Town Hall last night and as a consequence we go a bit flat, but it is not too noticeable. Not so “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” which begins to sink from bar 2 onwards! (I have deleted it so there can be no incriminating evidence.)

Richard’s “Anthem for Shaftesbury Community Choir” is shaping up well I think you will agree. Great work everybody. Lovely harmony of course (thankyou Mr Dvorak) but lovely arrangement too (thankyou Mr Clark).

COMING EVENTS

Tuesday 14 February 10.30 – 12.00Singing for and with the North Dorset Stroke Club. Charlton Village Hall (Just off the A30 about 2m from Shaftesbury).

Our programme will consist of (in no particular order): We’ve got all the love; Let’s call the whole thing off; Blue Moon; California Dreamin’; I’m gonna sing, sing, sing; Every time I feel the spirit; Shenandoah; Lollipop; Chattanooga Choo Choo. (As agreed, I have invited a flautist friend from Tisbury to contribute an item too.) Although we will be including all of these songs in our sessions over the coming weeks, if we feel there is a need for an extra practice nearer the date then I am fairly sure that can be organised.

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Spectra Musica invite you to their Come and Sing Day on Saturday 11th February in Cheap Street Church, Sherborne which will feature Handel’s ‘Israel in Egypt’ in a programme entitled ‘A Georgian Choral Extravaganza’.

David

19 January 2017

January 20, 2017

Dear All,

On the LISTEN page of the website you will find the first of the two recordings we made yesterday. You will be pleased to hear that I deleted “Evo Banke” – not our finest hour!! We will be looking at it again next week.

COMING EVENTS

Tuesday 14 February 10.30 – 12.00Singing for and with the North Dorset Stroke Club. Charlton Village Hall (Just off the A30 about 2m from Shaftesbury).

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Spectra Musica invite you to their Come and Sing Day on Saturday 11th February in Cheap Street Church, Sherborne which will feature Handel’s ‘Israel in Egypt’ in a programme entitled ‘A Georgian Choral Extravaganza’.

David

14 January 2017

January 16, 2017

Dear All,

Happy New Year. It has been great to get back into harness again after our Christmas break - i.e. ONEWednesday off!

COMING EVENTS

Tuesday 14 February 10.30 – 12.00Singing for and with the North Dorset Stroke Club. Charlton Village Hall (Just off the A30 about 2m from Shaftesbury). We will be deciding on our programme over the coming week so please come armed with your suggestions next Wednesday

HOSPITAL

Copies of the consultation document were available on Wednesday and they will be again be available next week. Please do respond as you think fit. The attached photo was spotted on the London Underground earlier in the week – thanks Angela. We thought you might be amused.

David

15 December 2016

December 27, 2016

Dear All,

There are four attachments to this e-mail.

Great singing at Stourhead last weekend. I am pretty sure we all had a good time.

This Sunday (18 December) we will be singing outside Town Hall for Shaftesbury Christmas Market (10.45 - 11.30 approx). We have been asked to park in the cattle market carpark if possible. (We know our place!) Julia has booked the back room at The Mitre for those who would like to socialise afterwards and maybe sing a few more carols too. Please congregate at about 10.30.

Dress code is shades of red as usual. Our programme will consist of (in no particular order) our usual ten “audience” carols: Hark the Herald (normal tune, not the Durweston one); O Come; In the bleak; See Amid; Silent Night; O little town; It came upon; Once in royal; Joy to the world; Away in a manger + the same “featured” carols: Past Three o’clock; Come tune your cheerful voice; Lullay my liking; Fais dodo; Hosanna; Bethlehem Down; Ding Dong.

OTHER CAROL SINGING

Christmas Eve – for those that can make it, the choir will be singing at the Grosvenor from 6 o’clock to 7 o’clock. More tenors and basses would be particularly welcome. Same repertoire. Wine and mince pies on the house!!

CHRISTMAS / NEW YEAR WEDNESDAYS

Next week we will be having our Christmas party. Choir members are asked to bring a plate of finger food to share. There will be mulled wine and fruit juice as well as teas and coffees, some games and lots of singing of course.

There will be no choir on Wednesday 28 December and, by popular request, we will resume our singing onWednesday 4 January.

EVENTS COMING UP

Friday 16 December – Christmas Songs and sing-alongs. Flier attached

Saturday 17 December – Gillingham Arts Workshop Carol Concert. St Benedict’s RC Church, Gillingham. 7.30 p.m. Returing collection. Flier attached

Thursday 22 December – Hospital Christmas Carol Service 7.00 p.m. Again singers most welcome. Contact Denise Potter (07922 225105) for more details.

WESTMINSTER HOSPITAL (from Dick)

The official DCCG Proposals Consultation Document has now been published. Despite a petition from over 3,000 of us, and strong support from both MPs and both Mayors, they still propose making the Westminster a “no beds” community hub. Also, there is no mention of either Salisbury or Yeovil hospitals - the ones we mostly use.

It is very important that we respond, using the “Consultation Questionnaire”, which is in the centre of the document. The document is available at the Abbey View medical centre, the T.I.C., the Westminster hospital, libraries in both towns, the Post Office, Motcombe and Ludwell village shops, and most churches.

Page 2 is relevant to North Dorset. Pages 5 and 6 allow other comments, and might cover Salisbury and Yeovil. You can respond on paper [freepost], or online at www.dorsetvision.nhs.uk/feedback. Please read the document, and respond before 28th February Keep pressing, to save our hospital.” A very Happy Christmas to you all, and thank you for your support. Many thanks, Dick.

All good wishes

David