15 FEBRUARY 2018

February 20, 2018

Dear All,

Congratulations to all those hardy souls who braved last night’s atrocious weather. The singing was really great with a couple of new songs, helpful (I hope) revision of some work-in-progress and, of course, a few old favourites. I hope you had as much fun as I did!

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

There are no immediate choir events although arrangements are underway for the Shaftesbury Fringe (another Gospel singalong maybe) and Gold Hill Fair together with a new community event on Castle Hill (probably in October) and our traditional “Slice of Song” at Amore. Watch this space as details are firmed up. Things seem to have gone quiet in connection with the Food Festival though. Does anyone know anything more than I do?

OTHER EVENTS

Friday 16 February Grand Charity Quiz at the Olive Bowl in Gillingham. 6.30 p.m. for 7.00 p.m. See previous newsletter.

Friday 23 February Palida sing Letters to the World 7pm at Shaftesbury Arts Centre prior to film at 8pm 'A Quiet Passion' Concert free, film tickets at SAC box office or at the door.

Saturday 10 March Concert given by Salisbury Orchestra. 7.30 p.m. City Hall. See attached flier.

Sunday 25 March Concert by given by Shaftesbury Orchestra. 7.30 p.m. Port Regis School. FREE. See attached flier.

1 FEBRUARY 2018

February 3, 2018

Dear All,

It was good to celebrate last night’s blue moon with an appropriate song and, of course, to observe Burns Night a week earlier. A pity that “Robin Adair” wasn’t actually by Burns, the tune was Irish and the song largely set in Bath! Minor details. Just in case the sadness of the words might have caused some distress though, Tess (alto) reliably informs us that the actual poet, Lady Caroline Keppel, did in fact get Master Robin at the end of the day. “Slow Train” is harder than I had expected and progress is proving to be rather slow. We’ll give it a couple more weeks though and see how it shapes up.

In the meantime, you might like to click on this link, which is how our version could sound one day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0bfRvfW3WA

King's Singers 'Slow Train' Flanders & Swann

www.youtube.com

King's Singers 'Slow Train' Flanders & Swann From a 1977 LP. I haven't found this on YT before, and it is such a lovely arrangement and beautifully performed I ...

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

There are no immediate choir events although arrangements are underway for the Food Festival, Shaftesbury Fringe (another Gospel singalong maybe) and Gold Hill Fair together with a new community event on Castle Hill (probably in October) and, in case you think it had been forgotten, another “Slice of Song” at Amore. Watch this space as details are firmed up.

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 3 February Sunny Side of Swing. Shroton Village Hall. See attached flier.

Sunday 11 February Afternoon Tea. A delightful opportunity for those living with dementia and their carers. Please let any local affected people and their carers know about the informal concert which the Mayor is hosting especially for them. Tea will be served and some of the music will be to sing along to - we know how good singing is good for the brain. The concert is at 3 p.m. in the Town Hall. To book, phone the Town Hall on 852420. We are grateful to the mayor for his kindness. The cost is an optional donation. See attached flier.

Tuesday 13 February Interest evening at Shaftesbury Arts Centre for anyone considering taking part in “Mack and Mabel”, this year’s summer musical. 7.30 p.m. See previous newsletter.

Friday 16 February Grand Charity Quiz at the Olive Bowl in Gillingham. 6.30 p.m. for 7.00 p.m. See previous newsletter.

Saturday 10 March Concert given by Salisbury Orchestra. 7.30 p.m. City Hall. See attached flier.

Sunday 25 March Concert by given by Shaftesbury Orchestra. 7.30 p.m. Port Regis School. FREE. See attached flier.

David

11 JANUARY 2018

January 14, 2018

Dear All,

A belated Happy New Year to everyone. Looking forward to making new friends and, of course, loads of lovely singing.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

There are no immediate choir events although arrangements are underway for the Food Festival, Shaftesbury Fringe and Gold Hill Fair together with a new community event on Castle Hill and, in case you think it had been forgotten, another “Slice of Song” at Amore. Watch this space.

OTHER EVENTS

Tuesday 13 February Interest evening at Shaftesbury Arts Centre for anyone considering taking part in “Mack and Mabel”, this year’s summer musical. 7.30 p.m. See attached flier.

Friday 16 February Grand Charity Quiz at the Olive Bowl in Gillingham. 6.30 p.m. for 7.00 p.m. See attached flier.

SHAFTESBURY DEVELOPMENT PLANS

There is information below concerning proposals to develop beyond Shaftesbury’s existing boundaries. If you want to have your say, then you will need to respond by 22 January. The actual response forms are difficult to interpret and even more difficult to fill in. No surprises there of course (!) but as a consequence, a simple guide to some of the questions has been prepared to get us all thinking. Do take some time to look at the proposals. Working together really does make a difference – remember our success “Save Our Beds”? See below ..

David

Suggestions for Shaftesbury residents. Other questions refer to the other North Dorset Towns and they may apply to you too.

21 DECEMBER 2017

December 22, 2017

Dear All,

Thanks and congratulations to all those who took part in the performance at Durweston last Friday. Maybe we could have done with a few more tenors and basses but Jackie, Elizabeth (tenors), Richard and Steve (basses) did us proud. Thanks also to all who contributed to last night’s party. Pat’s (alto) hand bells were a real treat and Dick’s (bass) mulled wine as tasty (and potent) as ever. I am listing a few imminent events below but forgot last night to draw attention to the invitation to join other supporters in carol singing at Shaftesbury Westminster Hospital. Do come along tonight if you can.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Thursday 21 December (tonight): Singing around the wards at Shaftesbury Hospital to swell the ranks. 6.30 p.m. start

Wednesday 27 December: NO CHOIR

Wednesday 3 January: Choir meets as usual + a glass of something special to toast the New Year in.

OTHER EVENTS

Friday 22 December: Christmas entertainment by Gillingham Arts Workshop, to include the Gillingham Mummers Play. 5.00 p.m. Gillingham Library.

Saturday 23 December: Christmas carols and entertainment similar to the above (but excluding the play!). 6.30 p.m. St. Benedict’s RC Church, Gillingham.

Sunday 31 December: NEW YEAR CELEBRATION, Wanstrow Village Hall, Near Frome www.wanstrowvillagehall.co.uk
FROM 5.30PM –MIDNIGHT. Harmonic Temple songs. SHARED MEAL –VEGETARIAN PLEASE, NO ALCOHOL. SHORT RITUAL for leaving the old year behind and welcoming the new one. Dance of Universal Peace & SEASONAL SONG. To book: Tel Rasullah 01749 850474 rasullah@btinternet.com Cost: £20, £15 CONCS

Thanks for a great year and have a very happy Christmas.

David

14 DECEMBER 2017

December 14, 2017

Dear All,

Looking forward to our performance in Durweston this Friday afternoon. See below. By popular request (!!) I am attaching the music for While Shepherds which you may find useful. I do hope as many choir members as possible will come along so that we can put on a really good show. Although there is plenty of parking, it makes sense to share transport wherever possible.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Friday 15 December: Christmas entertainment for the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies. Durweston Village Hall, Church Road, Durweston, Blandford Forum DT11 0QA. Please arrive 2 o’clock for a 2.15 start. Usual dress code – i.e. shades of red above the waist, dark or black below.

We will do four audience carols and about eight on our own, chosen from ...

Audience: O Come, In the bleak, O little town, It came upon, Joy to the world, Away in a manger.

Choir: Rudolph, White Christmas (probably with audience second time through), While Shepherds (music attached), Boars Head, Hosanna, Fais Dodo, Tune your Harps, Carol of the Bells, Hark the Herald (Durweston tune of course), Come Tune.

Depending on general audience response, will also do the Mistletoe round which Karen and I will teach our audience.

Wednesday 20 December: Choir Christmas Party. Please bring finger food to share. Christmas cake (thankyou Vivienne - soprano), mulled wine (thankyou Dick- bass) and fruit juice as well as tea or coffee provided. Lots of singing and a few games on the menu.

Thursday 21 December: Singing around the wards at Shaftesbury Hospital to swell the ranks. 6.30 p.m. start

Wednesday 27 December: NO CHOIR

Wednesday 3 January: Choir meets as usual + a glass of something special to toast the New Year in.

CHOIR PICTURES

The full sized prints (unframed) of the picture of the choir that Mike Bailey painted last year have been produced and paid for. If you ordered one you can collect it at the party next week. £20. They are beautifully printed on high quality paper and all profits have been given to Shaftesbury Abbey.

also

Linda Indge (soprano) is making prints of the three lovely photographs that her husband took of us at the Quaker Meeting House earlier this month. If you ordered any, they too will be available next week. (Two sizes 7 x 5 and 6 x 4; £1.50 and £1.00 respectively.)

HOME GROWN LAMB

Shaftesbury Home Grown have a final half lamb and a number of sheep skins for sale. See the attached details from Matthew (tenor).

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 16 December (this weekend): Pilgrim Singers with special guest local girl Marta Fontanals-Simmons, now international mezzo-soprano fresh from Glyndebourne! Parish Church of St. Peter and Paul Wincanton at 7.30 p.m.

also

Christmas Concert given by the Gillingham Singers at East Stour Village Hall. See website or last week’s newsletter.

Sunday 17 December: Open air nativity play outside Shaftesbury Town Hall. The organisers would love any members of the community choir who are free to join in with the singing of five or six well-known carols. No rehearsal needed. Starts 1.00 p.m.

David

7 DECEMBER 2017

December 7, 2017

Dear All,

Great singing for the hospital last Saturday morning and for Santa and his entourage on Monday night. Karen’s round, when we joined forces with 100+ amazingly well-behaved youngsters from four of our local primary schools (with Jerome on drum of course), was an unqualified success. Congratulations all round. Good to see you a fair number of you at the Shoppers’ Service at St. Peter’s afterwards too.

Linda Indge (soprano) can make prints of the three lovely photographs that her husband took of us at the Quaker Meeting House. They are available in two sizes 7 x 5 and 6 x 4 at a cost of £1.50 and £1.00 respectively. The order sheet will be available next week and Linda will bring the prints to the choir party.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Friday 15 December: 2.15 p.m. Christmas entertainment for the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies. Durweston Village Hall. Usual dress code – i.e. shades of red above the waist, dark or black below.

Wednesday 20 December: Choir Christmas Party

Thursday 21 December: Singing around the wards at Shaftesbury Hospital to swell the ranks. 6.30 p.m.

Wednesday 27 December: NO CHOIR

Wednesday 3 January: Choir meets as usual + a glass of something special to toast the New Year in.

CHOIR PICTURE

Full sized prints (unframed) of the picture of the choir that Mike Bailey painted last year can be ordered from Julia at a special price of £20. They will be printed on high quality paper with all profits being given to Shaftesbury Abbey. Please let Julia know if you would like one a.s.a.p.

OTHER EVENTS

Thurs 7 – Sat 9 December: Rock Nativity by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent, to be performed in St Peter’s, St James’ and St Mary’s (Motcombe). 7.30 p.m. Lots of choir members and other familiar faces are taking part so do come and give it your support. See website or previous newsletters.

Saturday 16 December: Pilgrim Singers with special guest local girl Marta Fontanals-Simmons, now international mezzo-soprano fresh from Glyndebourne! Parish Church of St. Peter and Paul Wincanton at 7.30 p.m.

also

Christmas Concert given by the Gillingham Singers at East Stour Village Hall. See attached flyer.

Sunday 17 December: Open air nativity play outside Shaftesbury Town Hall. The organisers would love members of the community choir who are free to join in with the singing of five or six well-known carols. No rehearsal needed. Starts 1.00 p.m.

Sunday 31 December: NEW YEAR CELEBRATION, Wanstrow Village Hall, Near Frome www.wanstrowvillagehall.co.uk
FROM 5.30PM –MIDNIGHT. Harmonic Temple songs. SHARED MEAL –VEGETARIAN PLEASE, NO ALCOHOL. SHORT RITUAL for leaving the old year behind and welcoming the new one. Dance of Universal Peace & SEASONAL SONG. To book: Tel Rasullah 01749 850474 rasullah@btinternet.com Cost: £20, £15 CONCS

David

23 NOVEMBER 2017

November 27, 2017

Dear All,

We will revise all our Christmas repertoire next week and make our selection for performance on 2 December (see below). To remind you, we will be choosing from:

AUDIENCE CAROLS: In the bleak, Silent night, O little town, It came upon, Joy to the world, Away in a manger, O come.

CHOIR CAROLS: Carol of the Bells, Tune Your Harps, Boar’s Head, While Shepherds (Cornish tune), Rudolph, Hosanna, Fais Dodo, Hark the Herald (Durweston tune), Come Tune Your Cheerful Voice.

Don’t forget to look up the performance of While Shepherds by the Fishermen’s Friends on Youtube. There are also lots of performances of Carol of the Bells that you could maybe sing along to for practice purpose.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Saturday 2 December: Carol Singing. Quaker Meeting House (in aid of the Friends of Shaftesbury Hospital). Please arrive 10.30 for a 10.45 start.

Monday 4 December: 6.00 p.m. Christmas lights and late night shopping. Karen’s new Christmas round (Shaftesbury Christmas Lights) followed by a massed choir/audience sing-a-long of Deck the Hall, O Little Town, Silent Night, Rudolph and We Wish you a Merry Christmas, all with the Town Band accompanying.

Friday 15 December: 2.15pm Christmas entertainment for the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies. Durweston Village Hall.

Wednesday 20 December: Choir Christmas Party

Thursday 21 December: Singing around the wards at Shaftesbury Hospital to swell the ranks. More details next week.

Wednesday 27 December: NO CHOIR

Wednesday 3 January: Choir meets as usual + a glass of something special to toast the New Year in.

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 2 December: Autumn Concert given by the Gillingham Singers. See website or previous newsletters.

Thurs 7 – Sat 9 December: Rock Nativity by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent, to be performed in St Peter’s, St James’ and St Mary’s (Motcombe). 7.30 p.m. Lots of choir members are taking part so do come and give it your support. See website or previous newsletters.

Sunday 31 December: NEW YEAR CELEBRATION, Wanstrow Village Hall, Near Frome www.wanstrowvillagehall.co.uk
FROM 5.30PM –MIDNIGHT. Harmonic Temple songs. SHARED MEAL –VEGETARIAN PLEASE, NO ALCOHOL. SHORT RITUAL for leaving the old year behind and welcoming the new one Dance of Universal Peace & SEASONAL SONG.
To book: Tel Rasullah 01749 850474 rasullah@btinternet.com Cost: £20, £15 CONCS

16 NOVEMBER 2017

November 17, 2017

Dear All,

Our Christmas repertoire continues to grow! Do check the arrangements for our various events below as they are updated as the information becomes available. Also the growing list of Christmassy events in being given by other local groups that deserve our support.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Saturday 2 December: Carol Singing. Quaker Meeting House (in aid of the Friends of Shaftesbury Hospital). Please arrive 10.30 for a 10.45 start.

Friday 15 December: 2.15 Christmas entertainment for the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies. Durweston Village Hall.

Thursday 21 December: Singing around the wards at Shaftesbury Hospital. More details next week.

Wednesday 20 December: Choir Christmas Party

Wednesday 27 December: NO CHOIR

Wednesday 3 January: Choir meets as usual + a glass of something special to toast the New Year in.

OTHER EVENTS

Sunday 19 November: (this weekend) Lots happening:

The Gravellers at St Mary’s Motcombe in aid of Shaftesbury Women’s Refuge. 3.00 pm See flyer.

Ad Hoc Singers. 4.30 p.m. at Mere Church

Pagoda Project at Shaftesbury Arts Centre. 7.00 p.m. See website or previous newsletters.

until 21 November: DefinARTly in the gallery at Shaftesbury Arts Centre. Flyer attached

Saturday 25 November. Autumn Leaves concert given by Spectra Musica at St Mary’s Gillingham. See website or previous newsletters.

also

The Mill singers & Jubilate are putting on a concert for the Friends of the Hospital. 7.30pm. in St Peter’s Church Shaftesbury. Tickets available from the Hospital Reception or at the door cost £8.00 to include refreshments.

Saturday 2 December: Autumn Concert given by the Gillingham Singers. Flyer attached.

David

9 NOVEMBER 2017

November 16, 2017

Dear All,

Another great turnout and yet another really good sing last night. Our Christmas repertoire is going to be sensational!

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Saturday 2 December: morning. Quaker Meeting House (in aid of the Friends of Shaftesbury Hospital).

Monday 4 December: 6.00 p.m. Christmas lights and late night shopping. Karen’s new Christmas round (Shaftesbury Christmas Lights) followed by a massed choir/audience sing-a-long of Deck the Halls, O Little Town, Away in a Manger, Silent Night, Rudolph and We Wish you a Merry Christmas, all with the Town Band accompanying.

Friday 15 December: 2.15 Christmas entertainment for the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies. Durweston Village Hall.

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 11 November (this weekend): Jazz at St James. David Gordon Jazz Trio. See previous newsletters.

Sunday 19 November: Pagoda Project at Shaftesbury Arts Centre. See previous newsletters.

Saturday 25 November. Autumn Leaves concert given by Spectra Musica in Gillingham. See previous newsletters.

AND LOOKING AHEAD

Wednesday 20 December: Choir Christmas Party

Wednesday 27 December: NO CHOIR

Wednesday 3 January: Choir meets as usual + a glass of something special to toast the New Year in.

David

26 OCTOBER 2017

October 29, 2017

Dear All,

A great turnout and another really good sing last night. “Long and Winding Road” and “Don’t Worry Be Happy” are both pretty solid now, with the former staying in tune much, much better. Although I must confess I prefer the a cappella version of “Happy” that I posted the link to last week, some of you will enjoy https://youtu.be/-ozbX-yM8ao.

Next week we will be starting on our Christmas repertoire so can I remind you to check that you have our Christmas dates in your diaries please? Next week will also be BADGE WEDNESDAY. Please come along sporting a colourful name badge so we can all chat to a few new people. (Sticky labels provided for those who forget.)

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Saturday 2 December: morning. Quaker Meeting House (in aid of the Friends of Shaftesbury Hospital). Details to follow.

Monday 4 December: 6.00 p.m. Christmas lights and late night shopping. Provisionally, the Community Choir and a specially formed children’s choir will meet in St Peter’s Church at around 5.15. When Father Christmas + Town Band arrive shortly after 6.00 the massed choir will sing a Christmas round (probably “Christmas Bells”) and then the lights will be switched on. Then there will then be a massed choir/audience sing-a-long of Deck the Halls, O Little Town, Away in a Manger, Silent Night, Rudolph and We Wish you a Merry Christmas with the + band accompanying.

Friday 15 December: 2.15 Christmas entertainment for the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies. Durweston Village Hall. (Durweston is the home of lots of traditional Dorset carols, so watch this space!)

Christmas Eve: Probably singing at Grosvenor Hotel. Confirmation awaited.

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 28 October (this weekend). Sunny Side of Swing. Shroton. See flier.

Saturday 11 November: Jazz at St James. David Gordon Jazz Trio. See last week’s newsletter

Sunday 19 November: Pagoda Project at Shaftesbury Arts Centre. See flier.

Saturday 25 November. Autumn Leaves concert given by Spectra Musica in Gillingham. See flier.

David

19 OCTOBER 2017

October 20, 2017

Dear All,

A good sing last night with some great progress made on “Don’t Worry Be Happy” in particular. If you want a better idea of how the piece should sound, watch these two Youtube clips:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0wTDn2X5tg OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU

Can I also remind you to check that you have our Christmas dates in your diaries please?

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Saturday 2 December: morning. Quaker Meeting House (in aid of the Friends of Shaftesbury Hospital). Details to follow.

Monday 4 December: 6.00 p.m. Christmas lights and late night shopping. Details to follow.

Christmas Eve: Probably singing at Grosvenor Hotel. Confirmation awaited.

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 21 October (this Saturday): SING YOUR HEART OUT. Sarah Pennington and Gilo return to lead a day of vibrant songs to nourish the heart and bring joy to the spirit. Their singing days are always popular and fill up fast so it’s best to book early. Venue: Village Hall, Cranborne, BH21 5QBTime: 10.30am – 4.30pm Cost: £25 on the day / £20 if booked and paid by 14th October. Email:info@joyousisle.com Tel: 01202 885294 or 01258 840097

Saturday 11 November: Jazz at St James. David Gordon Jazz Trio. See attached flier.

Sunday 19 November: Pagoda Project at Shaftesbury Arts Centre. Full details on: http://www.shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk/events/pagoda-project/

BIG BANG PIZZA

No more pizzas until April I’m afraid!

MESSAGE FROM SHAFTESBURY HOME GROWN via Matthew (tenor)

Please let me know asap if you wish to buy a half or whole lamb and/ or a tanned sheep-skin. 2017 meat will be delivered mid-December; 2017 skins by about next summer. Please contact ml.tagney@btopenworld.com

With best wishes – Home-grown committee members.

Details: This year we are offering meat from this season’s Homegrown lambs at £7 per kilo for members (£7.50 for others), roughly half what you’d pay in a supermarket for many of the cuts. It means members pay about £50 for a medium-sized half lamb. Once lambs are butchered, we will know precise weights: in 2016, weights averaged 7Kg per half, some varying by about 1Kg. This year we have equal numbers of male and female; males tend to weigh more. Cuts will be vacuum-packed by the butcher: that costs us a bit more, but helps people to store in their freezer and identify cuts easily. We have up to 18 half-lambs to bid for; it will be first come first served.

We are also offering tanned skins at £55 each for members (£60 for others), again well below shop prices. We’ve up to 8 skins to bid for; again, first come first served.

David

5 OCTOBER 2017

October 11, 2017

Dear All,

Just a short newsletter this week to draw your attention to our Christmas calendar of events and to other events later this month which involve a number of good friends. Christmas gets very busy I know, so please make sure you put our choir performances in your diaries NOW!

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Saturday 2 December: morning. Quaker Meeting House (in aid of the Friends of Shaftesbury Hospital). Details to follow.

Monday 4 December: 6.00 p.m. Christmas lights and late night shopping. Details to follow.

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 7 October: Tisbury Arts Group Cabaret. Full details at: http://www.tisburyparishchurch.org/cabaret/

A Cabaret Evening | St Johns Tisbury

www.tisburyparishchurch.org

A cabaret – a lively new collaboration between TAG (the Tisbury Arts Group) and the St John’s Swingers (the 17 piece St John’s Church Tisbury band) in the ...

Sunday 15 October: Karen’s choral piece “Heartwood” at Springhead. Flier attached.

Saturday 21 October: SING YOUR HEART OUT. Sarah Pennington and Gilo return to lead a day of vibrant songs to nourish the heart and bring joy to the spirit. Their singing days are always popular and fill up fast so it’s best to book early. Venue: Village Hall, Cranborne, BH21 5QBTime: 10.30am – 4.30pm Cost: £25 on the day / £20 if booked and paid by 14th October. Email: info@joyousisle.com Tel: 01202 885294 or 01258 840097

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

21 SEPTEMBER 2017

September 21, 2017

Dear All,

It was lovely to see new faces as well as some old friends last night and there was some great singing too. We are a bit worried about our performance this coming Sunday at Holnest however (see below). We were expecting maybe 40 or so singers but it is looking like there may only be around half that number! Do support us and the ”Future Roots” Project if you possibly can. If you didn’t pick up a parking pass last night you can get one from Julia. Alternatively, if you need to pay £5 for parking, the choir will reimburse you. Either way, PLEASE come if you are able. Two other things: don’t forget Bring-a-Friend Day next week; also we have been invited to give a couple more performances in the run up to Christmas. Please put the dates in your diaries now.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

This Sunday 24 September: Holnest Country Fayre. Rylands Farm DT9 5PS. Arrive 1.45 for 2.00 start. NOTE EARLIER TIME.

Programme: Let the Sunshine, Bela Mama, Hold On, Sunshine Fire and Rain, Java Jive, Let’s call the whole thing off, Follow the Heron, Wake Up, Tree of life, My Little Cup, Evo Banke, Morning has come, Green Man, Throw It Away, Run Rabbit Run.

Dress code: shades of red of course.

Next Wednesday 27 September: Bring-a-Friend Day. Four or five completely new songs, so absolutely perfect for regulars, lapsed members and newcomers alike. £3 + mug as usual. Do try and make a few friends over the coming week and bring them along. (Who knows who you might meet at Rylands Farm for example!)

Saturday 2 December: morning. Quaker Meeting House (in aid of the Friends of Shaftesbury Hospital). Details to follow.

Monday 4 December: 6.00 p.m. Christmas lights and late night shopping. Details to follow.

CHORAL HISTORY OF BRITAIN

This has the makings of an excellent series. Wednesdays 9.00 am (repeated 9.30 pm) Radio 4. Thanks Irene (lapsed soprano!!) for flagging this up. You’ll be able to catch the first episode on i-player: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0952str

BBC Radio 4 - Choral History of Britain, Series 1, Singing ...

www.bbc.co.uk

Roderick Williams explores how singing together is at the heart of being human and the social bonds we make. From protest songs and football chants, to work choirs ...

LITHUANIAN FOLK MUSIC

Don’t forget to look up Sutartinės if you are interested– Lithuania’s unique multipart songs, complete with quarter tones.

OTHER EVENTS

Sunday 24 September: (same day as Holnest) Templecombe Ladies’ Choir concert.

Saturday 7 October: Tisbury Arts Group Cabaret. Full details at: http://www.tisburyparishchurch.org/cabaret/

A Cabaret Evening | St Johns Tisbury

www.tisburyparishchurch.org

The Tisbury Arts Group (TAG) and our St John’s Church Band (pictured) – some of our best local talent – combine forces to present a lively evening of music and ...

Sunday 15 October Karen’s choral piece “Heartwood” at Springhead.

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

14 SEPTEMBER 2017

September 14, 2017

Dear All,

Although it is a great pity that Stourhead had to be called all off, all our hard work will not go to waste as we have received a last minute invitation to sing for Shaftesbury Home Grown THIS COMING SATURDAY MORNING. We do hope you can make it. Arrive 10.15 at the Quaker Meeting House, Abbey Walk (just off Bimport, and very close to the hospital and Trinity Centre) for a 10.30 start. See attached flier.

Programme: Let the Sunshine, Hold On, Sunshine Fire and Rain, Java Jive, Let’s call the whole thing off, Follow the Heron, Wake Up, Tree of life, My Little Cup, Evo Banke, Morning has come, Green Man, Throw It Away, Run Rabbit Run.

Dress code: shades of red of course.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Sunday 24 September: Holnest Country Fayre. Rylands Farm DT9 5PS. Arrive 2.15 for a 2.30. (In aid of the Future Roots project) Look it up on http://www.futureroots.net/ We have been given only 10 parking permits so it would be most helpful if choir members could share cars. However, if we need to use more cars the choir will reimburse the £5 charge. If we could all ask around and sort ourselves out, it would make Julia’s life a LOT easier!

Future Roots Care Farm, Dorset

www.futureroots.net

The idea of Future Roots was founded by Julie Plumley in 2006. She grew up on a dairy farm in Dorset, and qualified as a social worker … read more...

Wednesday 27 September: Bring-a-Friend Day. Four or five completely new songs, so absolutely perfect for regulars, lapsed members and newcomers alike. £3 + mug as usual. Do try and make a few friends over the next couple of weeks and bring them along.

The recordings we made last night of “Go Placidly” and “Follow the Heron” can be heard on the LISTEN page.

OTHER EVENTS

Sunday 24 September: (same day as Holnest) Templecombe Ladies’ Choir concert.

Saturday 7 October: Tisbury Arts Group Cabaret.

Sunday 15 October Karen’s choral piece “Heartwood” at Springhead.

SHAFTESBURY HOSPITAL

Dick (bass) reported the really excellent news that the Westminster Hospital is to be saved, a decision welcomed by Simon Hoare MP who writes:

"I warmly welcome the CCG recommendation to retain beds at the Westminster Memorial and to explore commissioning of a new health hub. There was a huge local campaign to retain these beds and the CCG has been as good as its word. The CCG promised me that it would listen to local voices and it is. There will be huge relief among my Constituents and I share that. I will continue to work with the CCG to ensure the best outcomes for North Dorset”

SIERRA LEONE

As you know, it has been suggested that the choir might like to raise money to help the people of Sierra Leone caught up in the devastating mudslide outside the capital, Freetown. Our intentions have been overtaken by other events, but the disaster has not been forgotten. One idea is to sing one morning in the town centre. When we did something similar for the tsunami in the Philippines a few years ago it raised several hundred pounds. Please come armed with your ideas next week.

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

8 SEPTEMBER 2017

September 8, 2017

CANCELLED CANCELLED CANCELLED

Dear All,

The National Trust have cancelled tomorrow's event I am afraid. See message below.

Please pass on the news to everyone you know, especially any who do not have or do not regularly check their e-mails.

What a pity as our singing on Wednesday was excellent.

In haste .. I have phone calls to make!!

David

:=(

Shaftesbury Community Choir and Gasworks Choir are both due to perform tomorrow at Stourhead. We have been keeping an eye on the weather this week and unfortunately it is looking as though there will be thunderstorms over Stourhead (an 80% chance or above) for the late morning / lunchtime and afternoon period. All the locations for the performances are outdoors with no cover. We are also aware that the visiting public pay close attention to a weather forecast when making the decision to visit. Therefore after much consideration and deliberation we have decided to cancel tomorrows performances. I am sorry for the short notice, I have been hoping the forecast was going to change but the odds of the storms are increasing not decreasing. We have no indoor locations for performances and I fear that you would be singing to empty courtyards and gardens.

7 SEPTEMBER 2017

September 7, 2017

Dear All,

STOURHEAD

Great singing again last night. Our performance at Stourhead this coming Saturday should be sensational! Arrangements as follows:

Arrive 11 a.m. (approx.) and meet in the area by the restaurant / shop.

Sing: 11.30-12.00 (House Lawn); 12.30-1.00 (Spread Eagle Courtyard) and 2.00-2.30 (Restaurant Courtyard). We have a break from 1.00 to 2.00. Tea, coffee and of course scones will be provided afterwards but we need to bring our own picnics for lunch.

Programme: Let the Sunshine, Hold On, Sunshine Fire and Rain, Java Jive, Let’s call the whole thing off, Follow the Heron, Wake Up, Tree of life, Anthem, My Little Cup, Evo Banke, Morning has come, Green Man, Throw It Away, Run Rabbit Run.

Dress code: shades of red.

Entry is free for all choir members but please bring NT membership cards if you have them. If anyone is bringing along family or friends for support then they will need to pay for their own entry to the property or show their NT membership cards if they are members.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Sunday 24 September: Holnest Country Fayre. Rylands Farm, nr Sherborne. 2.00 – 2.45. (In aid of the Future Roots project) Look it up on http://www.futureroots.net/ Full details next week.

Future Roots Care Farm, Dorset

www.futureroots.net

The idea of Future Roots was founded by Julie Plumley in 2006. She grew up on a dairy farm in Dorset, and qualified as a social worker … read more...

Wednesday 27 September: Bring-a-Friend Day. Four or five new songs for regulars and newcomers alike. More details later.

Friday 15 December: 2.15 Christmas entertainment for the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies. Durweston Village Hall. (Durweston is the home of lots of traditional Dorset carols, so watch this space!)

OTHER EVENTS

Fri 8 – Sun 10 September: Cherubim Music Festival, Tisbury. See attached flier.

Saturday 9 September: (same day as Stourhead) Gillingham Walking Festival - Cheese and Wine Evening. Full details in previous newsletters and on our website.

Sunday 24 September: (same day as Holnest) Templecombe Ladies’ Choir concert. See attached flier.

Saturday 7 October: Tisbury Arts Group Cabaret. Tickets won’t be on sale until the beginning of September but it’s going to be a lively evening so please put the date in your diary if you’d like to come. Full details in previous newsletters and on our website.

Sunday 15 October Karen’s choral piece “Heartwood” at Springhead.

SIERRA LEONE

BIG BANG PIZZA

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

24 AUGUST 2017

August 25, 2017

Dear All

Every teacher knows that the weather has a significant effect on the success or otherwise of a lesson. In my experience, windy weather (more so than snow in fact) was always the most problematic – certainly when it came to dealing with teenagers. Last night it seemed to be the humidity rather than the heat that affected us. Working on our Stourhead programme (see up to date information below) it was mighty hard work for all! Still, we have another two weeks to get our act together and we’ll get there. We always do.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Saturday 9 September: Singing at Stourhead. Arrive 11am (approx.) Sing: 11.30-12.00 (House Lawn); 12.30-1.00 (Spread Eagle Courtyard) and 2.00-2.30 (Restaurant Courtyard). We have a break from 1.00 to 2.00. Tea, coffee and of course scones will be provided afterwards but we need to bring our own picnics for lunch.

Our programme will be selected from the following (most of which have a seasonal / times of day / nature / food theme): Let the Sunshine, Hold On, Sunshine Fire and Rain, Java Jive, Let’s call the whole thing off, Follow the Heron, Wake Up, Tree of life, Anthem, My Little Cup, Evo Banke, Morning has come, Green Man, Throw It Away, It don't mean a thing, Run Rabbit Run.

Dress code: shades of red.

Sunday 24 September: Holnest Country Fayre. Rylands Farm, nr Sherborne. 2.00 – 2.45. (In aid of the Future Roots project) Look it up on http://www.futureroots.net/ A flier is also attached.

Wednesday 27 September: Bring-a-Friend Day. Four or five new songs for regulars and newcomers alike. More details later.

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday 26 August: (this weekend) Quentin Edwards (flute) and I are giving a short lunchtime concert at St Thomas’ Church, Salisbury. 12.00. Admission free! It would be great to see a few familiar faces in the audience.

Tuesday 29 August: (next week) Rehearsals start for “Rock Nativity”. 7.30 p.m. in Motcombe Church.

Saturday 9 September: (same day as Stourhead) Gillingham Walking Festival - Cheese and Wine Evening. See last week’s newsletter for more details.

Sunday 15 October Karen’s choral piece “Heartwood” at Springhead.

SIERRA LEONE

As you know, it has been suggested that the choir might like to raise money to help the people of Sierra Leone caught up in the devastating mudslide outside the capital, Freetown. One idea has been to sing one morning in the town centre. When we did something similar for the tsunami in the Philippines a few years ago it raised several hundred pounds. Please come armed with your ideas next week.

SHAFTESBURY HOMEGROWN

Our Community Farm needs you

- To vote for us with your Tesco tokens throughout September and October

- To join in with our project of sustainable fruit and vegetable growing and animal husbandry

Please come and find out more at a COFFEE MORNING, SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 10am-12.30pm at the Quaker Meeting House, Abbey Walk, Shaftesbury.

Palida choir, cakes and a short presentation – for further details contact Debbie Simmons, Tel 01747 850439. Email: dsimmons.tads@btinternet.com

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

18 AUGUST 2017

August 18, 2017

Dear All

Small numbers last night but some brilliant singing nonetheless. Julie’s trial-wedding cake / trial wedding-cake was spectacular too. Thankyou for allowing us to be your guinea pigs and, in addition, enabling us to celebrate Julia’s birthday and the success of Clare’s (soprano) courageous Cancer Research sky-dive with such style. Clare has already raised well in excess of £1,500. Photos of the cake (+ Julia) and Clare attached.

It has been suggested that the choir might like to raise money to help the people of Sierra Leone caught up in the devastating mudslide outside the capital, Freetown. One idea has been to sing one morning in the town centre. When we did something similar for the tsunami in the Philippines a few years ago it raised several hundred pounds. Please come armed with your ideas next week.

COMING CHOIR EVENTS

Saturday 9 September: Singing at Stourhead. Arrive 11am (approx.) Sing: 11.30-12.00; 12.30-1.00 and 2.00-2.30. Tea, coffee and of course scones will be provided afterwards. Our programme will be selected from the following (most of which have a seasonal / times of day / nature / food theme): Let the Sunshine, Hold On, Sunshine Fire and Rain, Java Jive, Let’s call the whole thing off, Follow the Heron, Wake Up, Tree of life, Anthem, My Little Cup, Evo Banke, Morning has come, Green Man, Throw It Away, It don't mean a thing, Run Rabbit Run.

Sunday 24 September: Holnest Country Fayre. Rylands Farm, nr Sherborne. 2.00 – 2.45. (In aid of the Future Roots project) Look it up on http://www.futureroots.net/

Future Roots Care Farm, Dorset

www.futureroots.net

The idea of Future Roots was founded by Julie Plumley in 2006. She grew up on a dairy farm in Dorset, and qualified as a social worker … read more...

Wednesday 27 September: Bring-a-Friend Day. Four or five new songs for regulars and newcomers alike. More details later.

OTHER EVENTS

Tuesday 22 August: (next week) Interest meeting for the production of “Rock Nativity” on 7, 8 and 9 December. 7.30 p.m. in Motcombe Church. See last week’s newsletter for more details.

Saturday 9 September: (same day as Stourhead) Gillingham Walking Festival - Cheese and Wine Evening. See attached flier.

Sunday 15 October Karen’s choral piece “Heartwood” at Springhead. See last week’s newsletter for more details.

LATVIAN CHOIR

If you are registered with i-player you should be able to see the wonderful choir from Riga in Latvia which both opened the Rachmaninov Proms the other day and which also sang between the performance of Rach’s third piano concerto (one of my favourites) and his second symphony. I particularly liked the way the opening singing led straight into the concerto. The link below should work.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b091gh8x/bbc-proms-2017-dausgaards-rachmaninov

IN THE NEWS

The link below, which will be of interest to ALL, is an article from The Times last week.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/richard-morrison-id-like-to-teach-the-world-to-sing-the-harmonys-less-important-2rk6fdp0z?shareToken=097d5486befa46ac9aa639d33d6e308f

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

11 AUGUST 2017

August 11, 2017

Dear All

Lovely singing again on Wednesday night. Bravo! A special treat next week (as a reward maybe). We have been offered a trial wedding cake for the cost of the ingredients. (By which is meant a trial wedding-cake, NOT a trial-wedding cake. At least, I assume that is what is meant.) It is coffee and cardamom with chocolate ganache filling and orange butter icing. It's HUGE and will be the devil to serve but it’ll be there next week and you are welcome to treat yourself to a slice or two. Cost per slice will be £1.50. Bring a Tupperware container if you want to take some away too.

COMING EVENTS

Saturday 9 September: Singing at Stourhead. More details to follow.

Sunday 24 September: Holnest Country Fayre. Rylands Farm, nr Sherborne. 2.00 – 2.45. (In aid of the Future Roots project) Look it up on http://www.futureroots.net/

Future Roots Care Farm, Dorset

www.futureroots.net

The idea of Future Roots was founded by Julie Plumley in 2006. She grew up on a dairy farm in Dorset, and qualified as a social worker … read more...

Wednesday 27 September: At last - our long awaited Bring-a-Friend Day. Four or five new songs for regulars and newcomers alike. More details later.

HEARTWOOD

Karen’s choral piece “Heartwood” is being performed at Springhead on Sunday 15 October as part of their conference on ash trees. Three performances starting at 12.00 midday. Everyone welcome. Karen mentioned it to us a while back and a few people have already come forward to take part. It's a processional with walking and singing across fields so should appeal particularly to the hale and hearty amongst us! It is open to everyone, so if you know of anyone who might be interested do put them in touch. More details below on “Singers Call”

COME AND JOIN US TO SING IN HEARTWOOD

Heartwood celebrates the ecological and cultural value of ash trees in our landscape. Performances will take will take place on October 15th 2017 at Springhead http://www.springheadtrust.org.uk/ and will be the culmination of a national conference on ash trees. It will be a really exciting and unusual event!!

The work is an acapella choral piece combined with the sounds of an amplified ash tree. It is an outdoor promenade performance and requires people to walk and sing, so a degree of fitness is required! The score is of medium difficulty.

Rehearsal wise, there are possible rehearsals at Springhead on Sunday 10th September 3.00 –6.00 and Sunday 24th September 6.00 –9.00. The piece will also be taught on Tuesday rehearsals at Palida choir, Shaftesbury Arts Centre throughout September 7.30 –9.00pm and there is the option of joining in with some of these. (http://www.palidachoir.com/) Springhead also have an open day on July 16th and people are welcome to come along, enjoy the gardens and find out more about Heartwood (I’ll be there to present the piece at 4.00pm). Recorded rehearsal tracks are provided.

Please contact Karen Wimhurst at karen@karenwimhurst.co.uk tel. 01747 850978 for more details.

ROCK NATIVITY

Following on from the productions of Joseph and Godspell, there is to be a production of Rock Nativity on 7, 8 and 9 December in St Mary’s Motcombe and St Peter’s and St James’ in Shaftesbury. All are welcome to take part. There will be an initial interest meeting on Tuesday 22 August at 7.30 p.m. in Motcombe Church. Thereafter, rehearsals will be on Tuesday evenings. Tell your friends too!

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

3 AUGUST 2017

August 3, 2017

Dear All

More accolades following our concert at St James’ the other week. This from their Parish News: 'To round up the celebrations of our 150th anniversary, the Shaftesbury Community Choir, together with the Uke Shack Ensemble provided a full church with a wonderfully enjoying and entertaining afternoon of varied music followed by tea. Resplendent in various shades of red, the choir sang with infectious enthusiasm and enjoyment. What a fun afternoon!'

COMING EVENTS

Sunday 24 September: Holnest Country Fayre. Rylands Farm, nr Sherborne. 2.00 – 2.45. (In aid of the Future Roots project) Look it up on http://www.futureroots.net/ We are still awaiting final details.

Friday 15 December: 2.15 Christmas entertainment for the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies. Durweston Village Hall.

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

IMMINENT DATE FOR YOUR DIARY – i.e. THIS EVENING

I am attaching a flier for Miracle Theatre who are performing “The Third Policeman” at Springhead, Fontmell Magna.

ROCK NATIVITY

Following on from the productions of Joseph and Godspell, there is to be a production of Rock Nativity on 7, 8 and 9 December in St Mary’s Motcombe and St Peter’s and St James’ in Shaftesbury. All are welcome to take part. There will be an initial interest meeting on Tuesday 22 August at 7.30 p.m. in Motcombe Church. Thereafter, rehearsals will be on Tuesday evenings. Tell your friends too!

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

STOP PRESS

The Red Arrows are doing a fly-past at Compton Abbas Airfield on Saturday at shortly after midday!