Chair's report 2014
The Chair is pleased to report that Let Us Sing! 2014 went very well. Our key goal was achieved, namely that many of the people in the room were previously unknown to us, or we had only met them occasionally, so offering the opportunity to sing in this new location can be deemed a success. People attending came from counties in the South, West, South and West Midlands, London, East Anglia, the North West and Scotland, which was most gratifying.
A thoroughly enjoyable time was had by those who attended. The coming together of singers from different parts of the country gave us all the opportunity, not only to make new friends, but to enjoy new songs and those that we do not regularly sing. On Saturday, we sang 75 songs from The Sacred Harp, and 65 on Sunday, representing 125 individual songs; see the full Minutes.
Saturday evening, following sociable fish & chips, saw the stalwarts enjoying an introduction to Christian Harmony, in brain-scrambling 7-shapes, ably led by Michael Walker, plus a selection of “New England & New Writings” songs led by Steve Fletcher, until our voices gave out.
A thoroughly enjoyable time was had by those who attended. The coming together of singers from different parts of the country gave us all the opportunity, not only to make new friends, but to enjoy new songs and those that we do not regularly sing. On Saturday, we sang 75 songs from The Sacred Harp, and 65 on Sunday, representing 125 individual songs; see the full Minutes.
Saturday evening, following sociable fish & chips, saw the stalwarts enjoying an introduction to Christian Harmony, in brain-scrambling 7-shapes, ably led by Michael Walker, plus a selection of “New England & New Writings” songs led by Steve Fletcher, until our voices gave out.
The event was blessed with warm, sunny weather, and the venue proved to be every bit as good as expected, receiving positive acclaim. The quality, size and presentation of the space; the rose garden smelling lovely at this time of year; the kitchen; the parking; the nearby playground much appreciated by the several children. The presence of the Civic Hall Manager and her team throughout the event was an added bonus, not least as this enabled singers to wet their whistles in the Bar at lunchtimes and during the evening session.
An important part of the days’ success is due to a number of people who contributed to the smooth running of the event; special thanks go to Mandy Townsend, Claire Shearman & Bear Williams, Werner Ullah, Michael Walker, Nick Hall & Rachel Jordan and Sofi Mogensen; and Chaplains, Richard Percival, Mary Bolge, Adrian Bolge and Martin Williams. They were willingly supported by the volunteers who arranged food, served refreshments and washed up.
A big thank you to everyone who came to Didcot!
A big thank you to everyone who came to Didcot!