How absolutely gorgeous it is once again outside, clear blue skies at the moment, birds in abundance on the feeders, while the brightly coloured pheasant pecks up the fallen seeds as frantically as possible while keeping the pigeons at bay! Not a huge amount has happened since last month’s magazine. February being taken up mostly with rehearsals for the Lord Mayor’s Concert! although a small group, dressed in J.A. attire, met at our lovely little church for a photo shoot on a sunny Friday afternoon. On Tuesday 25th a small group of singers joined James for a service at Oak Lodge, lovely to see so many who were able to join us, accompanied by Paul on the keyboard. Everywhere as always, looking lovely, Valentine’s decorations still around for all to enjoy, the sun streaming through the windows although bitterly cold outside.
1st March, finally here, the concert. All singers were at the Anvil for the start of the rehearsal at 1.30, the first time we had all been together with the Heritage Light Orchestra and all those who took part, which was fun and quite entertaining at times. The choirs left at 4.30 so plenty of time to eat before being back at 7.00pm. What a concert it was, everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves and felt they could do it all over again! ‘Why We Sing’ was the opening number, brilliant, which says it all. The soloist was the amazing Amelia Gruzelier, not quite 13 yrs yet. Such a beautiful voice, not a tremor as she faced a packed Anvil, outstanding, a great future for this gorgeous girl. ‘Scarborough Fair’ ‘Skye Boat Song’ and ‘Llanfair’ all followed. Then came Hatch Warren Infant School who were an absolute delight. They sang ‘Gospel Medley’ ‘African Medley’ ‘A Keelie Makolay’ ‘Soualle’ ‘Senwas Dedende’ and ‘Zimbole’ with actions! A Tribute to WW2 followed with ‘Calling All Workers’ ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’ and the ‘Dambusters March’ which came with sound effects and lights! The last before the interval were the beautiful Nupura Dance Group who performed their lovely dance to ‘Jai Ho’ from Slumdog Millonaire. After a refreshing ice cream, back in for the 2nd half, which went much too quickly. ‘Africa’ ‘Kuimba’ and ‘Siyahamba’ sung by the choirs, the orchestra followed this with ‘Theme from Pride and Prejudice’ unfortunately, no Mr. Darcy! Basingstoke Amateur Operatic Society followed with ‘A Moment in the Assembly Rooms in Basingstoke’ and a short scene with words extracted from letters written by Jane Austen. ‘You Raise Me Up’ was sung after by the choirs. A new Gospel group followed, Basingstoke African Caribbean Catholic Association Choir, brilliant. ‘Hine e Hine’ sang by the male voice choir, followed by ‘When You Believe’ and last of all ‘Let There Be Peace’ both sang by the choirs ended a magical, superb evening. A Huge Thank You to all those involved in all aspects, far, far too many to mention. Hopefully a large amount was raised for the Mayor’s Charity Appeal which are:- North Hampshire Prostate Cancer Support Group and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation. After a few weeks we are now back to earth, although occasionally, certain songs come flooding back!
Friday 14th was Book Group which Rachel kindly hosted, many thanks Rachel. Also, thanks to Marilyn, Chris & Linda for the wonderful cakes. The book under discussion was ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ by Richard Osman, obviously enjoyed as a score of 8 was given. Monday 17th was Coffee & Cake in the Village hall, which after a slow start saw all the tables full and the sound of chatter everywhere. Excellent. Thank you to Shona, Rachel & Emma for the delicious cakes & coffee. great to see Charlie there (Rachel’s husband) who spoke a brief sentence about next year’s Panto. My lips are sealed! The blackbird’s song it heard now, even above the rooks, joy. Skylarks and yellow hammers have also been spotted. Blackthorn is starting to burst into flower in warm spots, Hawthorn buds are bursting into leaf, that wonderful time of the year is coming. Daffodils looking beautiful everywhere, time to plant and look forward to the first shoots appearing. The clocks go forward at the end of the month, fantastic. Longer days here we come. Mike has just finished mowing, time for a cuppa. Enjoy.