JOY AND SORROW COMBINED

Our St David’s Day weekend celebrated our MD Elaine’s 200th concert with a presentation to her at our Saturday Concert in Thornden Hall, Chandler’s Ford. It sadly served to remind us that this much loved and respected lady has decided to retire in June. In spite of this the evening turned out to be a joyous occasion before a large, appreciative audience.
 
We were delighted to share the stage with the hugely impressive Romsey Youth Choir under their inspirational director Marion Maxey B.E.M. presenting us with a varied programme full of precision, passion and astonishing harmonies. The evening was further enhanced by the renowned Celtic Harpist, Harriet Earls, a truly fabulous exponent of this beautiful art. We were all rewarded with a spontaneous standing ovation.
 
This was, in fact, our second one of the weekend. The previous saw us in the beautiful historic setting of St Saviour’s Church, Brockenhurst. The church was full to bursting with such an enthusiastic audience.
 
We were joined on this occasion by the delightful, ‘Friday Girls’, directed and accompanied by the truly accomplished Cynthia Wilson. These terrific ladies not only provided first class entertainment but fed us royally before the concert.
 
One final cause for celebration was the first concert for seven members of our newly formed Cirencester Group. We are so pleased to welcome them to the family.
 
We were as always accompanied by the incomparable Sian Davies and compered by Phil Howells in his own inimitable style.
 
Thanks to Jeff James our Concert Organiser for England and Tour Organiser Peter Oliver.
 
Written by Peter Edkins