A new season, several concerts and no reduction in rehearsal enthusiasm.
Shelagh Illingworth was totally delightful when she presented David’s memorial jewel to Ian prior to the Cantorion concert. Can Cantorion be learning something from us? Their second half seemed to be about putting things on for audiences rather than showing how technically proficient they are.
Many of us couldn’t see Elizabeth at the Holmfirth concert. Camp followers describe choristers bobbing up and down and in and out as they tried to get some sight of her. Like that child’s toy when you hammer a post into a hole and another one always pops up.
I hadn’t realised just how much Ray Burkenshaw moves about when he sings. In the livelier numbers he could cause grievous bodily harm. ‘Rocker’ Ray.
Dave Haigh and Rod Gooch have taken up snooker. First it was golf and now its snooker. So competitive. Like me and my brother.
Jean Gowling looked splendid on tour. Cheeky sparkle, piratical headscarf tied at a racy angle.
The Hambletons ordered the best meals in the Helmsley ‘Italian’. Ed regaled us with a story about a Japanese vase which no one could understand why he’d bought – including Elizabeth, after they’d wed. She’s happier now though, it’s been recently valued at £1200. He won’t have it much longer if he treats it like his luggage.
The only cheer we got in Scarborough was when Derek Haigh walked on stage. Apparently he enjoys playing the occasional round of golf.
Do take breakfast on the terrace of ‘The Clock Cafe’, next to The Spa. It’s cooked to order, but eat it quick, even in the autumn sunshine.
The Arts Centre gave us free beer at the interval – marvellous. Ibbo and Clive told stories of childhood and adolescent Salford days. Ibbo was the only one sober working the last steam tug on the Manchester Ship Canal. Doesn’t bare thinking about.
Ian Lister is a hawkeye. At Holmfirth, he spotted the cuffs on my white shirt just exceeded the regulation half inch exposure below jacket sleeve. I tried to hide my suade shoes in Helmsley, but patently failed. Guilty as charged – I’m a gout sufferer with failing vision.
It was terrific to hear Elizabeth’s thoughts at the AGM on how the choir was doing. Her two aims were being fulfilled; to improve musically in a relaxed, friendly, mutually encouraging atmosphere. The choir was learning new pieces faster, pieces with varied musical styles sung by soloists and small groups as well as the full ensemble – all to broaden the fan base. She was especially pleased how many new members there were this year.
