This Newsletter may have had a few months’ break, but the Society certainly hasn’t. The Triple Bill attracted critical acclaim back in November, although it played to disappointing audience numbers (apart from the opening night). The directors would like to thank the chorus for their most appropriate self-costuming. The Courier reporter talked about the Zoo costumes being in the “worst possible taste”, but presumably meant the expression in its complimentary sense.
The last two concerts of the year included an interesting one at St Bernard’s, Boothtown, which was accompanied by a continuous bar, with a discreet potboy doing the rounds during the singing. He was also most attentive in fetching our own drinks (before and after, not during), and we look forward to our repeat visit in June.
The Society was shocked and saddened to hear of David Ward’s death from a heart attack, just into the new year. He seemed to have made a good recovery from his serious attack three years’ previously, and had been his usual jovial character during his visit to the show in November. David played a huge part in the Society’s history, and our thoughts and sympathy are with Mary and the family. Several of us went to Brandesburton for David’s funeral, and a full appreciation will appear in the next Newsletter.
Members and Patrons will receive the AGM documents with this Newsletter. It takes place on Friday March 30 at All Saints (7.45 p.m.).
This is also the time when subscriptions are due. At the last AGM it was agreed to raise subscriptions, for the first time in well over ten years, and from this year the regular rate is £15.00, with Patrons paying £7.50. We think this still represents good value in helping to maintain the Society’s activities, and would be delighted to welcome any new Members or Patrons. Every little bit helps!
At the end of September we were delighted to receive a substantial (one-off) financial contribution from the Halifax. Many thanks to Ian Hillis for guiding our application, the success of which helped to transform a working loss over the last year into a small surplus.
Last year’s Evening at the Races was a successful fund-raiser for the Society, and would have done even better if it hadn’t been snowing. We are hoping to tempt along more people at a repeat performance on the evening of Sunday May 20, probably at the Playhouse Bar. More details to follow, but in the meantime please put the date in your diaries.
There will be two concerts in September, one in Emley and one in Warley St John’s. Dates have still to be confirmed.
During Show week there was an exhibition in the Bar of John Worrilow’s water-colours of characters from the G & S operas, based on the cigarette card series. The Society has bought these for re-sale, and they are on offer at £15.00 each (framed). We will bring a selection to concerts and club nights, but if there is a particular one you’d like, please let us know. Available characters are :
Auditions for this November’s show will be held at All Saints Church Hall on the afternoon of Sunday May 6. Details of audition pieces should be available from Kathryn Buxton by the end of March. Please note that auditions are not limited to existing Society members, so if you have a friend who would be interested in taking part, please put them in touch with us.