Worthing Local Group Report - Thursday July 7th 2022

30 of us gathered on a warm summer evening to sing, learn and socialise. We welcomed John after his long absence and he updated everyone on the event programme he's been working on behind the scenes (all listed on the Diary Page of this Blog). Then, guided as ever by Emily, and with advice from Alan on his songs, we enjoyed songs old and new for the simple pleasure of singing them and also to polish some for performance at coming events.  "Jim the Carter Lad" got us moving, with the percussive addition of a hand-clap immediately after singing the word "crack" in the chorus. A bit of a challenge to start with but mastered by most!  Jim was followed by the "Brisk Young Ploughboy", before we spent time learning Alan's beautiful "Lammas Carol". Harmonies were considered but at this stage, and for performance on July 30th at the Weald and Downland Museum event, the melody was our priority.   "Green Grow the Laurels" was revived and enjoyed with a gusto befitting the 'deceived woman' it describes, before we calmed and continued with another new song "Oldland Mill", this time including the range of harmonies it offers.  A latish but well-earned break left us with a shortened second half.  We resumed by revisiting the "Lammas Carol", singing "One for the Rook" and revisiting "Oldland Mill" to consolidate our learning. The evening closed with another song we are beginning to learn, Alan's song "My Downland Remembered".  More on that next month we hope.  Thanks again to Emily, Alan, and everyone there.