27 singers, including a welcome newcomer, Carol, and a welcome return visit from Margo, gathered at the Barn. It was another busy and sociable evening, beginning with a briefing about plans for the Weald and Downland Museum’s Advent Market event on November 27th. (More info on this and our Sing at Petworth House on December 10th will be shared with all as soon as confirmed). Looking even further ahead to the New Year, we agreed to forgo meeting at the Barn on January 5th in favour of joining the Wassail singing in Tarring village the same evening. Some information was also passed on to singers, from Leigh, about a talk on Hilaire Belloc by Chris Hare.
In pre-Covid times this month would have been the SDFS AGM - yet to be resumed as a full meeting. In the interim, to fulfil the minimum requirement, our Treasurer Angela presented the annual accounts for information and scrutiny by singers. (Copies available to all our singers by email request). Invitation was made to singers from any of our three local groups, to volunteer and join the SDFS committee - face to face meetings (about 3 or 4 times a year) are due to resume soon.
Prior warning had been given to bring songs for the winter and festive season (to brush the dust off possible choices for the November and December events). The first request made from these was “ Holly and Ivy”, then sung with festive gusto. “The Coppers Christmas Song”; "While Shepherds Watched (Pentonville)”; “Angel Gabriel”; “Sussex Carol” and “Sweeting Chiming Bells” followed with equal enjoyment. Also requested before a break were some rounds, “Hey Ho Winter Snow” and "Gather Round the Fire, Let the bright warming cheer your heart, Hail the woodland Lord.”
In the break Michael gave details of a new folk sing-around in Arundel, Gill shared some musical memorabilia, and we all sang Alan’s version of 'Happy Birthday’ for a new great-grandchild born today, and to our Lead and singers with October birthdays. Our festive singing resumed with another request, "Ding Dong Merrily on High”, but this was then rejected as not yet in our existing set on the Blog (but could be a possible addition for 2023). We continued with familiar songs “Hark the Herald Angels”; “Holly Bears a Berry”; “Poor Froze Gardeners” and “Where Stormy Winds do Blow”. By then time was running out, so we concluded with the gentleness of “Fields Lie Silent”. Thanks to all present for your positive energy and a busy and enjoyable session! Song choices for our festive events will now be finalised and we’ll doubtless revisit them, amongst others, at our next meeting at the Barn in November.
No comments:
Post a Comment