Chichester Local Group Report - Thursday January 18th 2024

Thirteen singers shook off the last vestiges of seasonal celebrations and faced the New Year weather to practice songs in preparation for the forthcoming SDFS Spring/Summer season.
 
Alan reminded all that there was now a request for a £2 contribution to SDFS funds.  There was some discussion and clarification from Henny about this.
 
The evening opened with "Ale, Glorious Ale" sung with enthusiasm and moved on to a suitably hopeful "Summer Is a Coming In Again" a new addition to the repertoire well remembered by all.  There was some discussion about which verses to retain.  A couple of tries at "The Oak Tree" Song followed with the second set in a higher key at a slightly faster pace which was much preferred.  "Hal and Toe" proved a popular next rendition and lead up to the forthcoming Spring. "My Dowland Remembered" was tried next – proving popular with some members of the group.  Alan sang his new composition as a penultimate contribution to the first half of the evening -  My Sussex Maid – a Ronnie Barker style rendition of a Sussex song.  "Summer is Near" was attempted as a round to finish the first half after the decision not to try it in any greater than two groups as it seemed to collapse at times!  Further practice definitely required for the summer.
 
"When Spring Comes In" seemed a suitable opening to the second half followed by the "Lark in the Morning", with some discussion about which version to sing. "Rosebuds in June" followed and "Searching for Lambs" about which word debate almost got as far as consulting Fowler’s Usage of the English Language!  The ladies present took the lead on "Green Grow the Laurels" and "Ladies Go Dancing at Whitsun" which both followed.  The "Saucy Sailor" was given an airing and the evening finished with the favourite "Parting Song".  All departing with a sense of a new season about to start!
 
Anne S