Ten singers came to our first session at the Lewes Arms (on June 17th) and voiced appreciation of (in no particular order) the traditional pub in its central location; the characterful upper room with ample space and windows onto the street; the reserved sign awaiting us on the door; the excellent acoustics; the genial and helpful barman who found the mute for the speaker; the beer and the “proper” cider; and the tasty pickled eggs!
With the surroundings having been declared as thoroughly fit for purpose, we then settled down to sing, with the usual mixture of old and new songs, looking ahead to future seasons and events. We warmed up with “Drink Me Brave Boys” then turned to songs about nature and rural pursuits (“All Among the Barley”, “One for the Rook” and “Oak Tree Song”), quieter reflection (“All Things are Quite Silent” and “Life of a Man”), love (“Hares on the Mountain”) and life at sea (“Littlehampton Collier Lads” and “They Won’t Let Us Go to Sea Any More”).
During the break we caught up with news including holidays, children, an upcoming marriage (congratulations to Celia who displayed amazing multi-tasking by sewing buttonholes on her husband-to-be’s wedding shirt while singing) and a recent bereavement. There was also discussion of upcoming events, particularly the Lewes Priory concert where we look forward to being led on stage by candle-carrying “monks”.
The second session continued with a song not sung for several years, “Stedham Oysterman’s Donkey”, a relatively new song, “Love and the Ball” (which concerns the local sport of stoolball) and “Parting Song” before closing proceedings with old favourites, “East Sussex Drinking Song” and “Thousands or More”.
A good evening all round. We already feel at home in our new venue and look forward to meeting any new singers who would like to join us in future.
Tina
With the surroundings having been declared as thoroughly fit for purpose, we then settled down to sing, with the usual mixture of old and new songs, looking ahead to future seasons and events. We warmed up with “Drink Me Brave Boys” then turned to songs about nature and rural pursuits (“All Among the Barley”, “One for the Rook” and “Oak Tree Song”), quieter reflection (“All Things are Quite Silent” and “Life of a Man”), love (“Hares on the Mountain”) and life at sea (“Littlehampton Collier Lads” and “They Won’t Let Us Go to Sea Any More”).
During the break we caught up with news including holidays, children, an upcoming marriage (congratulations to Celia who displayed amazing multi-tasking by sewing buttonholes on her husband-to-be’s wedding shirt while singing) and a recent bereavement. There was also discussion of upcoming events, particularly the Lewes Priory concert where we look forward to being led on stage by candle-carrying “monks”.
The second session continued with a song not sung for several years, “Stedham Oysterman’s Donkey”, a relatively new song, “Love and the Ball” (which concerns the local sport of stoolball) and “Parting Song” before closing proceedings with old favourites, “East Sussex Drinking Song” and “Thousands or More”.
A good evening all round. We already feel at home in our new venue and look forward to meeting any new singers who would like to join us in future.
Tina
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