No, it’s not what you think! The Choir and its hall are still in one piece. Choristers cannot fail to have noticed a few changes to the place recently. Upstairs, above the bar, Leon has been instrumental and put in a huge amount of time and effort to extend into the ‘dead’ space above the bar beyond the projection area. This has created about 100 sq. ft. (9.2 sq.metres) of extra usable space. The void had to opened up, the ceiling insulated and fitted with fire-proof plasterboard (plastered by new bass chorister Paul Thomas), electrical wiring extended, fluorescent lights and a roof window fitted, flooring and carpet tiles(donated by Lyn) laid and all this has been done for about £1000! Smart blue chairs, filing cabinets and a table have all been donated by Monmouthshire County Council (thanks to Councillor Dave Evans, Ken Cooper’s brother in law). If you get the chance, pop upstairs (sorry, there’s no Stenna lift, funds can’t quite run to that yet) and have a look. Suggestions of how best to use this space would be most welcome.
You’d have to be blind (pun intentional) not to see that the curtains, deprecatingly commented on recently by famous Welsh comedian Owen Money (“Reminds me of the last time I saw my Uncle Joe!”), have finally been replaced (K & M Blinds) by more modern, streamlined, fire-barrier vertical blinds. A neutral colour was selected to blend in with any future decor. They will take a bit of getting used to because they’re so different to the burgundy curtains in shape, colour and texture that you’d think you’d come into a new hall.
But curtain pullers of the world do not despair! No need to twitch! The original curtains may yet be re-cycled into a backdrop for Choir concerts (must be better than those tatty grey-blue ones we suffered at the Gala concert last year) unless anyone can think of an alternative suggestion.
Lyn