On a sunny Saturday, April evening, the Choir made its way over the Severn Crossing and through the picturesque Somerset Countryside to just past Cheddar, to sing at Draycott Memorial Hall in order to aid fund raising for the Children’s Hospice, South West. Welcome offers of traditional Somerset cider and ale were gratefully received in return for a donation to the Children’ s Hospice.
With voices suitably lubricated after a long journey, we took our places at the front of the balloon festooned hall, with tables and seating laid out to celebrate Les Moore’s 80th birthday and the 60th Anniversary of his demolition company and began our repertoire for the evening with A Cole Porter Medley, starting with ‘Another Opening, another show’ followed by Lleucu Llwyd and Somewhere out there. We could tell they were out there! Helped by Siân because we could not hear the notes from the piano above the background, our second performance consisted of Wise Men Say, You Raise me up, Fields of Athenry and in an attempt to raise the level above the background of ebullient party goers and diners we tried to raise the roof by singing Rachie with its gloriously loud Amen at the end. Although we didn’t exactly raise the roof, it can safely be said the balloons went up!
Our third rendering finalised with ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’ which managed to catch the audience’s attention where they joined in with the chorus, or were they trying to compete?
Our performances were interspersed with vigorous renditions from Kayleigh, a talented female vocalist, who although supported by a serious amplifier system, struggled to make herself heard. Towards the end, while Les gave a slide show presentation of his company’s 60 year history, the choir made its way back to the bus for the long journey home. The ‘afterglow’ singing by the boys at the back of the bus continued until we were well over the Severn Bridge.
We wish Les a very happy 80th birthday and we trust the evening raised a lot of money for the Children’s Hospice after the heroic performances of not only the Choir, but also of Siân, Shirley Ann and accompanists Steve and John.
Footnote: The choir has since learned from Trish Schroeder, the organiser for the Childrens’ Hospice that the event raised more than £3000 for the charity. Glad to have helped, Trish.
Photos by Lyn (and Andy and Sally)