Caldicot Male Voice Choir finalised its Christmas celebrations by foregoing its Thursday practice and instead making its annual visit to the Cherry Tree Care Home in Caldicot.
Conducted by Sian Hatton and Shirley Anne James and accompanied on piano by Olivia Dance, the choir sang a wide variety of Christmas songs and carols. An additional tinkling bell was provided by Shirley Anne, particularly on ‘Silver Bells’ and ‘Sleigh Bells Ring’! Fellow accompanist John Nicholson also joined the ranks of the second tenors.
The residents were treated to a wealth of songs including ‘Joy to the World’ followed by contrasting ‘Little Drummer Boy’ and included favourites ‘God Rest You Merry Gentlemen’, ‘Mary’s Boy Child’, ‘A Christmas Medley’ and the rousing Russian song ‘Casatschok’. A highlight was the amusing ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ in which the pear tree is cut down and burned out of spite and the blasted partridge is mercilessly shot. The Choir finalised its presentation with the all-time favourite, Bing Crosby’s ‘I’m Dreamin’ of a White Christmas’.
It was also wonderful to see retired chorister top tenor Peter Williams enthusiastically joining in. Peter was thrilled to be given the opportunity of singing with the choir once again and nostalgically chatted to many of his old friends, reminiscing of the joys he had in several years with the choir.
Following the performance at The Cherry Tree, the choir made its way to one of its favourite haunts, The Haywain pub to give the patrons a thoroughly enjoyable repeat performance; not withstanding the consumption of liquid refreshment but of much appreciated sausages and chips provided by the pub. Many thanks also to the pub for organising the raffle.