Musical Sunshine with Stokes Singers

Little Stoke Primary School was the venue for Stokes Singers Summer concert, ‘A Mid-Summer Medley’ at the end of June. With a programme ranging from show classics to South African folk songs, there was something for all tastes. The Eric and Ernie favourite ‘Bring Me Sunshine’, complete with sunny props, brought a smile to everyone’s face. A concert would not be complete without a piano solo from Co-Musical Director Philip Lawrence and solos from choir members. Guest musicians Sue Juggins (percussion), Matt (bass guitar) and Lisa Rush (flute and piano) added to a great musical mix.

The evening was also a great success for Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service who sent a motorbike and two riders, Nick and Chris, to talk about the valuable work they carry out transporting urgent medical supplies to support the NHS. An amazing £307 was raised from programme sales and refreshment donations to help the Freewheelers with their vital service.

The choir are now taking a summer break until September 7th when Thursday evening rehearsals begin again at Coniston Community Centre, Patchway. If you would like to join the choir, there is room for more singers in all sections and men or ladies with lower voices would be very welcome to join the baritones. Sian Walters, also Co-Musical Director, assures you of a warm welcome and the opportunity to try the choir for 2 rehearsals free of charge to see how you get on. Membership secretary Liz on 01454 614148 can give you further information.

The Singers already have a full programme for the autumn including a ‘Voices for Hospices’ concert at Holy Trinity Church, Bradley Stoke on Saturday 14th October and a Christmas Concert at the Church of Christ the King, Bradley Stoke on Saturday 9th December. Look out for posters and details in the local press or contact Liz for further details.

Anne King, Chair of Stokes Singers, comments “2018 will be a special year for Stokes Singers as they celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the founding of the choir.  In the run-up to the big birthday, the membership has set themselves a challenge of singing in 25 different venues. Recently we’ve done performances at the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit, Frenchay and the Southmead Hospital Buskathon plus a visit to the Good Afternoon Choir at Yate and a singing workshop at the Saracens Rugby Club. An unexpected opportunity for a fifth event came with this summer’s General Election when we sang to voters at the Polling Station next to our rehearsal venue! Our summer concert brought our total to 6 and we have lots more plans for the remaining 19. We’re looking forward to sharing our birthday with the local community”.

If you have an unusual event or venue which could host a singing performance why not contact Liz on 01454 614148 for a chat? We look forward to meeting you soon!

Report provided by Sue Callow, Publicity Officer and appeared in the Aug/Sept edition of Little Stoke Gifford Matters

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