| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 20th Mar 2016 |
A few months ago, Lin, Sarah, Louise and Jenny recorded a programme of Songs of Praise for the BBC at The New Community Church Southampton. The first week they practised the songs with around 150 other singers, with direction from the conductor. It was interesting to be instructed how to ‘perform’ for filming – no looking directly at the cameras, having a joyful expression and conveying visually and musically the meaning of the songs. The second week recording took place, the process of which was truly engrossing. Each song was sung twice and if required, a few bars were re- recorded for the mixing crew to blend in. The conductor directed voice warm up exercises before recording, many of which were familiar from choir and the words were projected on a large screen with the accompanying band playing from the stage. There were only 3 cameras, one on a boom for wide angle shots, one on a track for closeups and a hand held one for filming from all positions. Several takes were done so as to mix up the filming angles to give the impression that there were more cameras than there really were. Obviously a BBC Cutback! Everything was relayed to a huge mobile studio parked outside the church and the conductor had 2 ways to talk to the Producer – one through a headphone mic , which everyone could hear and another which was an old WWII type field ‘phone which ensured a private conversation – obviously so the Producer could tell the Conductor ‘to get the old dear in the second row to smile etc! After 3 hours, with no loo stops and minimal time to sit down, everything was ‘in the can’ as they say. Ultimately it was a really interesting experience and despite not knowing any of the songs initially, we had them ringing in our heads as we left. |
| 6th Feb 2016 |
Prince Consort
How do you stretch Christmas, so that the festive season can be enjoyed even longer? Answer: book your Christmas dinner for February! And that’s just what we did. Much fun and a delicious meal, with a fine choice of fayre to choose from, was enjoyed by all at the welcoming ‘Prince Consort’ in Netley. Sandie’s table top quiz was a corker, as was the wine (pardon the pun)! Herewith Pete’s pick of the ‘pics’ of what was a great night out. Click on a pic and watch the slide show.
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| 20th Dec 2015 |
Brambridge Garden Centre
Our what now seems annual carol singing event at Brambridge garden centre was again great fun. It’s always a pleasure to sing there as the shoppers are most generous in both their compliments and donations to our charity collections. This year over the Christmas period more than £670 was put in our collection tins and we were pleased to split the amount between Southampton Hospital League of Friends and the Countess Mountbatten Hospice – our sincere thanks to everyone for their generosity. Whilst we were at the garden centre, we were able to enjoy not only some Christmas shopping, with all the tempting wares for sale, but also the cafe/restaurant, which sells the most delicious cakes. Our abiding memories of our time at Brambridge are two fold – the little girl who danced to our carols for over 20 minutes and the rainstorm, for which we had to move the piano and ourselves in order not to be drenched! Not even a storm of such ferocity could drown us out! |
| 13th Dec 2015 |
Brambridge Garden Centre
Our what now seems annual carol singing event at Brambridge garden centre was again great fun. It’s always a pleasure to sing there as the shoppers are most generous in both their compliments and donations to our charity collections. This year over the Christmas period more than £670 was put in our collection tins and we were pleased to split the amount between Southampton Hospital League of Friends and the Countess Mountbatten Hospice – our sincere thanks to everyone for their generosity. Whilst we were at the garden centre, we were able to enjoy not only some Christmas shopping, with all the tempting wares for sale, but also the cafe/restaurant, which sells the most delicious cakes. Our abiding memories of our time at Brambridge are two fold – the little girl who danced to our carols for over 20 minutes and the rainstorm, for which we had to move the piano and ourselves in order not to be drenched! Not even a storm of such ferocity could drown us out! |
| 12th Dec 2015 |
Hedge End Village Hall
Our main concert at Hedge End Village Hall proved a winner once again. Both the matinee and evening performances were to a packed hall, bedecked with Christmas lights and decorations to welcome in the festive season. Well known carols for audience participation, interspersed with a wide range of Christmas music from the choir, filled the hall with festive cheer. ‘Little Drummer Boy’, the haunting ‘Midwinter’ jolly ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘Christmas Shopping Blues’, were just a small part of what was a varied and extremely well received concert. In addition, the younger members of the audience were treated to a toe tapping dance routine by the ‘DM Dance School’ and a certain gentleman with a red suit, white beard and VERY full sack of presents arrived to start off the Christmas holidays. Rory’s saxaphone ‘set’ was brilliant and the multi-talented Bethany on the trumpet and piano, provided yet more musical magic. We ended the show with the 38th rendition this year of ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ ! 
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| 5th Dec 2015 |
The Chapel at Netley Victoria Country Park
A very warm welcome from the Reverend Robert Sanday from St Edward’s Church, Netley, was received by audience and choir alike. Netley chapel is an outstandingly beautiful building and dressed with lights and a huge Christmas tree; the tone of Christmas was truly set. Traditional carols by candlelight, interesting and lyrical pieces by the New Music Makers conducted by David Farnell, and choral works by the Hampshire County Youth Chamber Choir all added to the festive spirit of this wonderful place. We have been invited to sing here again for Christmas 2016 and look forward to it very much- especially as the evening ended with mince pies and sherry! |
| 28th Nov 2015 - 29th Nov 2015 |
Botleigh Grange Hotel
Botleigh Grange This year, the Choir provided much festive music for the Botleigh Grange Hotel, ranging from singing at their Christmas Fayre, providing a Christmas Eve mini concert to residents and singing to welcome guests for Christmas evening socials, all of which was very well received, (especially the bar get-together for the choir on Christmas Eve)! From fake snow, to an Abba Tribute Night, the chance to sing at a different venue for us was great fun. PS: The wardrobe mistress provided us with a new winter ‘uniform’ – red and white santa hats, grey ponchos (for the ladies!), and tartan scarves for all – very Christmassy! |
