So, that is that!  The last chair is put away, order has been restored at our very accommodating host 'home base' Church for the following morning's service, and the last 'Goodnight! Merry Christmas!' has been wished to our audience as they safely make their way home after our last 'gig' of the year.

But what a night...  ...and what an Audience!  Just an hour before 'doors opened', the foulest breeze-fuelled clouds decided to deliver a rain shower of force, which not only made setting-up pretty uncomfortable, but invited thoughts as to whether our hoped-for audience would be deterred...

...and how wrong we were!  Our best-ever attendance had arrived outside, as patient as the rotten, but improving, weather would allow! That's why our message is even more heartfelt than usual, because without our fabulous audiences, we don't really have a real purpose as a Choir to entertain and to support the traditions of male choral singing.

So 'Thank You!', a hundred, thousand, million times - whatever is appropriate - as we wish you all the warmest of Seasonal Greetings and hopes for the best of what the New Year brings!

On which note (with apologies for the pun), whatever you hope for yourself in 2019, have a look at our Open Rehearsal Dates and think about 'having a sing on us', Gents! Otherwise, Lady or Gent, if you prefer to let us do the singing, do look at our 2019 Programme and be welcomed to one of our singing events.

After all, in 2019, we're 'hoping' to see you there!

'Tempus Fugit' and 'Carpe Diem' - that is, 'Time Flies' and 'Seize the Day', - never did sit well together with the writer, so 'catch up' it is, as usual...

We were privileged to sing at Fred Lake's funeral service and help celebrate his life, and it also gave us that last opportunity to say goodbye to our singing chum.  It was somehow fitting that we were assembled either side of his coffin as we sang, so he was with us too, for that one last time.   We managed 'You'll Never Walk Alone' as our own tribute, and then 'Gwahoddiad', Fred's repertoire favourite, judging by the great gusto he used to sing it with.  It was our great honour to do this and we thank Fred's family for asking us in the midst of their own sadness.

It was also good to spend some time with them afterwards and to see the many photographs of Fred in earlier times.  Their great dignity and the kindness they showed us said everything about what we knew of Fred, and what we learned about his very full life.  But it proves you still don't completely know someone, even when you spend time with them!  Who knew Fred was in the choir for Team England's official 2018 Commonwealth Games anthem and video? !!!  Here it is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ4K-2MINV8
and if you freeze at 1m 36s and 2m 29s, you'll catch our 'dark horse' Fred doing one of the things he liked best...   ...singing!  Thank you for the memories, Fred!  Gone, but not forgotten.

Talking of 'catching up' earlier, we've got our Christmas Concert this Saturday (we hope to see you there!), and it's the full runthrough final rehearsal tonight!   So no time to waste...   ...on with the motley...