On with the motley....

'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...