Things are warming up for our community choir as we move from spring into summer and our programme fills up, writes Sue Callow of Stokes Singers.
Our Singing Workshop at the end of April brought together 50 voices, including those new to part singing, and members of Stokes Singers, Crossbow Singers, Bradley Stoke Community Singers and the Good Afternoon Choir at Yate. Three songs in three-part harmony were taught by three musical directors and lots of cake was eaten, so it was a very enjoyable afternoon. Photos can be seen on the website www.stokessingers.org.uk and we hope to repeat this event later in the year with room for more participants to join us.
At the time of writing, we’re planning music for our set at the annual Stoke Gifford Fête on Bank Holiday Monday 27th May. Then, on Thursday 13th June, we’ll be at Southmead Hospital from 7pm until 7.45pm as part of the Brunel Buskathon which raises funds for the hospital’s charity. The atrium has amazing acoustics and our musical directors Sian and Phil love the opportunity to perform there. It’s always good to see some friendly faces as patients, staff and visitors stop for a while to listen.
The biggest event of the summer for us is our own concert which will be at the Church of Christ the King, Bradley Stoke BS32 8EE on Saturday 29th June. ‘Summer Serenade’ is a mix of music ranging from gentle melodies to lively show tunes and we are looking forward to performing the songs we’ve been working on. Doors will open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
Stokes Singers have chosen St Mungo’s as the charity to receive donations from interval refreshments. St Mungo’s is a national charity “working together to fight homelessness and change someone’s life”. In Bristol, it runs rough sleeper outreach services and a range of housing and support services. Their representative will explain more about their work during the evening. More information is also available at www.mungos.org
Advance tickets for ‘Summer Serenade’ at £5 for adults and £2.50 for ages 5-16 are on sale at the start of June from choir members or from Gillian on the Stokes Singers number 07486 570910 – please note this is a new number and be prepared to leave a message. There will also be tickets available on the night at £6 for adults and £3 for children.
We look forward to seeing you at an event soon!
Photo: Singing Workshop at the end of April.
This article originally appeared in the June 2019 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine (on page 35). The magazine is delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH (except August), to ALL 8,700 homes in Bradley Stoke. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.