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Charitable Fund Raising
Autumn/Winter 2008
We had a busy end to the year with charity concerts, etc. and are delighted to gain some new members.
Early in November we sang at a joint concert with Hartland Town Band in support of the RNLI. An event well supported by the local community - and wives!
Our Christmas programme commenced with an afternoon of songs and carols in Bideford Pannier Market - followed by a trip to Meeth for a concert, which was again well supported. The Choir was invited to sing beside the Christmas tree in the Atlantic Village complex on two occasions, in November and December and we feel the carols were appreciated by shoppers. Later in December the Choir sang once again for the residents at Stella Maris, Court, Bideford. Although depleted by illness it was an enjoyable evening energised by mulled wine and mince pies. This concert was followed swiftly by another the very next day at Morwenstow.
Our final candle lit Christmas concert was at Holy Trinity church Westward Ho, when we were greatly assisted by former choir member Vivian Gale, standing in as guest Conductor and by a guest accompanist found at short notice by Chairman Fred Poole.
Torridge Male Voice Choir thanks all those who have supported us during 2008 and wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2009.
Weekend at Falmouth 10th - 12th October 2008
Starting at around lunch time our coach collected singers and family from Bideford, Hartland and Kilkhampton, after that a full coach proceeded through lovely countryside to our hotel at Falmouth. Friday afternoon and evening was free time, delightful walks around Pendennis Head, or a stroll into Falmouth town, then in the evening a pick from many of the good eating places around town.
Saturday morning and afternoon was given to site seeing, the main choice for the coach was a visit to Trabah Garden and for some the close by Glendurgan Garden. As an alternative some chose to visit Falmouth town and harbour, where river exploration trips were popular, especially as the late season weather was warm and dry.
Saturday evening was the highlight and purpose of the trip. A concert in All Saints Church Falmouth with Mabe Ladies Choir. This was well attended and the money raised went to a motor neurone disease society. The church alter was beautifully lit with lovely white floral displays. Torridge men opened with ‘ Devon Glorious Devon’ – and the ladies countered with a song about Cornwall! Everyone sang well and with such a large number of voices, we made a magnificent sound. Particularly good were two sopranos who performed a comedy song in ancient Italian, about men and how dreadful they are, harumph! The choirs alternated in each half and ended by singing together “Let There Be Peace on Earth”. After the concert the men presented the ladies with a picture of the two Torridge river bridges at Bideford. Followed by awards to five of the ladies choir for 40 years service with Mabe choir, an outstanding achievement. Later in the evening most of the ladies choir joined the men at their hotel for drinks and a finger buffet. As we relaxed, the real singing began, when both choirs entertained the hotel with several renditions of traditional Cornish and Devonian songs.
Sunday and the journey home took our coach to The Lost Gardens of Heligan for a couple of hours stopover, then with the glorious sunny weather continuing the coach meandered northwards through lovely countryside and on to the north Cornish coast, past Watergate Bay and into Padstow for another short stop. Ice cream, pasties and to take in the harbour atmosphere, after which the coach delivered everyone safely home by early evening.
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