Carols in the Raven 2011
The choir were invited to the Ravens’ carol night, held on the 9th December. Some arrived early to enjoy a fish and chip supper. The dress code was ‘foliage’. Fortunately clothes were included!! Ruth, Iwan & Christine had arrived back from Africa that morning in the early hours, so jet-lagged & Christine (lost bag still in Amsterdam) all added to a slightly delayed, but enthusiastic start. The choir squeezed into their corner-spot. Ruth was presented with a beautiful baton hand-made by Paul Burkhill, so she could whip us back into shape after her two week absence. We had however, been left in the expert hands of Richard Martindale and Mari Roberts-well done to both.
The choir started with some songs old and new. Duncan Parks had arranged a version of the Beatle song “If I fell”. Dave Willis sang his first solo with mistletoe in his top pocket, just in case anyone other than Sue Willis fell in love too!! Jenny Parks was an asset with her drum and kept us in beat. Choir and audience enjoyed a great evening with the highlight being The Twelve Days of Christmas, with full pub participation including a slight time delay between one and end of the bar and the choir. All in all a great night, proving everyone loves to sing.
To end the evening, those who support the choir in the background were thanked with flowers and wine….... Anne for her wonderful piano playing every week; Duncan for keeping the website up to date; Patti for being a treasure, or is it the treasurer; Alastair for doing the books; and last but not least Ruth for starting and running the choir. Her enthusiasm, patience and endless optimism inspires us all. Thanks must also be extended to Dewi Sant Centre being our weekly venue and to Pauline Emery who opens and locks up: She also makes a wonderful cuppa. Final thanks go to all choir members for another great year, which included being part of the Big Sing in Chester and winning 3rd prize in the Welsh Learners section of the Wrexham Eisteddfod, all down to Ruth’s hard work and eternal optimism. The choir has provided a great opportunity for anyone to enjoy not only the social aspects, but also the feeling of well-being one gets from communal singing. We have all enjoyed it enormously.
Nadolig Llawen and Blwyddyn Newydd Dda, pawb.
Pennie