I try really hard not to always mention the weather in these reports but it’s so difficult when for our June meeting we were miserable and as July starts we have the hottest day of the year. Maybe that’s what makes Englandspecial – you never know what to expect – or what to wear!
As usual Chairman Sybil Saunders opened the meeting by welcoming members and reminded us all that we must sign up for the outing to West Dean on July 14 and that arrangements were now finalised for our lunch at the Georgian Hotel on August 28th.
She also noted that East Hants District Council was about to send out a survey concerning care for the elderly – she urged all members to fill it in and send it back so that EHDC could be aware of the public’s views.
Members will be sorry to learn that Derek Bartram, one of our minibus drivers, is retiring in October. If anyone would like to take on this highly rewarding, voluntary task, they are urged to call Mrs Lynn Peters on 01420 475759 for more details
Our ‘Speakers’ this month were the ladies from Arford Hand Bells led by Christine Leonard – 7 ladies, resplendent in smart blue and white uniforms, stood behind an impressive array of bells ready to entertain us.
All the pieces they played were very familiar which made the afternoon all the more enjoyable, starting with Amazing Grace, they moved on to an Allegretto for Bells (specially written for them) and then an International journey through Wales(All Through The Night) Ireland(Danny Boy) and England(London Bells). Finally in this section ‘When The Saints’ brought jazz to Arthritis Care.
Then in was our turn – if the children of GrayshottSchoolcould do it surely we could! It was music (not painting) by numbers as we were all given coloured bells and a chart was displayed showing us when to play ‘our’ bell. Eventually we got it right and managed a reasonable rendition of ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’, ‘Old Macdonald’ and ‘Jingle Bells’
Then a medley of Music Hall favourites that we could all sing along with including, Daisy Daisy, Goodbye Dolly Gray and Champagne Charlie before the finale of Schubert’s ‘Trout Theme’ and ‘On Wings Of Song’
As Sybil had left to attend a funeral, Sheila Dorsett thanked Christine and her group, remarking on the amazing concentration needed to play each bell at the right time and to be able to play such beautiful music with such a small collection of bells.
The meeting ended as usual with tea, cakes and the raffle. If you would like to join us or just come along to see what we do, please call Sybil on 01428 605002. Transport can be arranged at a minimal cost from surrounding areas.
