111 Singers were on board for a fine night of singing which raised over £1400 in support of its two charities; St Cuthbert’s Community Hall, Colburn and Rug Aid.
The concert took as its theme ‘Songs of the Sea’ and the three community choirs performed a wide range of music from sea shanties to folk tunes, to songs from the shows, and to individual pieces. The evening began with the combined voices singing the gospel song ‘Wade in the Water’, followed by “Sailing and “Take me up the Tyne”.
Each choir then performed its own set of songs, highlights being a lively performance of “Sit down you’re rockin’ the boat” by Branch Line, a hauntingly beautiful rendition of “I remember” by the Canadian composer Sarah Quartel performed by
Platform 1, and evocative spine-tingling harmonies in “Crossing the Bar” by Platform 2.
The audience had the opportunity to join the choirs in singing some well-known sea songs such as “Bobby Shafto” and the “Keelrow”.
Heather Ritchie explained that Rug Aid teaches the making of rugs to some of the poorest people in Africa. The workshop is based in a school for the blind in Kanifing, The Gambia, and all monies raised go directly to the visually impaired.
Reverend Andrew Cromarty described the importance of St Cuthbert’s Community Hall in Colburn for all its people. He said the Hall has “risen like a phoenix” and is now a busy, thriving community hub. The money raised will be put towards the work on a new roof for the centre.
All the choirs then joined together once more to conclude the evening with a delightful performance of a medley from ‘South Pacific’. Our nautical journey from Richmond to Balihi proved to be a very lively evening’s entertainment with everyone in great voice, and Brett’s fingers in great command of the keyboard.
Thanks too to David for his spirited drumming, and Kay for her smiling encouragement as Deputy Conductor.
We were delighted to have the invited guests Mayor Stuart Parsons, Mayoress Lyn Glover, Chair of Richmond District Council, Angie Dale, Deputy Mayor of Colburn and member of NYCC, Helen Grant in attendance.
