I hope that you are all well.

Thanks to all this who came to Woodborough on 9th October. Nine of us were present (Catherine, Cathy, Rhoda, Mary, Ruth, Vicky, Marguerite, Renwick and me); we had a good, socially distanced sing. We were well spaced out and most sang wearing masks; the fire door and windows were open and everyone followed the rules to the letter. I felt very safe; my impression was that it wasn’t as uncomfortable as feared and the singing was pretty good in spite of my bass fumbling. I recorded the rehearsal; an edited version can be viewed here. Those who weren’t there can use it as an opportunity to sing along.

For those wanting to sing we will have another meeting this Friday. A Muzudo invitation will follow later today.

Here is the current advice from the Association of British Choral Directors and Making Music:

Following the new three-tier system announcement in England, the government’s performing arts guidance has now been updated. It confirms that choral activity can usually continue at all levels, provided there is no mingling at all at the two higher levels, but also depending on local restrictions which may be added.

The relevant paragraph from the Government Performing Arts guidance:

Confirmed that in a COVID-secure venue or public outdoor place, non-professional performing arts activity, including choirs, orchestras or drama groups can continue to rehearse or perform together where this is planned activity in line with the performing arts guidance and if they can do so in a way that ensures that there is no interaction between separate and distinct groups of no more than 6 (In Medium areas and outdoors) or individual households (in High and Very High areas). If an amateur group is not able to ensure that no mingling takes place between these sub-groups (depending on Local Covid Alert Level restrictions) – including when arriving at or leaving activity or in any breaks or socialising – then such non-professional activity should not take place. See Local Covid Alert Level guidance (Medium, High, Very High) for more details on group size.

…and the Covid Alert Level Guidance for High:

Other activities, such as organised indoor sport, indoor exercise classes and other activity groups, can only continue provided that households or support bubbles do not mix. Where it is likely that groups will mix, these activities must not go ahead.

Your committee met last Friday mainly to discuss the A.G.M. which will be held on Friday, 20th November, hopefully “live” but with a zoom link for those who cannot be with us in person.

This Friday please bring Oxford Book of Tudor Anthems, Feel the Spirit, European Sacred Music, English Romantic Part Songs, Be Thou My Vision, Goin’ Home, This is my Father’s World, The Glory of Love, Nada te turbe.

The plan is that we meet fortnightly. In November we usually start Christmas repertoire. My plan is that on 6th, 20th November and 4th December we will rehearse and record a number of carols that can then be disseminated to our audience over the Christmas period. Anyone not present will have the opportunity to add their voice to the recordings if they wish. We will also look for an opportunity to sing carols outdoors in December. How does that sound?

Hope to see some of you on Friday.