Thanks a lot for all the effort that went into last Sunday’s concert.

I thought that it went as well as we could have expected in the circumstances. We managed the space and ventilation well; everyone seemed to feel safe. Rhoda, Mary and Cathy bore the brunt of the organisation; special thanks to them although we all did our bit. Thanks also to the readers and to Jane for sourcing and organising the readings, they were particularly appropriate this time. There was also some very fine singing; you rose to the challenge remarkably well. As always we can point to some “interesting” moments but nothing that audience would notice. The instrumentalists did their usual excellent job; we are very lucky to have them at a ludicrously cheap price. Joanne comes down from Edinburgh specially; David and Gary have been involved from the beginning.

We are rehearsing at Woodborough on Friday so that Nancy can try the accompaniments and to tweak a couple of those “interesting” moments. The concert programme for Saturday at Long Bennington is the same as last Sunday (including readings please) except that we will omit I wonder as I wander and The first Nowell/Pachelbel.

I visited the church on Tuesday. I’ll bring maps and directions on Friday. Parking is limited so if you can share lifts it might ease things. The church is quite large, we will have enough space to set up as at Newstead. There is an “upper room” for us to use as a green room; it is quite small and up quite steep stairs but there is other space that we can spill into. They seem to have thought carefully about keeping us all safe with a one way system for interval refreshments etc. There is a serviceable piano in a good position; they are quite excited about being able to sing with a live organist for the audience carols! When I was there it was quite chilly but I was assured that the heating is quite efficient; they have a reputation as a warm church.

We meet at 3:00 for setting up and preparation; the concert starts at 4:00. The church will be open from 2:30.

See most of you on Friday and Saturday.

A Happy, Safe Christmas to you all.

We resume on 14th January.