A big well done and thank you for all that we have achieved this year, culminating in a very good concert on Saturday afternoon.

We have managed to keep going through a very difficult year. Although we had a bit of sing at Christmas time last year we were then confined to watching me on video and the occasional zoom meeting until the Summer when we were able to meet together in Cathy’s barn but weren’t able to perform to anyone. (Grateful thanks to Cathy and John).

Fortunately enough of us felt safe enough to resume activity in a reduced way in September and gradually more of us have joined in until we could sing carols and give two concerts. We all owe a debt of thanks to Rhoda and the committee for putting all the protocols in place, enabling it all to happen. Congratulations to everyone for following advice and making the activity safe.

It has been good to welcome Steve to help us out, his presence has been an asset. He enjoyed your welcome and has expressed a desire to sing with us again. We hope that David and John D will soon be in a position to be back with us, we miss them.

The music making has been very good as well, in spite of the fluctuating numbers from week to week. Both concerts have been satisfying, particularly at Long Bennington. The people there were extremely welcoming, the church was comfortable and spacious and the acoustic was very friendly – especially to the sopranos. Thanks to Rhoda for climbing off her sick bed to be with us (Lydia was was an essential assistant to both Nancy and me). It was a shame that Cathy wasn’t well enough to be with us as she had done most of the leg work over the last four years to set it up (Cathy – we hope that you are better now). Thanks to Nancy and John P for playing the piano and organ so well, meaning that we could repeat the Newstead Abbey programme. Joy Jordan (the organiser) was very impressed by us and is keen for us to return in better weather.

Roger took this video of Coventry Carol

Your committee is planning to meet on 6th January to review the year, especially the Newstead Abbey concert. Please forward constructive feedback to Rhoda, Mary, Cathy, Ellie or me before the meeting.

The news of the spread of the covid variant is causing increased uncertainty and nervousness; as always we’ll be alert and flexible. At the time of writing we intend to resume activity on 14th January; we’ll keep the situation under review and always act with your safety as a priority.

The next concert in the diary is 7th May at Stathern, we have now committed to that date. I will reissue an availability Muzodo in the New Year so that a programme can be planned knowing that one or two will not be available. They are presenting the concert as a memorial to a couple who were regulars at our Christmas concerts and have requested Lauridssen Magnum mysterium; otherwise they want the concert to be joyful. I would like your input on repertoire please. We have been singing the current music for two years without an opportunity to perform but I think we need to freshen it up a bit – any ideas?

Speaking of Stathern – I received an update on Fanny the other day:

Dear All. Eleanor is now home with carers coming in and daughter/granddaughter also looking after her this weekend (message from Barbara Cook).

She will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Thank you all for your continued friendship, support, enthusiasm and skills.

See you in January and have a Very Happy Christmas.