Newsletter – December 2017
January 7th, 2018Our December meeting was one with a difference. The presentation by our speaker Andrew Crabtree, an accomplished musician, was entitled “Christmas Songs and Carols”. Song sheets of Christmas songs and carols were provided and, accompanied by Andrew on his keyboard, were sung with gusto. Some members were provided with sleigh bells which they rang heartily. Our Chairman Ray was given two half coconut shells with which he did an extremely good impression of a horse and really enjoyed himself. It was a delight to see!
Andrew took some time trying to divide the audience into 12 to sing the Twelve Days of Christmas. Eventually it was done but some people were still not sure which day they were. When it came to standing up and singing the appropriate words for the day, confusion reigned. Some sang gustily and stood up where appropriate – others did not!
Quite a lot of historical background given about the songs and he explained that originally carols were sung at various seasons, not just Christmas. A carol was originally a dance song and Charles Dickens regarded them also as being a story. Some carols were written in very hot weather and some which seem modern date back several centuries
Our next meeting at St Saviour’s Church Hall is on Tuesday 6th February 2018 at 8.00pm with a presentation by Heather Flack entitled “Bewdley under the White Rose”. She will take us on a journey from 1376 when Bewdley was first recognised as a town to how it became a thriving port with four gateways. Tickenhall Manor which became Crown property in the 15th century was used by the Tudor dynasty. Visitors are most welcome at all our events – see Home Page for details and contacts.