2014

   The final concert of the year was given at St Peter's Church Hall, Newlyn on Tuesday 30th December.  It was to celebrate the 70th wedding anniversary of Ken (94) & Jane (97) who were married at the church in 1944!  They had heard us when a number of the choir fulfilled an invitation to sing at the wedding of one of their grand children at Towednack Parish Church. 

   About half of the choir gathered to sing Christmas pieces and also a medley of wartime songs. It was a very relaxed sing-a-long with plenty of audience participation.  The 12 Days of Christmas was a winner once again.  Everyone was very appreciative of the effort made by the choir in giving up an afternoon.  But the choir were the real winners.  It was inspiring and delightful to see the couple and listen to Ken's speech.  It was a great end to an excellent 10th year.

   The choir met in smart dress for a concert given in the conservatory of the hotel on Tuesday evening, 23rd December.  Room was again limited, but with a number of previous concerts undertaken, members attacked this occasion with some confidence.  One young man, John, who sang a small solo part for The 12 Days of Christmas, will remember the evening for a long time to come.  He took over as conductor and proved to be an excellent leader in the making.

   This was the last appointment in probably our busiest ever period.  Special thanks must go to accompanist, Alison Ashby and Musical Director, William Thomas for the huge amount of time effort and energy they give.

   On Tuesday morning, 23rd December the majority of the choir turned out for their penultimate 'gig' of the season.  Traders and shoppers were entertained with a selection of well known Christmas songs in a light hearted, friendly atmosphere.  The front of the stage proved to be a bit of a tight squeeze and it was not always possible to hear the accompanying backing tracks.  However, the strong turn out underlines the commitment and dedication of everyone involved with the choir.

   The choir's latest engagement took place on Friday 19th December. Once again a few members of the choir who were able to participate met together at Barclays Bank in St Ives for a Christmas sing-a-long.  Customers and staff enjoyed the menu of traditional carols and old favourites while the choir enjoyed the refreshments.  From here the choir dropped in on Lloyds Bank and were well received.

   The choir continued their very busy schedule leading a concert at the Stennack Surgery to a packed venue on Wednesday 17th December.  As usual, the choir was accompanied by Alison Ashby, easily taken for granted. Thanks to her once again as another term comes to a close at Nancledra School.  Doctors and support staff provided poetry and readings on the Christmas theme, including two poignant pieces that reminded us of the amazing peace on Christmas Day 1914, one hundred years ago in the trenches of the Western Front. The choir followed these with Stille Nachte.  Earlier there was full audience and surgery staff participation  for The 12 Days of Christmas.

    Dr Sam Freegard read from the concluding chapter of Charles Dickens' 'Scrooge', worthy of any Jackanory episode. A degree of friendly heckling transpired between musical director William Thomas and the compère, Father Andrew Gough, which widened to members of the choir and audience.  But all was peace in spite of this and strong competitive instinct being shown during the raffle draw,

   Reception Manager, Jenna Oliver, was persuaded to give a repeat performance of baking a Christmas cake, first done last year,  an hilarious comic act that left the audience in stitches (provided by the surgery)! 

   The evening concluded with excellent refreshments in an attic room to remarks of, "This was never 'ere when we were goin' school."   Members of FOSS were in attendance and were delighted with the ocassion's success, with over £450.00 being raised.

  The choir had a terrific evening on Friday 12th December, providing a varied ranged of Christmas pieces and leading the congregational singing. Chairing the event was Donna Birrell of Radio Cornwall who described the choir as "phenomenal".  The well known Cornish carol Hark The Glad Sound raised the roof, while all had great fun with The 12 Days of Christmas. 

   Adding to the occasion were the cello playing duet known as Bananarilla.  Two young ladies noticed by choir master, William Thomas, were invited to share in the evening at Towednack.  They turned out to be a gorilla and a banana!  For their Christmas medley on their second set they became a snowman and a Christmas tree. 

 Bananarilla with the choir in the background.

   Members of the church provided a delicious array of refreshments to round off a marvellous evening, supported by a large audience.  £200.00 was raised to be shared equally between church funds and Motor Neurons Disease.

   Click here to hear two of the pieces sung by the choir.

   The choir along with children from Newlyn School and The Salvation Army Band performed a selection of Christmas music at the annual Trengwainton Lantern Walk on Friday 5^th December.

   This is the second year that the choir has been asked to perform at this event and was the third Christmas performance in a very busy schedule for us.

   Once again there was a huge turnout to see the spectacular display of glowing lanterns made by local school children.

   On Tuesday 2nd December the town Mayor was in attendance as the choir once again led the singing at the St Ives parish church for this annual event, held at the earlier start time of 4:00p.m.  Choirs from all the local primary schools took part, singing a varied programme of Christmas pieces, winning the hearts of all the adults in a packed venue and filling teachers and parents with pride.  

    Members of St Ives Community School came well prepared with a lively jazz ensemble, culminating in The Twelve Days of Christmas, which had full audience participation.  The school also provided the talents of three students, each playing solos; flute, cello and violin, underlining the considerable ability among our youth.  The community choir added three pieces; Swingin' Christmas, Rainbow Christmas and Stille Nacht, with the latter sung in German for the first verse.  Congregational singing of traditional carols gave the organist the opportunity to accompany in fine style.  

   St.Ives Community Choir celebrated their 10th Anniversary on Friday 22nd November by holding a dinner at the West Cornwall Golf club. The Town Mayor proposed a toast to the choir and congratulated them on being probably the oldest community choir in Cornwall and possibly much further afield. Also in attendance was the choir's founder Katrina Geraghty whose enthusiasm saw the numbers rise from an initial 25 to over 75 at one point.

The photo shows the choir assembled at the golf club for their anniversary dinner. Seated left - right Alison Ashby (Accompanist) - William Thomas (Musical Director) - Katrina Geraghty (Choir Founder)

   What a marvellous concert we had on Wednesday 17th September.  The choir performed admirably at this annual event before a very enthusiastic and delighted audience.  Janette Eathorne compered and also infused the evening with her unique blend of poems, tall stories and a haunting a capella rendition of The Mermaid of Zennor.  William Thomas led the solo singing in the verses for community singing of all the much loved patriotic songs; I vow to Thee my country, Jerusalem, Rule Britannia, Land of hope & glory and Trelawny, amidst a sea of flag waving.  David Tremelling brought the organ to life with two excellent solo pieces, including the hornpipe.  Tasty refreshments followed which concluded a thoroughly enjoyable time.  St Anta will be hoping to conclude repairs on their lighting from the proceeds after receiving donations amounting to £500.00.

Bedford Road Methodist Church, St Ives

   The choir were very happy to deliver a relaxed and informal evening of music on Tuesday 26th August.  Bedford Road Methodiast Church had offered their facilities in the event that The Big Gig needed to move indoors due to poor weather.  This was not required, but the choir was asked to perform a concert in their building anyway.   Musical Director, William Thomas and his wife, Trish, brought a couple of beautiful duets, while the choir sang some of the familiar pieces from a growing portfolio.  An offering for the work of the church with young people within the town was taken.  Pastor Kenny Bassett gave a heartfelt vote of thanks on behalf of the audience and light refreshments in the foyey rounded off a pleasant time.

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Herrings & Sauerkraut 1916

   After the success of last year, members of the choir, most ably assisted by members of Withpen Theatre, stepped well out of their comfort zone to perform a play on Friday & Saturday 8th-9th August, to coincide with the 100 year commemorations of the outbreak of WW1.  Written and directed by choir member, Jenny Duda, the play looked into the lives of people on the home front in a typical Cornish fishing village in 1916 and is based on a number of actual events.  The play was a virtual sell out on both nights and the cast equitted themselves with aplomb. All profits are to be divided equally between the choir's expenses and the Chernobyl Children's Project.  Such was the effect on choir members after meeting with some of the children in their recent concert at Fore Street Methodist Church, St Ives.

   The images below show the cast with writer and director, Jenny Duda and the poster design for the play.  Further images can be viewed on the gallery page.

For more images go to the gallery page

   The choir gave an informal concert at The Carbis Bay Hotel on Sunday 6th April.  This was an appreciative response to the wonderful raffle prize offered by the hotel for the murder mystery play performed last year by members of the choir.   Some of the songs familiar to the choir were used to provide some easy listening for those who were staying or, as it turned out, locals who had booked in for lunch. William and Trish sang duets and William a solo to supplement some good singing from the choir in limited space.  The bass section gave a rich backing  to the other parts.  After a resounding Trelawny, our piano accompanist was presented with a gift from the choir in celebration of her 25th wedding anniversary.  The choir retired to enjoy light refreshments provided by the hotel management.

Play rehearsals begin

   After such a successful first attempt last year, Jenny Duda is once again writing a play for the 'would be' thespians in the choir.  It is intended that the performance will be in August, but tbc.  In the meantime practices are at St John's in the Field Church on Monday evenings.

Musical Feast in aid of Children's Hospice South West raises over £570

   The choir gathered on Saturday 8th February for its first concert of 2014, its anniversary year. Held on a very stormy night at St Uny Parish Church, Lelant, the evening was a great success.  A very committed audience were entertained with a varied range of pieces.  Musical Director, William Thomas added to the quality of the feast with a solo,  "You raise me up", after earlier providing a beautiful duet from Phantom of the Opera, "All I ask of you", with his wife, Trish.  The  event was organised by John Culver, to raise funds for  the Children's Hospice South West, which it certainly did. The grand total now stands at £572.00.  John Sell ably took the role of MC for this musical feast with 'dishes' from around the world.

The choir thoroughly enjoyed the event at a venue they know well.  Once again the choir undoubtedly achieved their twin goal of enjoying making and sharing music and raising money for charitable causes.

        " Thank you so much for such a wonderful evening. Everyone who came was talking about it after

         this morning's  service. I also received several late donations from those who failed to brave the

         weather on the night."

 John Culver (event organiser)

2013

Barclays Bank St Ives

   On Friday 20th December a few members of the St Ives Community Choir rounded off a very busy season with light hearted Christmas songs to entertain staff and customers at Barclays Bank's St Ives branch. This is the second year the choir has enjoyed the relaxed nature of this event, providing some gentle harmonies that were easy on the ear. The sherry and mince pies were well received by choir members, staff and customers alike.

   Members of St Ives Community Choir were very proud to hear of the recent success of their musical director, William Thomas. The well known baritone achieved success in the Camborne music festival (now in its 43rd year), held between 13th-16th November, winning the men's open class and the Ladies' and Men's Victorian/Edwardian class with distinction. He also went on to be crowned overall vocal champion and was presented with The Michael Bosustow Memorial Award for best male singer.

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Last Night of the Proms September 2013

   The Rev. Carlyn Wilton welcomed a large audience which included visitors from across the UK with her usual exuberance. Everyone was rightly filled with anticipation. Communal songs included "I vow to thee my country", "Jerusalem", Rule Britannia", "land of hope and glory" and "Trelawney", with "Auld lang syne" to round off the evening.

   Take the St Anta Church decorated on the evening of Wednesday 12th September in patriotic flags and bunting...

   Add the fun loving, 'up for anything local St Ives Community Choir, bedecked beautifully in red, white and blue and directed magnificently by the one and only William Thomas... mix in a varied musical programme to suite all tastes, accompanied by Alison Ashby, a truly talented pianist...

   For extra piquancy, a sprinkling of hauntingly beautiful solos and two wonderful organ pieces played expertly by our own David Tremelling will give that additional burst of flavour to the mix...

   It is important to ensure that your audience is bursting with anticipation and enthusiasm, primed and ready to sing and wave their flags enthusiastically at the right time during the last half of the process... then blend the whole thing together with the unique, humorous and magical touch of Jannette Eathorne as chair person...

   Top off proceedings with a wonderful spread of refreshments laid on by the inimitable St Anta team of hard working ladies...

   Result? A truly memorable evening enjoyed by all and made special by the wonderful, uplifting atmosphere evident right from the start.

   Thank you to everyone who helped in so many ways. Looking forward to Last Night of the Proms 2014 already!

Lynne Brereton

Harvest of the Sea at Carbis Bay Methodist Church    

   On Sunday 18th August at Carbis Bay Wesley Church the choir sang a selection of songs appropriate for The Harvest of the Sea celebrations where £200 was raised for the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. Superintendent of the Newlyn mission gave a short talk about the work of the mission and thanked the choir for their contribution.

   The singers of St Ives Community Choir, under the directorship of William Thomas and accompanied by Alison Ashby at the grand piano, performed a charity concert at Fore Street Methodist Church [St Ives] on Tuesday 13th August in aid of Cancer Research.

   The choir kept the audience entertained with a variety of songs in different styles, from foot tapping melodies by Abba to the timeless favourites like "Deep Harmony", with the choir demonstrating their flexibility and their ability to change mood and tempo. The members enthusiasm shone through the performance and a total of £322.00 was raised for this worthwhile charity.

   The local Cancer Research committee provided refreshments and their Chairperson, Mrs Irene Tanner, explained the work of the charity, thanked the choir for their performance and all who supported the event.

    As a part of the Our Big Gig celebrations the choir rehearsed in red and black casual uniform outside the St Nicholas Chapel on The Island.

   The main event for Our Big Gig was performed in Trewyn Gardens on Sunday 14th July 2013.  We shared the stage with Menherrion Singers, Strike Sound and Fore Street Gospel Choir. Audience participation was invited, especially for well known songs such as Barbara Ann, The White Rose, Little Eyes and Lamorna. For more information about Our Big Gig go to: www.ourbiggig.co.uk.

On Thursday 27th June 2013 a number of the choir departed from their usual mode of operation when performing and became Thespians.  The cast played to a packed audience at St John's in the Field Church, St Ives.  Director, and choir member, Jenny Duda, said, "Considering some of the cast have never acted before I think it's an incredible achievement that they've been able to do this in just six weeks.  It's a very brave thing to do."  The event was sponsored by Carbis Bay Hotel, who offered an excellent prize for one of the lucky audience who guessed the murderer.  The choir is very fortunate to have use of the church premises for rehearsals and performances.  Over £500.00 was raised to help purchase a new keyboard for the choir.

   On the afternoon of Sunday 12th May 2013, the choir joined forces with Fore Street Gospel Choir at The Minack Theatre in support of The Cornwall Worship Trust.  The occasion was a pre curser to Walk Cornwall 2, an evangelical initiative that attempts to meet and share the good news of the gospel with other men in pubs, while covering the county on foot.  Although a typically Cornish misty day, a bit cold and a bit damp, the combined choir raised their voices to a large congregation.

   The choir was asked to lead the worship and perform at the Mayors service on Sunday 28th April 2013 at St Uny Church Lelant. The mayor, councillor Ron Tulley, council members and assembled voluntary agencies and community groups representatives attended.