St Ives Community Choir News 2019
ASDA Hayle
Following on from the Friday evening concert at Towednack, a few of the choir members met up at ASDA Hayle on Saturday 22nd December to sing carols and Christmas songs in the entrance. A collection box proved successful to the tune of £74.51.
This marked the end of another extremely busy Christmas season. MD, William, also helms the FSMC Gospel Choir and the Combined Chapels Cornish Carol Choir, both of whom had several concerts. A number of the Community Choir are in one or both of these choirs too.
Christmas Concert at Towednack Church
Our final Christmas concert was held at Towednack Church on Friday 21st December. Rev. Elizabeth Foote welcomed us to the church and the concert began with the choir and audience singing O Come All Ye Faithful.
Throughout the evening the choir sang a number of beautiful Christmas songs from their portfolio. These were interspersed with traditional carols sung by the audience and choir. We were also treated to three pieces of music played by Jack, a young, accomplished flautist.
The £240 raised at the concert was shared between the Church and Penhaligon’s Friends, a charity helping bereaved young people. David Gee spoke on behalf of the charity, having been a volunteer there for many years.
The audience was brilliant when singing and carrying out the actions to the Twelve Days of Christmas and many of them joined the choir in singing Hellesveor – bringing our concert to a close.
Rev. Elizabeth Foote offered the Benediction and gave thanks to numerous people. William, our MD and conductor and Alison, our accompanist, were given special thanks and gifts from the choir, showing our appreciation for all that they do for us.
We then had wonderful refreshments provided by members of the church.
Carols by the Fire – UNA Kitchen
On Wednesday 19th December we were invited, for the third year running, to give a concert at UNA Kitchen. This year the proceeds were for the St Ives branch of the Salvation Army. The sum raised was £360.
Our concert began at 7pm to a packed restaurant – not a seat to spare! We knew that the tickets had sold out - brilliant for us, UNA and the Salvation Army!
Throughout the evening there was a great festive atmosphere and the audience participation could not be faulted. Some of the audience even joined in when the choir sang Christmas songs from their portfolio.
We had an interval part way through the concert and were treated to a beef or veggie stew and a drink. Delicious!
William did an excellent job interacting with the audience even though he had no voice or microphone! He gave everyone their parts for the Twelve Days of Christmas and it was brilliant! The audience enjoyed it so much they asked to do it again.
As our concert came to an end William asked everyone to stand as we sang Hellesveor - a fitting end to a very successful concert.
As always our thanks go to William and Alison.
The Royal British Legion Carol Concert – St Ives
Monday 9th December saw the choir assemble at the Royal British Legion, St Ives. We had been invited to give a concert for the Legion members and friends, leading the audience carols and performing several Christmas songs from our portfolio. The money raised during the evening was donated to the Royal Navy Association.
The atmosphere was great and everyone looked very festive, many wearing Christmas jumpers.
The audience was very enthusiastic, joining in where they could, even though they were sometimes singing from different song sheets! The Twelve Days of Christmas was great fun with people bobbing up and down to carry out the actions and sing their words – not necessarily in the right order!
Our concert came to an end with the choir and audience singing Hellesveor – a beautiful carol, loved by all.
We were then treated to a pasty supper.
Vicky Taylor
Carbis Bay Christmas Tree Lighting and Concert
On Friday 6th December St Ives Mayor, Councillor Tony Harris, performed the official lighting of the tree outside Carbis Bay Methodist Church. The weather was much kinder this year - enabling the choir and members of the audience to actually witness the event prior to the concert.
Rev. Edwin Myers gave the formal welcome and Blessing and the concert began with both the choir and audience singing O Come All Ye Faithful. We then sang a number of Christmas songs interspersed with audience participation of traditional carols, Christmas favourites and William’s jokes! The Twelve Days of Christmas proved to be as hilarious as ever – great fun!
A new carol for us was Follow the Star with music and words by Peter Luck. This premier performance was well received by the audience and was sung beautifully by the choir.
The concert came to an end with a very special carol, Hellesveor, sung by both the choir and audience. Rev. Myers then gave the Benediction and various thanks to people involved in the concert. This included an acknowledgment of the team who provided the refreshments.
The money raised from this concert, a sum of £240, was donated to the church funds. There were also small presentations to our MD, William, our accompanist Alison and to Peter Luck who accompanied us at two of our practices.
Finally, it must be mentioned that Tricia, Angela, Maureen, Anne, Lynda, Bill and Vicky spent time decorating the church ready for the concert. It looked beautiful!
Vicky Taylor
Annual Choir Dinner
The seventh annual dinner took place on Saturday 23rd November at West Cornwall Golf Club’s restaurant.
The event was well attended by members of the choir, together with partners and friends. As usual the meal was excellent and we enjoyed a lovely evening.
A raffle was held, with splendid hampers as prizes. The contents of the hampers were donated by members of the choir and beautifully assembled by Lynda.
Almost £300 was raised for Leah Stevens, a local girl, and Anne and Lynda kindly made it up to £300. Leah has recently undergone heart surgery and is due to have an operation in the New Year to help correct the scoliosis of her spine.
Thank you Lynda and Anne for organising the evening and to Steve Bassett for writing out the place names and menu choices.
Vicky Taylor
Concert at Camborne Redruth Community Hospital
On Friday 22nd November two cheques were presented to Lanyon Ward (stroke ward) at the hospital to say thank you to the staff, whose dedication and commitment helps to support the people in their care. We then performed a number of songs for the patients, staff and visitors.
Last April our choir raised money at a concert given in aid of the Stroke Association. This was made up to £400 from our funds and was one of the cheques presented.
The other cheque for £250 was from Steven Bassett. This money was raised from the sale of some of his paintings. 12 months after Steve had his stroke Anne (his wife) gave him a set of watercolours and he took up painting – a new and very successful venture. Steve also donated four of his paintings to be displayed on the walls of the ward.
It was a poignant afternoon as it was also the first concert where Joan Symons was able to join us since her stroke earlier in the year. To see both Joan and Steve walking through the ward and talking with the patients, their families and staff was inspirational – giving hope to all.
Vicky Taylor
The St Ives Community Choir's Trip to North Devon
For the fifth consecutive year the choir have ventured out of Cornwall for a long weekend break, staying at Ilfracombe and performing their charity concert at St Brannock's Church in Braunton.
The concert was on Saturday 5th October. The Choir of 30 mixed voices was accompanied by Alison Ashby and led by William Thomas. The varied programme was well received by the audience, who cheerfully joined in with a couple of our songs and laughed at William's jokes. William and Tricia Thomas sang 'Memories' from Cats and William performed a solo - 'You Raise Me Up'. The songs were beautifully sung and delighted both the choir and the audience.
After the concert the choir and all the people who travelled from Cornwall with us, were treated to a light supper in the Church Hall; a wonderful way to end such an up-lifting evening.
The money raised during the concert amounted to £566.22. and was shared between the church funds and 'Live Well at Braunton', an organisation helping people in the local community to get out to meet others and to attend any appointments they may have.
The next day we were taken on a tour of the North Devon countryside, calling at Barnstable and Lynmouth. While the coach was waiting in the car park at Lynmouth for the return of our choir members, a group Canadians and Americans on another coach trip asked us if we would sing for them, which we did, treating them to our version of 'Proper Job'.
Returning home on Monday 7th October we followed a scenic route in the mist before reaching St Ives in the afternoon - ending another very successful trip away from Cornwall.
Vicki Taylor
Crowan Parish Church Harvest Festival Concert
On Friday evening, 27th September, our choir performed a concert at Crowan Church. Crowan Church is dedicated to Saint Crewenna - possibly one of the Irish saints who accompanied Saint Germoe and Saint Breaca. The church was built in the 15th Century and substantially restored in 1873.
Restoration of the Windows is now a priority and it was to this end we were invited to sing, with the collection going towards the Window Restoration Fund.
Amanda Gluyas-Morgan (Church Warden and organiser of the concert) warmly welcomed us and introduced William and the Choir to the audience.
The Choir, dressed in their formal attire - black for the ladies with their Celtic brooches shining in the church light and black for the men with their brightly coloured ties - sang beautifully. The audience (small in number) but happy to join in when invited, had a wonderful evening and were very complimentary about our programme, smiles and the quality of our voices.
William and Tricia sang 'I Will Pray For You'. It was dedicated to their granddaughter, who was in the audience, but we were all able to enjoy this beautiful, moving song. Thank you!
During the interval the choir and audience sang 'We Plough the Fields and Scatter' as the collection was taken. The amount raised was £245.60 - much to everyone's delight. Rev Rosheen Browning (Priest-in-Charge) gave thanks to everyone and finished with a prayer before we began the second half of our concert.
We may well have to return to the church to help raise more money - to help replace broken chairs! Donald's chair collapsed beneath him but thankfully he was not hurt
Our concert came to an end with a wonderful rendition of 'Until We Meet Again'. We were then treated to a delicious supper provided by Amanda and her team of ladies.
A huge thank you to Alison Ashby, our accompanist and to William for leading us through a most enjoyable concert.
Vicky Taylor
Treloyhan Manor
On the evening of Tuesday 27th September the choir concluded their summer concerts at Treloyhan Manor in St Ives. A very warm venue and a very warm welcome from the audience of holiday makers greeted us. Or strictly, was it us who greeted them as they made their way from the dining room to the hall? Either way the friendly and relaxed atmosphere helped another pleasant evening on a very wet and windy night.
William asking folks from whence they came, soon had a theme of water, whether coast, river, canal, stream, lake or pond. This was normally a practice night for the choir, so a good sound from most of the members ensued. The regular visits to Treloyhan Manor are surely a success to all stakeholders.
World Peace Day Truro
World Peace Day (Saturday 14th September) as the name suggests is an international project to highlight the need for people of all nations to live together in harmony and mutual respect. Various conflicts around the world place millions of people in a state of fear and displacement.
Our choir has been pleased to accept the invitation to be a part of this project with choirs all over the world. Last year we sang in torrential rain at the open air market in Truro which was memorable for the weather conditions alone, but also for the commitment of the choir who sang with an expressible joy whilst the water cascaded around them. This year the weather stayed dry for our 45 minute programme.
Various stalls portraying the work of different agencies and multi faith groups were on display and the choir performances were interspersed with speakers talking about peace. The choir sang a variety of songs including 'Let there be peace' with Lillian and William taking solo parts. The setting was informal so no choir uniform was worn...allowing the ladies to shop unobtrusively! Five minutes after the choir ended their programme the heavens opened again, but as before, did not dampen the enthusiasm of the reduced numbers of our stalwart members.
Treloyhan Manor
On the evening of Friday 6th September the choir gave another of their summer concerts at Treloyhan Manor in St Ives. Holiday makers thoroughly enjoyed another fine evening of song and entertainment.
Almost Last Night of the Proms Concert
'Almost Last Night of the Proms' was held at St Anta Church, Carbis Bay on Tuesday 3rd September. The proceeds (entrance and raffle) from the evening were for the Church Funds and it was good to see so many people in the audience.
The concert began with words of welcome and a prayer from Rev Etienne van Blerk.
William Thomas, our Musical Director, was also the Compere linking each part of the concert with his warm interaction with the audience and sharing jokes with us all. William also performed a very beautiful solo during the first half of the programme - Anthem from the musical Chess.
The Choir, accompanied by Alison Ashby on keyboard, sang eight songs - some humorous, some very moving. Their singing filled the church with a wonderful, joyous sound - the Choir's love of music shining through.
There was a raffle during the interval. This and other donations raised a much valued £545.00 for church funds, an excellent show of generosity and delight with the evening.
David Tremelling, playing the organ, gave a brilliant rendition of Hornpipe Humouresque arranged by Noel Rawsthorne. David was joined by whistle and horn blasts made by people who shall remain nameless but who added to the feel-good factor in the church. By now you could see that flags were gently moving in anticipation of what was to come.
With David as our accompanist the audience participation with the Choir was brilliant. Together, we sang iconic, national songs with gusto and as always Trelawney was sang with great passion. The smiles and the enthusiastic waving of flags said it all!
The concert ended with 'Thanks' and a Blessing from Rev Etienne and the joining of hands to sing Auld Lang Syne.
We were then treated to a delicious buffet, which was greatly appreciated by all and provided a lovely way to end a most enjoyable and uplifting evening.
Vicky Taylor
Rotary Concert
The choir accepted an invitation to sing outside the lodge on the harbour plat on Sunday 25th August. Memebers of the Rotary Club of St Ives were on hand to collect donations, while the choir sang a range of song to delight the passer's by and those who sat or stood to listen to the whole concert.
The Alzheimer's Society Presentation
At the most recent and latest Treloyhan Manor concert on the evening of Thursday 8th August, the choir made a presentation of a cheque for £400.00 to The Alzheimer’s Society. This money was raised at the summer concert in July at The Carbis Bay Methodist Church. Community fund raiser, Claire Frost, was on hand to receive the cheque.
Treloyhan Manor Concert
On Tuesday 16th July a choir of a little less than thirty performed admirably to the holiday makers at the manor. William & Tricia sanng a duet to give the audience another treat. They were all very satisfied with the concert, having heard from the staff that it would be well worth it. Donations towards choir funds were galdly received.
The following message came via the website contact us page:
“I was reflecting on my hosting appointment at Treloyhan Manor at the beginning of June and thinking how good it was to listen to your great choir who did a 'proper job' for us. As I said as I thanked you your enthusiasm and humour as well as your singing was a joy and I wanted to repeat what I said that night and wish you every success in the future I'm still enjoying my singing with the Nottm Hospitals' Choir and, hopefully, being as enthusiastic as you people are. I hope to get appointed to Treloyhan Manor again so that I can hear you again. Trust that the guests, if you've been again, 'chip in' a good collection - you deserve it. God Bless.”
John Hindson
Towednack Garden Party
On Saturday 6th July the choir gathered together on a very hot and sultry afternoon. This is a well known venue to the choir in all seasons and weathers. An appreciative audience enjoyed the fifty minute concert. A cream tea was available to choir members immediately afterwards.
Summer Concert
On Saturday 22nd June the choir gave a concert to a large audience at the Carbis Bay Methodist Church. The concert was in aid of the work of Alzheimer's Disease. A sum of approximately £450.00 was raised.
Treloyhan Manor Concert
On Tuesday 4th June the choir enjoyed another pleasant evening as we entertained the guests from all over the UK and even further afield.
Headlands Home
On Monday 17th June a number of the choir were able to meet at Headlands Home in Carbis Bay to sing to the residents. It was a delightful hour and clearly made a big difference to their afternoon. It is a joy to use our gifts to enrich the lives of those who are in such circumstances.
Afterwards we sojourned to the house of choir member, Joan Symons, who is recovering following a stroke. It was uplifting to see her progress and equally moving to be reminded of how any one of us can be struck by illness without warning. About the same time, one of our basses, Trevor, had a particularly nasty fall. With numerous injuries he is also in our thoughts and prayers as he progresses to a full recovery.
Treloyhan Manor Concert
On Tuesday 27th May the choir, numbered twenty six available members, assembled to provide entertainment for the residents at Treloyhan Manor. This was the first of a number of bookings the choir has at this venue throughout the summer months. An audience of about fifty from all over England, plus a couple from Scotland and one from France, enjoyed our singing in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Lelant Village Fete
On Saturday 25th May a depleted choir had a very pleasant lunch time at the Lelant Village Fete held primarily at The Watermill Inn. A good crowd gathered to browse the various stalls, while music was laid on during the day. We performed a fun itinerary from our portfolio in lovely warm conditions to an appreciative audience. After the demands of the recent Wall Music Festival, and all the practising that went into that, it was relaxing and enjoyable to be simply sharing our singing with other folks.
Wall Music Festival
This is a well known and well established festival for those interested. It was a first for the choir. Never before has our performance been under such scrutiny. We were in it for the experience, just to see how well we might do. We were rather surprised to find out rather late in the day that our section of three choirs would not be 'on stage' until after 9:15 in the evening. Nevertheless, thirty two members gathered at Wall Methodist Church on the evening of Thursday 16th May. After waiting dutifully outside while others were performing, we duly entered a fairly crowded downstairs to listen.
The section 'next on' were ensembles, anything up to twenty. The first act was a trio. It seems that this was because there was no section for trios elsewhere in the busy schedule. After them came some excellent smaller choirs. The best of these were the Coastline Singers, a group of nine employees plus MD, from the not-for-profit housing association. Their Rhythm of Life was outstanding.
We extricated ourselves to the church hall for a warm up. Our songs were simple enough, so it would be important to sing them well. No folders, but not many words to remember, especially for the men.
Back into the church and our section began. First up was Neil Shepherd with part of his Cornwall Community Choir, Local Vocalz. Clearly, they were prepared to attempt songs of greater complexity than the ones we were about to perform.
However, it was now our turn. William, our MD, as nervous as anyone. He need not have been. Our Rock my Soul set the audience going with plenty of swaying of shoulders. We apparently 'failed to centre a few accidentals', but gave an 'expressive performance'. This was followed up with With a Song, where we showed 'real commitment from the outset', with well shaped phrases. Finally, we had the audience fully involved in The Crystals' 1963 hit Da Doo Ron Ron. Adjudicator, Gillian Oswell proclaimed it to be 'a shining and fun performance'.
We sat down to listen to the final choir, Pete Luing's Gwel Trencrom Singers. Their performance , we knew, had to please both audience and adjudicator alike.
Quite unexpectedly, the adjudicator did not give public feedback and criticism. All three choirs were given first place an 90 marks, which relates to 'an exceptional performance both technically and artistically. Wow! MD, William, was equally amazed, not anticipating such a high mark 'in his wildest dreams'.
A copy of the adjudicator's remarks can be located on the members' page >>>
St Ives Food Festival
This event has grown rapidly and markedly in recent years. Porthminster Beach was bathed in sunshine on Saturday morning 11th May and a good crowd were present for our fifty minute slot. A large marquee was to be the venue, now positioned on the station end of the beach, but it was decided to remain 'open air' to attract greater support. Organisers had ensured there was plenty of seating and folk duly arrived, some regular supporters of the choir and others, hearing us for the first time.
A free drink token was given to each choir member to use at the bar. So, with beverage in hand, it proved a most sociable time perusing the various food and drink outlets, together with crafts and locally made goods.
May Day Celebrations
On Monday 6th May the choir were once again invited to sing songs of a mainly local flavour for the celebrations outside The Guildhall in St Ives. A warm day and a large contingent of spectators gathered for the choosing of the May Queen, prince and attendees. Children from Nancledra School danced (successfully and skilfully) around the May Pole. Horn blowing was somewhat less spectacular. The song selection concluded with the whole assembly joining in the chorus of Rev. Stephen Hawker's 'Trelawney'.
Headlands Home
On the afternoon of Tuesday 9th April the choir responded to a request from the staff at the residential home in Carbis Bay to sing for the folks living there. A good number from the choir were able to attend. The atmosphere was very informal and afforded the opportunity to meet staff and residents and have a chat and cup of tea.
Having recieved an email request via the choir website on 18th March, with residents reported to be rather low in spirit, this was indeed a quick response. How easy and heart warming it is to be able to make a difference in the lives of others.
Brass & Voice
On the evening of Saturday 6th April the choir joined forces with the renowned Lanner & District Silver Band for a concert at The Guildhall in St Ives. A rather cold venue (the boiler had apparently broken down) was wonderfully warmed by a series of pieces from the band and choir, with several combining the two. This is the first time the choir have appeared with a band. Given that we are a community choir, where auditions are not required before joining, there was a degree of trepidation, knowing that we were performing alongside highly skilled and trained musicians. We need not have worried. It was an enlightening and enjoyable experience, much appreciated by the audience.
The evening, which was in aid of the Stoke Association, was especially poignant for choir. One of our members recently suffered at the hands of this dreadful disease. A raffle was held to raise further funds.
At the close, MC Janette Eathorne, who rendered several of her poems and threaded the occasion together with tall stories, was presented with a bouquet to round off the first concert of the year.
Annual General Meeting
The meeting was held at our usual practice venue on Tuesday 8th January. About 75% of the choir members were present. Reports were given which all gave a very favourable account of the events of the choir during the previous twelve months. The minutes of the meeting are available to read: AGM 2019 >>>
Cheque Presentations to start the year
A busy Christmas period for the St.Ives Community Choir (now in its 15th year), saw them raising yet more funds for various charities. During the year they have raised approximately £4,200, including £279.75 for the New Cornwall Air Ambulance fund at their annual Christmas Concert in a packed Carbis Bay Methodist Church . The choir were able to relax at their annual dinner, but the fund raising did not stop there, as through a raffle they raised a further £320 for the St.Ives Community Transport Minibus project for the over 50s.
At a recent rehearsal for their 2019 programme, cheques were presented to representatives of the aforementioned charities. The picture shows Margaret Ford & Chris Muxlow (Community Transport) and Mark Adams (Cornwall Air Ambulance) receiving the cheques from the local Methodist minister, Revd Edwin Myers, on behalf of the choir and Chapel.
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