whitby 2009

Once again Sneaton Castle was the venue for our January weekend residential. Angela Michel and Andy led the singing workshops on Saturday, we had the social in the evening and on Sunday we had a carousel of three workshops. Angela led body singing which loosened us up and helped us to listen to each other sensitively. We were apprehensive about Andy's sight singing but felt great satisfaction getting to grips with the lovely 'Take my Heart into your Care'. Ray brought along her ukelelees of many colours so that everyone could get going with this popular and accessible instrument. By the end of her session we could all play some chords and some tunes and had a handy booklet to take home with us.

Saturday night was greatly enlivened by the arrival of a bovine visitor who seemed to have eyes only for Andy. There was poetry from John and Alan, dry humour from Ann who was also our compere, Les' Girls were better rehearsed since last year, Ros and Jenny gave us a few of their favourite things, the girls accompanied by Hazel on guitar and then 9 to 5 ing, a strange visit from Bob the Builder going on at length about Health and Safety regulations, Ann and Geoff on recorder and guitar, Vince singing the January Man on Feb 1st, an 'entertaining' flute trio, a beautiful Manx song from our new member Sue, Ray making a good imitation of Joni, Tierce singing in harmony and playing mandolin, guitar and concertina and Tom respendent in his Scottish gear 'without his troosers'. Oh ....and not forgetting Nonie who did a vibrant set including an energetic rendition of 'Officer Krupkie' from West Side Story.

Many thanks to Anne Doughty and Ann Virr for organising such an enjoyable weekend and to Angela, Andy and Ray for leading the sessions.

MORE PHOTOS TO FOLLOW! Watch this space.