Over 70 singers, ranging from completely inexperienced to long-standing choral members, converged recently on Fulwood Methodist. The reason? Veronica Frost had come up with her latest fundraising idea – to organize a workshop to rehearse ‘Handel’s Messiah’, followed by an evening performance.

Everyone assembled in the Church to await the arrival of our intrepid conductor, Alistair MacKenzie. He had bravely agreed to stake his professional reputation to mould a very mixed group into a decent-sounding choir after only a few hours rehearsal!

And what a rehearsal! It soon became obvious that Alistair was a very patient man who could encourage, persuade and lead us to an acceptable standard as we worked through the piece. Time flew and before we knew it we were eating hot pot, followed by apple pie, in Willow Grove.

Great sustenance before the afternoon session when we were joined by four excellent young soloists :- soprano, Charlotte Trepasss; mezzo-soprano, Rhiannon Doogan; tenor, Adam Temple-Smith and bass, James Berry.

Unusually, the evening audience was seated in the Chancel, looking down on the assembled singers in the main body of the Church - but they were treated to a very enthusiastic and surprisingly good performance which received much applause. Tribute must also be given to our wonderful accompanist - Edward Rugman.

A great evening which also raised over £400!! When’s the next one, Veronica? You deserve many congratulations for your efforts.

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On Saturday, 21st September, a ‘Come and Sing Messiah’ event was organised by Veronica Frost and led by Alistair MacKenzie.

Below are some of the thanks sent after the event.

What more could we possibly have wished for? HUGE thanks for everything! SO many people owe you theirhappiness - whatmorecan we ask in life???!!!

A xx

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Thanks for a great day.I think it was a huge success. Everything went as well as it possibly could have, and I thought the performance was really good for a Come and Sing event.I know that you worked very hard, so well done!

Linda x

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What a wonderful day /evening you gave us all. Thank you so much for all your time and effort which has gone in to organising such an event. I hope you did make a profit for your church funds. I really enjoyed the soloists who fascinated me with their slight bodies but wonderful, powerful voices.
Regards Barbara

Well done - Oh Well done indeed. It was an unexpected lovely evening./ Never ever thought I’d sing it again, but did! Knew most of it still and with a bit of breathing adjustment vastly enjoyed it. Simply can’t thank you enough. One of the best presents I’ve ever had!

XXJohn Bruce

I had a great time yesterday, it was the first time I had sung in a performance of Messiah and I loved it! Thanks for all your hard work, so glad you slept well, you never stopped all day. Yes would be happy for you to contact me if anything else like this comes up.

Thanks so much for all YOU have done. Many folk said they would like another go - we never know - perhaps we might be able to attract even more folk!! You were amazing yesterday!

Much love,

A xx

I was so very sorry not to be able to sing in the evening, However the afternoon was just lovely and a real treat. Thank you very much.
Beverley

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Thanks to you and all your helpers for your hard work. It was all well worth it and was really enjoyable.

Great fun thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the next one. No sandwiches required!

I bet that you are exhausted! Thank you so much for all that you did to make yesterday such an enjoyable occasion. I loved every minute. The venue was marvellous and everything was so well organised. Lots of people must have been involved to make everything run so smoothly. I know that the Broadway Pantry got lots of supportive comments and several people were keen to get the details of the kind of catering they provide.

Thanks for organising a lovely day of singing. What a relaxed and friendly atmosphere there was! I particularly enjoyed the young soloists and Edward Rugman’s playing. I am feeling slightly more confident now having kept up with the Amen Chorus for the first time!
Nancy

Just wanted to thank you and your team for all your hard work yesterday. It was a great day and super fun.
Janet

Thank you for organising the event. I enjoyed my sing. It was a huge success and I hope there are more and that I am able to take part. The tea was delicious.

I enjoyed the day immensely and learned a lot. I hope that if you ever do anything similar I shall be on your list. Many thanks

I thought the day was really good and such a pleasure to be singing again. Thank you for all your hard work.

Just a quick note to say thank you for such a well organised day. I really enjoyed the opportunity to sing the Messiah even if it was a bit challenging at times. Just as well I had good singers around me. The hotpot was superb, so well chosen. I hope you managed to raise a bit more money for your centre; it really is a great facility.

Pat.

I thought it was a very successful event. You worked so very hard and everyone must be very grateful for the opportunity to take part - I know I am. I look forward to the next singing day
Sue Barnes x

Charlotte and the other soloists said they thought you were amazing and it was the most friendly and warm reception they had ever received.

A x

It was FANTASTIC, I haven’t sung Messiah for about 40 years, but it all came back to me. I know how worrying it is when you organise things like this. Will any body come? Have I got the numbers right?. Will there be enough food ? Thank you again for a great experience, and good luck for any future projects
Doreen Wilkinson