Close Harmony joined the all male group, Millstone Grit again for a concert at the beautiful little church at Croxton Kerrial on Saturday 10th June.

Our singers enjoyed presenting old favourites and the two new numbers, Java Jive and At the Hop went down really well with the audience, with Helen doing a great job fronting At the Hop. 

Millstone Grit were confident and in good voice, with a varied and interesting programme from the Beatles to Georgian church music.

Liz was delighted to receive an email from Lionel, a Mllstone Grit member, which I quote below.

“ I think CH are remarkable. They never seem to put a foot wrong. I was remarking to Diana last night that you practice for 45 mins every fortnight whereas we do four hours, yet CH are always pin-sharp and so tuneful. I'm willing to bet they never do a real stinker of a performance whereas we've had two or three down the years! Your two blokes do a tremendous job because there's nowhere for them to hide. Do tell them that all the Gritters hugely respect that.”

A super evening all around, thanks as always to Liz.

 

Close Harmony set out on the second leg of our 2016 tour, to Long Clawson, for a concert billed "Let them Entertain you" No pressure there then, remembering Baby June in "Gypsy" and Robbie Williams. We may not have had the glitz and glamour of megastars, but our singing and Hilary Ayling's masterful performance of a number of clever and witty monologues brightened a wet winter evening in the Vale of Belvoir for the audience. Once again, we were really touched to see friends from Global Harmony in the audience - including several who had seen us at Waltham a month earlier! Seriously, it means everything to receive praise and encouragement from our fellow singers. "Fantastic" -Jan "You are so together" - Maxine Thank you so much. Many thanks also to Simon and Sally Ann Shouler who organised the event and generously treated the choir to a delicious supper before the concert in their wonderful historic home. We're also extremely grateful to Karen for silencing the bells!! Thanks as always to Liz whose hard work and dedication produces the great results and to my fellow "Closies" - the most supportive and kind group of people you could wish to find. Sarah Bowie

We were delighted to be returning to the beautiful surroundings of St Mary's Church, Melton for our annual Christmas Concert this year.

Responding to requests for more Christmas songs, the programme included the new Carol of the Bells from Ukraine,  Sans day Carol from Cornwall, the Spanish Fum Fum, the moving German Stille Nacht , the gentle Cradle Hymn and a hoe down version of The Cherry Tree Carol. There was a medieval flavour with Gaudeaumus Hodie and Gaudete and Shepherds were well represented; watching their flocks and rising up!

New songs included Diya Duma, Janie Mama and Singing in the Rain.

The choir has been delighted to welcome a significant number of new members this term. Well done to Jane L, Alan Barbara, Gwyneth, Marj and Andrea for performing brilliantly in their first concert.

Thanks as always to our indefatigable leader, Liz Underhill. The Committee worked very hard to organise the concert, refreshments and raffle and thanks are due to Hazel and her family who gave invaluable support.

 

 

                                             

Pictured;

Sarah Bowie (trustee, Home-Start and singer with GH); Helen Everett (Retiring Chair, Home-Start); Hazel Collier(Singer with GH) and Adrienne Holland (Chair, Homestart)

Thank you from Home- Start

Global Harmony donated the proceeds of the 2015 Christmas Concert, some £600, to Home- Start Melton and Rutland.

We were invited to the AGM of the newly formed Home-Start Leicester, Melton and Rutland on Tuesday 15th November

in gratitude for our donation.

Hazel Collier attended the AGM on our behalf and enjoyed the lunch afterwards!