News from 2019
March 2019:
This saw the 25th anniversary of the Ratcliffe Chorale’s first concert. Some members who sang in that concert are still active members of the choir today. To celebrate the milestone, we enjoyed a lovely meal which was provided and served by local caterers. Hoby Village Hall was very tastefully decorated by some hardworking committee members and a good time was had by all, amid plenty of reminiscing and a little singing.
June 2019:
Saturday 8th June was a landmark for the Chorale. For the first time we played hosts to a visiting choir and performed a very successful joint concert with the Liverpool Phoenix Voices. The evening concert, held by kind invitation of Birstall Methodist Church, was preceded by a joint rehearsal and a buffet at 5pm, giving the singers chance to socialise and compare notes (excuse the pun!) about the 2 choirs. The large audience were very complimentary about the choice of music and the quality of the singing and we all really enjoyed performing together in a larger group than usual This concert raised over £200 for the local Air Ambulance service.
July 2019:
Another ‘first’- but maybe not the last! On 7th July, the Chorale were invited to sing in one of Wyggeston’s regular Sunday afternoon performances. It was a sunny summer’s afternoon, but that didn’t deter the audience from attending, and what a lovely group of people they were; such an appreciative audience and they especially enjoyed the organ solos by our talented accompanist, Ron Berry. When he played the Battle of Britain theme tune arms representing Spitfire wings were waving enthusiastically and the whole occasion was very uplifting. We hope to perform there again!
September 2019:
Monday 8th Sept saw us all gathering once more to start the term off. As usual, we began proceedings with our AGM, followed by as short sing and then -the best bit for some-drinks and nibbles!
November 2019:
Thursday 28th November: our first Christmas concert (yes, in November!) held in Trinity and All Saint’s Church, Loughborough. This has become a very enjoyable precursor to the Xmas season when we are invited to sing at the annual Xmas Tree Festival. Of course, the church looked magnificent, the singing was well-received and we got to perform a couple of numbers with our joint guests, the Loughborough MVC, and a rousing finale when we were all joined by a scratch choir from the Falcon Centre. 80 carollers on stage certainly launched the Christmas spirit!
December 2019:
Sunday 15th December: another ‘first’ for the Chorale. We were invited to join the Melton Brass Band in their traditional Christmas concert at Sage Cross Methodist Church in the town. A full programme of instrumental and choral music showcasing the talents of both groups was applauded by a large audience and the choir certainly enjoyed the challenge of singing with brass band accompaniment.
Tuesday 10th December: Christmas Carol Service at Brooksby College. This has become a firm favourite for the Chorale in the lead up to Xmas and, as always, we were made to feel very welcome. A full church, some lovely Christmas wreaths on sale, delicious mulled wine and mince pies during the interval-what’s not to enjoy!
Saturday 7th December: a full Christmas concert in the beautiful Rearsby Church. The following letter to the choir was much appreciated.
'The Friends of Rearsby Church would like to thank Michael, Ron & all who sang at
the concert on Saturday 7th December. An unbelievable 67 tickets were sold and a total profit of £500 was made so many thanks for bringing friends & family, also for your generosity in
supporting the raffle & tombola.'
'Several people have commented on the enjoyable programme, the lovely sound the Choir made and the warm, friendly atmosphere. One comment received yesterday: ‘Ratcliffe Chorale’s Christmas
Concert was splendid! A lovely selection of traditional Music and Carols. So pleased it was so well attended”. Lovely feedback on a successful concert.'
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