Charity Concert, and flowers

On Saturday I took part in a Charity Concert in aid of MHA, which is a charity providing care homes, housing and support services for older people throughout Britain. It was organised by Birgitte Grace, the chaplain at Westbury Grange and a member of the Baptist Church of which I'm a part. Bee, as she's known, is doing an excellent work, and the way she spoke about MHA demonstrated her commitment and compassion for vulnerable older people.

I did two sets, accompanied by Mary Cotes, who also accompanied Claire Turner, more recently a mum, but previously a mezzo soprano with Welsh National Opera. Katie Neaves, a violinist was the other instrumentalist, taking a night off from the National Tour of The Sound of Music. Additionally, the Arts1 Musical Theatre Choir sang.

This group describe themselves as 'a vibrant and exciting adult choir for singers looking to enjoy making a fantastic sound whilst having fun and meeting new friends.' It was an absolute delight to hear them perform with such enthusiasm and clear enjoyment. Their musical director, James Grimsey, who led them in songs from shows, popular music and other well known melodies, has something of the Gareth Malone, from The Choir, about him. Certainly he generated a huge amount of energy from his singers.

The evening was in the Church of St Peter and St Paul's, Newport Pagnell, and on this occasion it was actually warm! The finishing touch from the evening was that for the first time ever, I was given flowers, beautiful flowers, and I was thoroughly chuffed!