(Jay Livingston (1915-2001) & Ray Evans (1915-2007))
Over the weekend of the Queen’s funeral, I was musing on new beginnings.
On the February 6th, 1952, I, along with many others, took the 11+. When we came out of the exam room, the school was strangely silent. We were met by Miss Turner, our scary headmistress, with a sad smile on her face, and she told us that the King had died.
So, we went home to solemn music on the wireless and became Young Elizabethans.
I think that year in the top form of Primary School was when I felt the most grown-up. After that, I became one of the youngest in Secondary School, a junior shorthand-typist in my first job, a new bride, a new mother, a ‘young’ grandmother and finally, a new pensioner!
Another very important new beginning was when I found a ‘Can’t Sing Choir’ and discovered that I could, after a fashion. After that I sang in a few choirs, until in 2013 I landed in Dacorum Community Choir and felt immediately at home.
Over the years since our foundation in 2009, the choir has accomplished a number of firsts; a first website, a first concert and a first tour stand out.
Until last Friday, our concerts had always taken place in churches, but on September 30th, we performed in a theatre – The Boxmoor Playhouse – and rather than the auditorium being set out in rows, the audience was seated around tables in cabaret style. Such a fun evening!
So, what does lie ahead?
If you’d like to get a taste of what we’re about, you can join us for a ‘Come along and Sing’ afternoon on October 22nd at Leverstock Green Village Hall, from 3.30. The cost is £3 (children free) and there will be coffee and home-made cakes after the singing. Please do speak to Sally on 07402 181182 if you’d like more information. No need to book, just turn up.
We welcome new members at any time, and you try us out for a couple of weeks to see whether we’re for you without making any commitment.
If you’d like to join us or book us to sing for your group you can find more information on www.dacorumcommunitychoir.org,
www.facebook.com/dacorumcommunitychoir, or speak to Sally on 07402 181182
