‘If I Can Help Somebody (as I pass along … then my living shall not be in vain!’) (1945)
Alma Bazel Androzzo (1912-2001)
Musing on my theme for November’s page, I remembered this song my grandma used to sing. It seems a little schmaltzy now, but I loved it then.
Many years ago, a philosophical painter friend (decorator, not RA) passed on his recipe for the rounded life. It was simple, he said; just a question of achieving a balance between doing something for oneself and doing something for others.
Among the things that bring me pleasure are, TV murders, quizzes, chatting and, of course, Dacorum Community Choir.
On Tuesday mornings I wake happy, knowing that I’m going to have a morning filled with music, laughter, hard work, and some challenges learning new music, and sometimes new languages. Our present repertoire includes songs in Old German & Latin, Hebrew, and Welsh to name but a few.
We love to share our enjoyment in singing with a wider audience in various ways. Last month we held one of our regular ‘Come Along and Sing’ events, in Grovehill, to give people a taste of what it’s like to sing with us.
Running up to Christmas, we have a number of community events in the diary. On 10th November we will be hosting our annual Quiz Night, this year in Adeyfield Community Centre with a raffle in aid of the Kings Langley, Apsley and Bennetts End Food Bank. The quiz will start at 7.30pm and tickets are £10 per person, including coffee and cakes. Make up a table of eight or join another table and meet new friends.
As well as our Christmas concert on Tuesday 12th December, from 6.30pm, at St John’s, Boxmoor (save the date – and look out for details in next month’s magazine), we will be singing in care homes and clubs for the elderly, and at Christmas Lights and carol singing events in Dacorum. Watch out for us at the Christmas Lights Festival in the Old Town on 19th December, and at Carols in the Marlowes in aid of the British Heart Foundation on Saturday afternoon, 9th December.
And so, that’s what we do for others. But it’s not only for others – our members love these events and the positive vibes we get from the audience – don’t think you won’t get a chance to sing as well!
If you’re interested in joining a fabulous, fun and inclusive choir, with no auditions, check our website www.dacorumcommunitychoir.org or our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/dacorumcommunitychoir
