Kew

On 19 November, a Sunday afternoon concert was presented at Sackville Grange Retirement Village where chorister Colin Roberts resides with his wife Ann who also worked the sound system on the day.

Tony Davies was compère of the proceedings but individual soloists also briefly introduced their own numbers.

The opening bracket comprised We’ll Keep a Welcome, Yfory, Calon Lân and Cwm Rhondda with the audience eager to join in with the choruses.

Second tenor Rushan Hewawasam sensivitely sang Suddenly from Les Mis and then the choir was back with The Rose and You’ll Never Walk Alone before tenor Tony Hosemans soloed on the first verse of the lullaby Si Hei Lwli ‘Mabi which was sung a cappella.

Rushan was then joined by Drew Hopkins on the romantic ballad Perhaps Love and then a change of pace on to the rousing When the Saints Go Marching In with lusty singing from all the pre-rehearsed patrons on the final chorus.

After interval, they had another opportunity to sing on the English verses of Men of Harlech before tenor Gordon Parsons took the mic to sweetly lead the choir All Through the Night. Safely home, Drew and Rushan were back to present the emotional immigrant song Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears.

The choir next sang in the third language for the day with the Anvil Chorus from Il Trovatore complete with stirring anvil work by blacksmith Col Evans. The iconic Working Man was then sung, fittingly, by Tom Morgan whose grandfather had been a gold miner.

What Would I Do Without My Music followed and then it was time for another solo. Tony Hosemans set the scene for The Goodbye Song from Whitehorse Inn and masterfully sang it without accompaniment in the middle of the audience who certainly appreciated the feat.

Drew was up again with the Irish song Spanish Lady. The non-appearance of castanets did not faze fellow tenor Geoff Roberts who improvised marvellously with a pair of dessert spoons from the kitchen.

During the sustained applause Drew had a little time to draw breath before being joined by bass Graeme Sanderson on the modern version of Waltzing Matilda which segues into the Welsh National Anthem. After thanks, choristers walked off to Men of Harlech before reassembling around the room to sing their farewells with Sunset Poem.

The concert was great fun and the very musical audience played their part too, to make a very enjoyable intimate type of concert.

Audience comments included:

There has been an overwhelmingly positive response and feedback after your wonderful Sunday afternoon performance. Many thanks. Carole (social committee Sackville Grange) 

Wonderful entertainment. All people enjoyed the singing. Jan

 I had been before to a concert and this lived up to all my high expectations.

 A good program, excellently presented. The harmonising was excellent and the humour appropriate. Don

I loved it all – thank you. Nancye

Wonderful Sunday afternoon entertainment – varied program. Look forward to future concerts. Barbara

 Fantastic music, loved joining in Men of Harlech. Lots of laus. Jan

The performance was excellent. Considering the restrictions of the venue you put on a wonderful programme which was not hampered by the small space. Please come again! Susan

We thoroughly enjoyed the whole atmosphere, and loved the choir and the rendition of the traditional Welsh songs – Keith & Betty 

I had a most enjoyable afternoon attending a concert performed by the choir. Kath