We weathered the potential traumas of learning the rudiments of African drumming and came out feeling more rounded, happier, relieved and more  knowledgeable people (thanks to Heather Barlow again!).

Having shared that experience of being with fellow Chorale members and seeing them in a slightly different context, we then had the opportunity, after a Christmas interlude, to go formal and even more upmarket  – our wonderful Pearl Dinner & Dance at Worsley’s Old Court House, masterminded by June Ashton. We all enjoy dressing up and a little nostalgia, and that evening provided the opportunity for both and much more besides. The contributions of our first and our current Musical Directors gave clear indication of why The Chorale has endured and given so much pleasure through its first 30 years of life.

Next in the Pearl calendar came our Pearl Invitation Concert at the church of St John the Divine, Brooklands, when Jill Henderson-Wild, our Musical Director & inspiration, led the rehearsal of several pieces during the course of the Saturday afternoon when we were joined by past and guest singers, and for these to be performed as part of the evening concert. Whilst singers were able to enjoy the occasion, a plethora of extremely positive comments from audience members suggested that it was very much a shared enjoyment.

Not only was it enjoyable – it also raised a total of £552.00, which was split between MacMillan Cancer Support and the Haiti Earthquake Appeal.

Before we had time to catch our breath, it was then on to the Pearl Fishers Treasure Hunt, set in the heart of the great city by Janet and John Boulding (left), who had clearly done their homework extremely carefully. Some 20 folk plus enjoyed the occasion and the food at Croma, where the results were calculated and the inevitable winners announced (the winning group included our Musical Director).

The concert at the Priory Church, Bolton Abbey now seems a little distant, but “the memory lingers on”, to quote a well known song. We knew that both the internal and external settings would be exquisite. 

The singers were pleased with the sound. The picnickers enjoyed the food and wine. What a pity that the weather was so appalling! Those who had not previously visited with The Chorale could hopefully imagine how lovely the occasion would have been if common sense had prevailed and we’d had some of the sunshine we enjoyed at our next concert. A few photos should recall the day:

The heart of Manchester was just the right symbolic setting for the Chorale’s Pearl Celebration Concert on 19 June.  The warmth of the wonderful sunshine and of the welcome from St Ann’s Church complemented the occasion, where a good

 audience – including Jeff Wynn Davies, David Jepson, and a number of others who previously played key roles in the development of The Chorale – graced the occasion. The concert included the first performance of the piece – ‘Music’s Empire’ - commissioned from Alan Woods in celebration of The Chorale’s Pearl Anniversary season.

It was some time since we had sung in Hawkshead (2005), but all who have taken part in one or more of such previous occasions will surely have very happy memories both of the concerts and of the opportunities afforded for rather more sustained social intercourse than is normally possible. In short, it was a time for further Chorale bonding. Some folk undertook the journey to Hawkshead and back on the same day, but with the lure of the buffet supper served after the concert plus the delights of the area itself, many more opted to stay in Hawkshead for longer. Apart from the fact that it rained continuously for 36 hours, a good time was had by all. The concert was, as usual, well-received and supper in the Red Lion well-consumed.