Saturday 13th December Pershore
It was a crisp, dry, calm day as we played for an hour outside ASDA in Pershore as part of the Rotary Club of Pershore fund raising for Christmas. Much of the programme featured the Broadway play list but we played less carols as there were Singing groups before and after us and we didn’t want to overlap with their repertoire. The Shops weren't as busy as we had hoped but we had a few passers by who stoped to enjoy the music.
With Thanks to Louise's brother for some wonderful photographs.
Friday 28th November Broadway late night Shopping
With the Summer fixtures over the shirt sleeves were swapped for overcoats and woolly hats as we braved the cold Winter wind whistling through our open sided gazebo on Broadway Green. We were a little late starting as the choir had set up in the wrong gazebo but we managed to get ourselves set up in a record 15 minutes. The crowds were in good spirits as they swung past us singing along to some of the familiar Christmas songs and carols.
The delayed start was matched by delays getting home as detours for the closed high street sent some of our members way of course. Kate with the aid of Chat GPT summed up the evening with another one of her narrative poems.
Cotswold Calamity
Twas the night before Christmas, and through village lanes,
Cotswold rooftops were glowing in soft golden flames;
Fairy lights twinkled on cottages old,
As the winter air shimmered with magic and cold.
The band gathered early by the old village green,
Brass polished brightly, breath misting the scene;
But the choir—oh the choir!—in a bold festive bent,
Had arrived before sunrise and taken our tent!
Still spirits stayed merry, as Christmas spirits do,
For nothing could dampen this musical crew;
Santa arrived up the road, sax in his hand,
Playing jazzy old carols with a style truly grand.
The crowd grew enormous, all cheerful and bright,
Roasted chestnuts in paper, their smell pure delight;
Children in bobble hats danced in the glow
Of lantern-lit arches dusted lightly with snow.
Keith stood at the forefront, baton raised up high,
No coat to protect him from frost or from sky;
Yet boldly he conducted, through wind, chill, and cheer,
With gusto that grew as the moment drew near.
Around him the players in red festive hats
Blew out “Rudolph” with pride to the dogs and the cats;
And Denise, ever steadfast amid Christmas din,
Wore her Bah Humbug badge with a half-hidden grin.
And as the night ended, they packed up each thing,
No violins needed, not even one string;
For next week awaited—with carols once more—
Another cold evening of music to pour.
Monday 18th August Parson's Gardens
Just one day after Bands in the Park we repeated our performance at Parson's Gardens retirement village in Broadway. A fixture we have been trying to fulfill since Christmas but have been thwarted by the weather.
The intimate setting created a personal connection between musicians and listeners, making the event especially meaningful. It was a beautiful reminder of music’s power to uplift and unite. It inspired Kate to write (with the aid of ChatGPT) a poem about our day.
The Afternoon Concert
The garden hums in summer’s glow,
A gentle breeze begins to blow.
Chairs are set, the crowd is near,
The band prepares, the moment’s here.
Up front stands Keith, baton in hand,
Guiding the hearts of this fine band.
They call him Kevin now and then,
But all respect him just the same.
Heather taps a steady beat,
Her drums make time both strong and sweet.
Tim and Robert’s tenors blend,
A mellow warmth from friend to friend.
Pam and Richard’s altos soar,
Their voices bright forevermore.
Denise, Helen, Brian too,
With Honor’s clarinets shine through.
Tom’s trumpet rings, a golden flame,
Each note a call, each call a name.
Frances, with her French horn’s tone,
Spreads gentle warmth through brass alone.
Sheila’s soprano, sharp and light,
Glitters beneath the sky so bright.
David’s tuba, grand and low,
Anchors the sound in steady flow.
Flutes of Linzi, Diana, and Peter,
Dance like swallows, quick and sweeter.
Together weaving threads of air,
A silver shimmer everywhere.
They play of mountains, wide and tall,
Of music’s joy that moves us all.
Of elephants who stroll with cheer,
Of Oliver’s songs that draw us near.
They sail with pirates, bold and free,
Their notes a bright, untamed sea.
And through it all, the village sways,
Remembering long-ago days.
When silence comes, applause takes flight,
Eyes are shining, hearts are light.
The band bows low, their gift is done—
An afternoon of peace and fun.
And Keith, the guide, both firm and true,
Smiles at the band—his work shines too
Sunday 17th August Bands in the Park
Due to a late cancellation the u3a Concert band were able to come to the rescue and fill the fixture for this weeks ‘Bands in the Park’. The Concert band delivered a highly successful outdoor performance on Sunday in the bandstand in Abbey Park, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of listeners.
The event showcased a diverse repertoire, ranging from classical marches to well known film scores, all executed with precision and flair. The open-air setting enhanced the experience, with clear skies and sunshine contributing to a relaxed, festive atmosphere.
Friday 16th May Holy Redeemer School
We must have made a good impression last year because we were invited to play at Holy Redeemer Catholic Primary School in Pershore again this year. We listened to a piece by the schools talented young musicians and then accompanied them in an 'Abba Medley'. We have been described as a 'Musical Treat' on their web site to inspire more to take up an instrument.