Wistaston Singers performed a fund-raising concert

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

Wistaston Singers performed a fund-raising concert on the evening of Saturday 21st May 2016 at St Mary's Church Hall, Church Lane, Wistaston.

Phil Houghton was the Musical Director and also introduced each song and soloist. Treona Holden was the Accompanist for the evening.

Chris White sang and played the ukulele to ‘Trail of the Lonesome Pine’ (Laurel & Hardy), ‘Little Stick of Blackpool Rock’ (Formby) and ‘Keep The Home Fires Burning’ (Novello). Fred Allman sang ‘The Gasman Cometh’ (Flanders & Swan).

The choir sang ‘42nd Street’ (Warren), a ‘Mamma Mia’ compilation (Huff), ‘As Long As I Have Music’ (Besig), ‘Morte Christe’ (Jones), ‘Rule Britannia’ (Arne), a ‘Les Miserables’ compilation (Schonberg), ‘Flying Free’ (Besig), an ‘Oliver’ compilation (Bart) and ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ (John).

The audience were invited to join in, with the lyrics projected onto a large screen, to ‘A Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square’ (Sherwin), ‘Keep The Home Fires Burning’ (Novello), with a rousing ‘Jerusalem’ (Blake) to finish the concert.

Fifty people were in the audience. Refreshments were served during the interval. There was also a prize raffle drawn during the interval by Wistaston Rose Queen Rachel Astbury, assisted by Ken Sambrook (Treasurer, Crewe & South Cheshire Local Group of Diabetes UK).

The £383 raised from the concert will be split between the Crewe & South Cheshire Local Group of Diabetes UK and Wistaston Rose Queen Rachel Astbury’s chosen charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

Musical Director Phil Houghton said, “We were delighted to sing at St Mary's Church Hall and thank them for their hospitality. It was an evening that was enjoyed by all and we thank everyone for their support.”

Wistaston Singers next two concerts are:

-Saturday 18th June 2016, 7pm, St Andrews Church, Bedford Street, Crewe.

-Saturday 16th July 2016, 3pm, St Stephens Methodist Church, Gainsborough Road, Crewe.

Wistaston Singers were originally formed by members of the choir at St Mary's Parish Church, Wistaston in May 2000 and now number over forty members singing four-part harmony music. The choir perform a variety and eclectic choice of music ranging from choral church music and anthems, Gilbert and Sullivan items, music from the shows, music from modern composers such as John Rutter encompassing from the 15th century to the 20th century. They perform up to five concerts a year at various venues in south Cheshire. The choir is also available to perform at weddings in the area. The choir rehearse weekly in the parish rooms of St Mary's Church, Nantwich on a Wednesday evening from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. New members are welcome and further details may be obtained from Choir Secretary Jill Oakes, Tel: 01270 662940 and email:jillandjohnoakes@uwclub.net