Choir news

October got off to a busy start with an action packed weekend. On the Saturday night we had great fun at the Barn dance which Julie had organised. It was the best attendance yet at one of these which is a reflection on how much people are enjoying them. It was difficult to even get up in time to be included in the dances as so many people were keen to show off their do-si-do's! The food was as wonderful as ever and I'm sure everyone would like me to convey our thanks to Julie for organising such a great night.

It was an early start the next morning for the service at the cathedral for Fr. Myles' installation as Canon Precentor and Emma's licensing as Associate Priest of St. Anne's and St. Paul's. We were honoured that we'd been asked to sing an anthem during the service and we chose 'Clare Benediction' by John Rutter. It was a fantastic start to the service as the joint procession of the cathedral choir and St. Anne's choir filled the entire central space of the cathedral. The service was full of pomp with Ian Tracey, the cathedral organist, playing a specially composed fanfare for Fr. Myles as he processed to his stall. Next, it was time for Emma's licensing and a very special moment as Fr. Myles and both sets of churchwardens gathered round and congratulated her with a hug. It got to the moment when it was our turn to sing and I must admit, I was more nervous than when we'd been to the cathedral a few weeks earlier to sing for the entire day. My fears were soon allayed as the choir began to sing, full of confidence and with a beautiful tone. This drew many compliments from everyone in the cathedral and well deserved indeed. Everyone in the choir wishes Fr. Myles and Emma every good wish and blessing in their exciting new ministries that lie ahead.

It wasn't long before the choir were on the road again, this time, the very short distance up to St. Paul's for their harvest service. It was great to see the church so full with the parade service and lots of good singing and the choir's contribution was appreciated very much. Next came the mad dash which Fr. Myles, Emma and Dave have to do every Sunday to get down to St. Anne's for the 10.30 harvest service. John Rutter's 'All things bright and beautiful' got an airing which lots of people commented on favourably.
Not content with a complete overdose of religion in one day, Emma, Dave and myself went up to St. Faith's Crosby to join their choir for a Festival Dedication Evensong. Well done to Sam Austin for directing the choir in such an enjoyable service.

Time for some serious playtime, so the choir had a night out at Quasar which involves 2 teams shooting each other with laser guns. As well as this we had a game of bowling and a trip to Maccies. What a great night we all had and a huge vote of thanks to Jamesy for organising it all.

David Norris came to St. Anne's on 26th October to play the oboe with the choir as they sang 'The Lord is my Shepherd' by John Rutter. He delighted us with some beautiful playing both before the service and during communion and we are all very grateful to him for offering his time and talent for us. We look forward to seeing and hearing him again at the Carols and Punch this year which is on Monday, 22nd December.

Finally, I'm very pleased to announce that we have 2 new recruits this month. Lauren Mitchell and Lewis Wright have both passed their auditions and we're very happy to welcome them into the choir and wish them many years of happy singing with us.

Geoff