A Christmas Concert

How lovely to be back at St Cuthbert’s Church in Blyth, during their spectacular Christmas Tree Festival; an annual event where local groups and businesses are encouraged to supply a dressed Christmas tree, displayed in the church for a whole week and usually auctioned off, or given to charities and other worthy causes. Each evening and some afternoons during the week, entertainment is given by organisations such as Beaconsfield Operatic Society, who gave us another splendid concert of seasonal music last night.

We were given a warm and humorous welcome by Revd Chris, who handed over to Mike Douglas – MC once again for the Annual Christmas Concert. He introduced MD 'Santa' Susan Sabourn and accompanist Peter Robertson - Santa's Little Helper!, who presided over a choir of around 30 singers.

It was nice to hear this programme was being shared not only here, but also with Blyth RNLI at the Central Methodist Church and Riverside Care Home in Morpeth. Congratulations!.

There then followed a varied list of items, 26 in total; both old and new, classic and unusual, Choral, Solos and Duets, all highly polished by MD Susan and delivered with gusto and pathos where required, with some lovely harmonies and very pleasing musicality. All of these were expertly and comically introduced by MC Mike, whose jokes were as old as the hills (in the main), but still very funny… well done!.

One of the most pleasing memories of this production was seeing some young members given the opportunity to shine. It is most important to enable and facilitate this platform of performance, as it instils a different kind of musical experience, where performers do not have a character to ‘hide behind’. Even more pleasing was the standard achieved by these youngsters. Their items were full of quality and enjoyment.

Following the final item and the resounding applause by the packed church, I had the pleasure and the opportunity of formally presenting the awards from the NODA Norh Annual Awards Event in October, which Beaconsfield OS could not attend due to it being their final performances of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. So, huge congratulations once again Kathryn and Susan for your success. I was also delighted to present well-earned 50 year Gold Long Service Awards to Brenda Fawcett and Chairman Kathleen Holdroyd for a lifetime of dedication, enabling this wonderful musical institution to continue into the future. Many congratulations!..

Grateful thanks from me for the invitation and for the warm greeting and hospitality. I had a super night’s entertainment. Also, thanks for the mention of the absence of my usual companion and past member of Beaconsfield OS - Pauleen Gilbert, who was unable to attend due to illness.

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