Report of Committee Meeting
On Monday 31st March 2025
- Apologies for Absence: Jenny Hyams, Heather Butcher and John Formston
- Minutes of last meeting (29th January 2025): These were approved.
- Matters arising
Choir members had reported that it was sometimes difficult to hear Justin and those giving notices. We have been looking into using a microphone but have yet to find a solution. It was thought that there are still a number of people speaking in rehearsals which makes it difficult for others to hear. Justin has been walking into the middle of the aisle to try to reach those at the back.
- Treasurer’s report
- Subscriptions -Malcolm highlighted the subscription income for the spring term which was £3,095 – the highest ever, and we now have 69 members. This also helps with Gift Aid.
- Library costs -These have gone down this term as we only have one work and there is no photocopying involved. Some people bought their own copies. It is thought that a lot of members will already have their own copies of Messiah for Christmas.
- Bonus Ball -The figure for Bonus Ball has gone down a bit and only half the choir are engaging with this.
- MD’s report
Percussion section -This is now in place and they will have their own separate rehearsal with Justin prior to the concert.
- Concert promotion Justin would like us to start promoting the concert early so that we can get more ticket sales. This year, tickets and posters etc will be sent to the printers on the 7th May and will be available a few days later. Justin also reported that there is an expectation in his Wymondham choir that each member will sell 2 tickets. We agreed that, although this may be difficult for some people, we should make an extra effort generally. The children’s involvement for this concert should help a great deal.
- We also agreed that, when the posters do come out, all choir members should make every effort to distribute as many as possible in a wide area.
- We also discussed Justin’s query about printing the children’s names on the programme. We agreed that this would be nice for the children and their parents, but we will need to speak to the school regarding this.
- Anniversary Events
Summer Concert
- Poster – Jo had sent us a copy of the poster designed by Paul. We agreed that the picture was lovely but just needed a few adjustments to the font so she will arrange this with Paul.
- Raffle – As discussed previously, we will have prizes from the voice parts, 3 from sopranos, 2 from altos and 1 each from tenors and basses. The voice part representatives will co-ordinate this.
- We questioned whether or not we could actually hold a raffle in the school so Stella will ask Jayne at her next meeting.
- Dress – This will be all black for percussionists and the children would be in their school uniform.
- Car parking – At the Rec or Co-op during the day and the Co-op and Factory Shop in the evening. There is also plenty of street parking nearby.
Messiah workshop
- 16th August at St James Village Hall. 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 4.30pm. Tickets £10.00.
- We agreed that the title, ‘Come and Sing Handel’s Messiah’, was a bit misleading as we will only be singing 4 – 5 choruses so it will be ‘Come and Sing Workshop with Handel’s Messiah’.
- Music – Julia will order the music in time for this. If participants would like to use their own copies, they need to know we are using the Novello Prout edition.
- Lunch – Julia has offered to make a lunch of soup and rolls, charging £5.00. We will offer coffee and tea at the morning break.
- We will need posters and flyers for this so that we can start booking places in May.
Garden Party
- John and Julia have kindly offered their garden for this. Possible dates are the 12th or 19th July at 2.30pm. Further details to be discussed at the next Social SC.
Christmas concert
- Music – Julia will already have ordered the music (see above) and we have the orchestral scores. There will be a string quartet and 2 oboes.
- Raffle – This will be along the same lines as at the summer concert.
7. War VE Memorial Event
- This will be held at the War Memorial on the 8th May at 9pm. We have been asked to lead the singing of ‘I vow to thee my country’ at 9.30pm. We will have a short rehearsal for this on Monday 5th May at 7pm.
8. Making Music platform
- Nikki, Jo and John A have agreed to form a Sub Committee for this together with Paul.
9. Sub Committee reports
Publicity
- We discussed the article about our 25th anniversary year in the Village People magazine and it was pointed out that this is delivered to 60,000 households. Members of Justin’s Wymondham choir had pointed it out to him. Caroline had also had 2 enquiries about the workshop.
Social SC
- As well as the lunch, which was covered in January’s meeting, Caroline discussed the very successful quiz. We raised £698 and the raffle, organised by Fiona, made £215.
- John Awty pointed out that we really need more help with putting away tables and chairs at the end of events like these.
- Caroline also mentioned the Garden Party (see above).
10. Members’ feedback
- Julia reported that a choir member wished to bring along an assistance dog to rehearsals. We agreed that Jo would tell members at the evening rehearsal about the request and ask anyone with any objections to speak to their voice part leaders.
11. AOB
- We confirmed that the autumn term would start on 1st September so Fiona can now send out new list of dates (see attached) which will be available on the website.
12. Date, time and place of next meeting – 21st May 2025 at 2pm
Term Dates
2025
Autumn Term
Monday 1st September Choir 7pm for a 7.30pm start
hand in Carmina Birana and Claim new books if needed
No Bonus Ball
Monday 27th October Half Term – rehearsal as usual
Monday 1st December Last Monday Rehearsal/Concert Check Meeting 7pm
Friday 5th December Rehearsal St John’s Church, Harleston -Time TBC
Saturday 6th December Afternoon Rehearsal St John’s Church, Harleston
Time TBC
Saturday 6th December Concert St John’s Church, Harleston -Time TBC (Choir
in Seats)
Concert Starts 7pm
Dates for Diary
Saturday 19th July HCS Garden Party at John and Julia Awty’s from 2.30pm
Onwards
Saturday 16th August Messiah “Come and Sing” Day – St James Village
Hall
Timings starting at 10am – 1pm Hour for lunch then 2pm – 4.30pm
Many thanks to Fiona for compiling these.