On Sunday 2^nd November 2025

Apologies for Absence: Stella Brownsea, Peter Coulson and Justin Bindley

Minutes of last meeting (15^th September 2025): These were approved.

Matters arising (not covered below)

• Joint concert with Wymondham choir

• John A reported feedback from around 10 people, 6 of whom were not keen on this idea and wouldn’t want to do Carmina Burana again.  The other 4 may be interested with more information.
• We’d probably be looking at Norwich for a venue.  The Halls are not currently taking any bookings 
• Other completed actions

• Nikki confirmed she now has the second card reader
• Jo has contacted the Council to decline the invitation to the Christmas Lights evening.
• Jenny wrote to Basil to inform him we no longer need his reviews.
• Caroline has booked the hall at St James for the quiz.

Treasurer’s report (please see below)

• Malcolm read through his report and from this:

• We discussed income from Gift Aid and the importance of keeping up to date with eligible donors to check their situations.
• We agreed that we may need to look at booking the school again for the summer in case St John’s is not ready.
• We discussed the problem of finding an accompanist for rehearsals.

• Anne Reece, who is playing in the concert, is coming on the 3^rd November.   
• Henrietta is unable to play at the moment as she has an injured finger but we wondered if she may be available when it’s better.
• Some choirs charge higher subs but Malcolm feels we don’t need to raise our’s yet.

MD’s report 

• Justin supplied an update regarding booked players and soloists for the next 3 concerts.  Caroline read through this.

25^th Anniversary Events

• Fundraising for St John’s Church

Although we won’t be using St John’s for our concert, Fiona-Catherine suggested we do something to support the church with their refurbishment.  We all agreed this was a good idea and discussed a carol-singing session at JD Youngs on the 8^th December.  Although Monday is normally a quiet evening, it was thought that there may be Christmas parties/dinners going on.  

• Christmas Concert
• Raffle We will have sectional prizes.  3 from Sopranos, 2 from Altos and 1 each from Tenors and Basses.  Sections will discuss and the reps will collect the money and buy the prizes.
• Catering

• Julia is unable to organise the musician’s tea this year.  We decided that, rather than get someone else to arrange this, we would use outside caterers.
• Stella had visited the school and been shown the Domestic Science Suite which has ovens and fridges as well as comfort rooms for musicians to change in.  We agreed this would be a good solution and that the caterers could deliver the food in the afternoon and volunteers could lay it out after rehearsal.
• We will, as usual, ask people to contribute mince pies.

• Staging – Malcolm, Jo and John will be looking at this as it was very cramped on the stage in the summer.  They are looking at having 2 rows of seating in front of the stage. John A will check locking up arrangements with the caretaker.
• Progress with Concert Manager role – 

• Stella has 7 helpers for FOH and has briefed the new people.  
• We agreed that there needs to be a written job description for the Manager role.  
• Stella has asked her friend but he has declined. 
• Folders

Malcolm will order 10 more of these for new members to either buy or borrow.  Although it is easier just to sell these, £7.50 is quite a lot to ask for some people.  Nikki wondered if we could offer these as part of the new member pack but we didn’t come to a decision on this.

• Coffee Morning   

In order to give The Dove a definite figure, we agreed that we could have a list with 25 spaces after which people would have to take pot luck if they turned up without booking.

Progress with MM Platform

• This is nearly ready to go and will be live to members in January.
• There will be a version of the website as we have now and content has been moved across.  It just needs the web address and mailing list.
• The subs will be paid as normal for the spring term but, after that, there will be a reminder email and an automatic link to STRIPE through which people can pay by card. 
• We will also be able to use STRIPE for ticket sales in the future.
• Emails will go through the platform.
• Julia suggested a slot in rehearsals for training/MMP surgery.

Orchestra Tax Relief

Jo had previously sent out an email from Making Music regarding Tax Relief for choirs.  Currently, orchestras and musical theatre groups can claim this but not choirs.  They have asked choirs to support them in getting this changed via letters to MPs.  We agreed to do this.

 Members’ feedback

• Fiona-Catherine reported that some of the Sopranos are struggling with their parts as they are very high.  There is an option to sing second Soprano but this then means they don’t then have the melody which they are not used to.  
• Caroline suggested they may wish to arrange group rehearsals independently as the Altos have sometimes done.

• It was decided that we should ascertain people are singing in the best part for them and should be seated accordingly.  This will also help Jo with seating plans.
• Julia suggested putting new or less confident singers next to stronger ones who can support them.
• Justin had told Nikki that he never gets to meet new members.
• It was suggested that Julia and Nikki could liaise with Helen Bennet, who has already agreed to meet and greet new members. They could then make sure that Justin meets them.

AOB

• Dates 

  Fiona will compile a list of dates for the next 2 terms.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday 18^th February 2026 at 2.30 

HARLESTON CHORAL SOCIETY

2^nd November 2025

Financial Report

The Summer term subscription income came to £2,865 which gave us for the year total subscriptions of £8,875.  Because of greater choir numbers this year, at 71 at the moment, the income from subscriptions for the Christmas term is £3,185 and with additional members possibly to come back and join, the numbers are likely to be 75 plus.  Consequentially the annual subscriptions are likely to be approaching £10,00 for the financial year to August 2026.

Income from Gift Aid also considerably increased from £1,250 to £1,572 last year and this year I am forecasting around £2,000.  So far we have 52 choir members signed up for it.

The bonus ball income for the year was £563 compared to £550 the previous year and this year I am forecasting it could be as high as £700.

This is important for the choir and although it is totally voluntary it would be encouraging if it were to be increased in conjunction with the number of members we currently have.  We are already approaching £200 with 5 weeks of our first term still to come.

This year we have had some successful fundraising from both the quiz night and the workshop and hopefully we will get a similar result in 2026.

We were also extremely fortunate to receive a grant of £500 from South Norfolk Council which was initiated by John Formston.  This was an additional benefit to the expenditure incurred to support the concert in June.

We had two concerts in the year providing an income of £4,500.  The number of people attending the concert in June was over 200 which was the largest audience we have ever had.  The venue at Harleston Sancroft Academy was extremely good enabling us to accommodate two grand pianos and a percussion band.

The Christmas concert held at St. John’s Church was also extremely enjoyable.  The costs for the two concerts came to £8,428.  It is unfortunate that we will not be performing our Christmas concert in St. John’s Church as it is our favourite venue and very Christmassy.  However, firstly the boiler breakdown and the dreadful fire means that we will be using the Sancroft Academy yet again.  We may need to book it again for June as it is probably unlikely that the repairs to St.John’s will be completed by then.

The major problem the choir has at the moment is that we haven’t as yet secured an accompanist.  We have had three very good and able pianists but unfortunately we have not as yet been able to offer anyone a contract.  We do have Anne Reece in position to do the Christmas concert and Friday 5^th.   She is also coming along this Monday. 

With the extra income from subs and gift aid, etc. I have estimated that we can absorb any extra costs of Accompanist and Music Director without looking to increase subs.  However, if we become under pressure to increase concert costs too, we will need to increase subs.  We are not in a large town or city and we know that some people find it difficult already to pay extra, despite rumours that quite a few other choirs charge more.  We will need do see how thing are once we have secured an accompanist.

Malcolm Butcher – Treasurer

Printable pdf file here

Held on Monday 13^th October 2025

at 8.15pm in The Church on London Road, Harleston

Caroline and Jo welcomed Justin and choir members and declared the meeting open

• Apologies for absence

Apologies were received from Sharon Springsheim, Heather Cunningham, Lesley Thomas, Mike Cox, Will Herschel – Shorland, Martin Stoll, Rosemary Cox, Anne Plested, Felicity Todd, Angie Wilson, Anna Clampin, Carol Hammond, Pat Thompson, Linda Bradley and Sharon Steadman.

• Minutes of the last AGM (held on Monday 7^th October 2024)

The minutes were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

• Report by Music Director 

Justin delivered his report (see attached).  This was proposed by Caroline Rodbourne and seconded by Jo Curry.

• Report by Chairs

Caroline delivered their report (see attached).  This was proposed by John Awty and seconded by Amanda Fletcher.

• Report by Treasurer

Malcolm delivered his report (see attached). This was proposed by John Awty and seconded by Jenny Hyams .

He had also brought along copies of the annual accounts for choir members that wanted them and these will be filed with his report.

• Appointment of Auditor

Mr Robin Farrar was, again, appointed as Auditor for the year.  This was proposed by Malcolm Butcher and seconded by Jo Curry.

• Bonus Ball

Fiona was asked if she wanted to say a few words so she reiterated the importance of members taking part in this.  With the increasing number of members, just one pound from everyone makes a big contribution to our funds.

• Election of Committee members for the year 2025/26

Caroline Rodbourne, Julia Awty, Malcolm Butcher and John Awty were all due for re-election this year and have all agreed to stand again.  This was put to the vote and they were re-elected.  

Jenny Hyams and Heather Butcher are standing down, leaving 2 vacancies.  The nomination of Peter Coulson was proposed by Joe Manero and seconded by John Formston.  The nomination of Fiona-Catherine Thompson was proposed by Ruth Cawcutt and seconded by Kathy Smith.

• Date of next AGM: Autumn term 2026

Notes from Committee Meeting

On Monday 15^th September 2025

Treasurer’s report (The full report will be sent out and received at the AGM)

Jenny proposed a vote of thanks to Malcolm for all of his work and John Awty seconded this.

MD’s report 

Summer concert -Justin reviewed the summer concert saying that “Carmina Burana was an unqualified success on every level”.  As well as praising the soloists, pianists and percussion group, he congratulated the choir for its “tight, flawless unfolding of number after number”.

Christmas concert – We are now looking ahead to Messiah at Christmas and have all the orchestra and soloists in place.

Attendance – We have got off to a slow start in terms of attendance this term.  Although a number of people know Messiah well, they are still needed at rehearsals to help and encourage those who do not.  Justin hopes this will improve and that the confidence gained in the summer will return.  He explained that time is always tight to meet the concert deadlines, particularly in the autumn term, even when working through half term.

Voice Reps – Justin wondered how we could make better use of our voice part reps to support members, especially new ones as we are a fast-growing choir. We discussed: 

• Meeting and greeting new members, showing them where to sit and introducing them to existing members. 
• Pointing out the various key members and explaining what they do.
• Listening to concerns or comments and taking them back to the relevant people.
• Encouraging people to get up and circulate during breaks. 

 This very important topic will be discussed further.

Rehearsal Accompanist – Justin announced that he would be auditioning potential accompanists over the next 2 weeks. 

25^th Anniversary Events

Review of summer concert

We all agreed that this went very well and that the venue was good.  Some issues were brought up:

• It was quite cramped on the stage and the unusual heat didn’t help.  We agreed that this would not be such a problem for any future concerts as the percussion and pianos took up a lot of space as well as the children’s choir.
• Stella has been overseeing a lot of the concert arrangements up to now, including Front of House and this is very difficult whilst also singing in the choir.  We discussed the idea of a Concert Manager.  This would ideally be a non-choir person with knowledge of how our concerts work and what is involved.  This will be put to choir members to see if they know of anyone suitable

.

Garden Party 

Julia reported that this went well with about 30 attendees.  People enjoyed the opportunity to socialise, with some commenting that we should have more events like this.

Singing Workshop

This went well with 61 attendees and we made £354 profit.  We decided to hold another next year.

Christmas Concert 

See MD’s report.

Harleston Christmas Lights 

Stella, Jo and Caroline had been speaking to people from the council regarding our performing at this event.  As it would only be a 10-minute slot, we wondered if many people from outside Harleston would attend.  It’s also very close to our concert and Justin felt people might catch colds from standing around.  We agreed not to take part this time.

Replacement and Recruitment for Committee

We again, discussed having more accessible meeting times such as evenings and weekends to try to attract new members that may be working.

Jenny and Heather will be standing down so there will be 2 vacancies.  

Progress with the Making Music Platform.

This will go live after Christmas and choir members will be able to access parts of this on a mobile phone just like the website.

Nikki will be the Webmaster.

Rehearsal Rules

There is still too much talking in rehearsals, especially with people asking about page numbers.  Justin pointed out that everyone receives the schedule and should refer to that.

Feedback from Sub Committees 

Music 

Music copies – Justin suggested that music copies are signed for when given out so that we know members have received them.

Malcolm asked if we need to order any more black folders.  Ideally, we will use them as people have different colour copies of Messiah but they are then quite heavy.  Some people photocopy the carols to make them lighter.  It was decided we have enough.

Joint concert  – There has been a suggestion for a joint concert with Wymondham Choral in 2027 –  This might be either Carmina Burana or Verdi’s Requiem (the latter would require a large orchestra).  Again, we discussed possible venues and wondered how far people would travel.  We agreed to put this to choir members and see what interest we get.

Publicity 

Posters – Heather will no longer be designing posters etc although she is happy to print what is sent to her.  Justin’s friend Nick is happy to design logos etc for us if we wish.

New Member – The SC welcomed Helen Bennet who has recently joined.  She will help with a variety of publicity tasks.

Social 

Caroline has booked the hall at St James for the quiz on 21^st March 2026.

No member’s feedback.

No AOB

Next meeting TBA after the AGM.

These minutes may be downloaded as a Word document here

Report of Committee Meeting

On Wednesday 21^st May 2025

At Grange Barn, The Street, St James South Elmham IP19 0HN

• Apologies for Absence: Heather Butcher and Stella Brownsea

• Minutes of last meeting (31^st March 2025): These were approved.

• Treasurer’s report 

• Subs – these will be slightly lower this term as fewer people are singing.
• Bonus Ball – This is expected to be higher than last year by the end of the year.
• Summer Concert – the forecasted costs remain the same.

• Anniversary Events

Summer Concert

Staging – John and Malcolm confirmed that the staging visit had taken place.  We can use the school’s staging with no extra charge.  They will take a few squares of our own staging to be used if necessary.  There will be rows of twelve.

• VIP invitations – Jo has invited Basil Abbott, Chris and Baba Bracewell, Nick, who designed the poster, Janette and Karen.  Chris has already replied and accepted, saying they appreciate the invite but will pay for their own tickets.

John F reported that he has been working towards getting a grant of £500 from South Norfolk Counciland has just found out that he’s been successful.  He wondered if we could give them 2 free tickets.  We congratulated him on his successful bid and thanked him for his work on this.  We agreed that we should send 2 tickets, even though they may not be able to accept them.  We will identify the tickets on the back in some way so that we know if they’ve been used.

• Introductions – Jo is going to ask if Tom or Jaine from the school will be introducing the concert, after which Caroline will also make a short speech.

Action – Jo to agree with Tom or Jaine on an introduction.

• Raffle – The results will be posted on a board at the end of the concert.  
• Front of House – Stella sent a message prior to the meeting (see attached) to say that she has passed all FOH persona details to Fiona Catherine and informed us that Eileen Ryan will also help.
• Musicians’ tea –This will consist of plates of finger food.  Julia will bring a tick box sheet, with suggested items, to rehearsal so that choir members can choose what they would like to provide.  She would like these to be brought to the afternoon rehearsal on paper plates.  There should be around 15 people to provide tea for.

Action – Julia to bring in list of food items

• Dress code – Normal dress code.  It was suggested that the ladies would wear a red silk rose and the men, red bow ties.  Julia has agreed to order the roses and research the bow ties.  Malcolm suggested the men have just white shirts but nothing was decided on this.

Action – Julia to report back on accessories

• Banner – we need to check with Stella to see if she has asked the school’s permission for this to be on the railings.
• Post concert coffee morning – this will be held at the Dove at 10.30 on Monday 30^th June.  Fiona will compile a list and Stella will call them with numbers.

Action – Fiona to make list for coffee morning

• Checklist meeting – this will take place on 23^rd June at 7pm

Summer Garden Party

• John and Julia have kindly offered to host this.  Whilst we had previously looked at both the 12^th and 19^th July, Julia said that the 12^th would be the better date for them.
• There should be enough parking space and people will be encouraged to car-chare.
• Further arrangements will be discussed at the next Social S/C meeting on Thursday 12^th June at Julia’s.

Action – S/C to make arrangements for Garden Party

Messiah workshop

• Amanda reported that she had received 10 bookings so far.  Heather produced flyers and these were distributed on seats at rehearsal.  This was also announced during notices.
• Nikki has put the flyer on our FB page, asking people to ‘like’ and share.  Justin has put on his own site and advertised it at his other choirs.  Amanda has taken flyers round shops, the library and information centre in Harleston and will do the same in Diss shortly.

Action – Amanda to distribute more flyers locally

• The Publicity S/C has also distributed details.
• We have agreed that we need a cut-off point of the end of July whereby we will cancel the event if we don’t have enough bookings.
• Whilst Karen is hoping to play for the workshop, John Witchell has kindly agreed to keep the date open in case she is unable to attend.

Community Events

• VE Day – A good number of the choir attended this event and we received a lovely letter of thanks from Redenhall with Harleston 

Town Council.  They have since asked us to attend the Christmas Tree Lights switch on event on 28^th November.  We agreed that this would be very good PR for the choir and that we would like to attend.

Action – Jo to get back to the Town Council to accept

• Stella suggested that we really need to be more prepared as unaccompanied singing outdoors is always a challenge.  We wondered if we could use Julia’s Karaoke machine for these events.

Justin would like to be involved in agreeing the format for public events such as this.  We will probably be singing carols that we’re doing for the Christmas concert but he feels anything else would need to be rehearsed outside of normal Monday evenings.  This will be further discussed at the next Music S/C meeting.

Action – to discuss how to prepare for community events

Christmas Concert

• Stella has found a trumpeter for this.  Karen hopes to be back by September but, if not, hopefully John can step in again.

• Replacement and recruitment policy for the Committee
• Malcolm informed us that the Diss branch of U3A is about to close as they struggle to get new people to join the committee.  He feels that there are many long-serving members on our committee with some nearing or in their eighties and that we should be looking to recruit younger or new members with fresh ideas.  He feels that more accessible meeting times would help so that working people can attend.

We will make an announcement at the start of the autumn term to give people a chance to think about joining by the AGM.

Action – Jo or Caroline to make announcement at first rehearsal

• Members’ feedback
• Some people have reported that Justin doesn’t always give them time to find the page numbers.  This could be because he is using a different score.

Action – Jo to ask Justin to wait for people to find the page.

10.  Next meeting – Monday September 15^th at 2.30pm at 

The Dell, Billingford, IP21 

The AGM will be on Monday 13^th October

CARMINA BURANA
MONDAY 2ND JUNE

CARMINA BURANA – full run though with Katie playing

MONDAY 9TH AND 16TH JUNE – details tbc

MONDAY 23RD JUNE 

CARMINA BURANA – full run through with John and Katie Playing

FRIDAY 27TH JUNE

CARMINA BURANA – Working with both pianists and soloists – rehearsal details to be confirmed – Harleston Sancroft Academy, Harleston IP20 9DD

Time: Fri. 6.45pm (for 7.00 start) – 9.30pm (rehearsal)

SATURDAY 28TH JUNE

CARMINA BURANA

FULL RUN THROUGH WITH PIANISTS, PERCUSSION, SOLOISTS AND CHILDREN;S CHOIR – Harleston Sancroft Academy, Harleston IP20 9DD

Sat. 1.15pm (for 1.30pm start) – 4.30 pm (rehearsal)

PERFORMANCE AT 7PM

Report of Committee Meeting

On Monday 31^st March 2025

• Apologies for Absence: Jenny Hyams, Heather Butcher and John Formston

• Minutes of last meeting (29^th 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 7^th 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

• 16^th 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 12^th or 19^th 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 8^th 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 5^th 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 25^th 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 1^st 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 – 21^st 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.

The Music Summer School and Festival

Gresham’s School, Norfolk 2nd to 16th August

Having grown from a conversation at the inaugural Edinburgh Festival in 1947, 2025 will be the 77th Summer School. You will see from the attached flyer and our website (www.mssf.org.uk) that we offer a wide range of courses aimed at providing an enjoyable and convivial musical experience for participants whilst they improve their musical skills. All the courses are delivered by top level artists whilst the setting, at Gresham’s School on the outskirts of the Georgian market town of Holt is beautiful. We offer a range of residential options for participants as well as non-resident places for those who live locally or who want to organise their own accommodation. Participants can choose to take up to four courses each day whilst every evening there are at least three concerts to enjoy included in the price of the Summer School. You can find some images of last year’s Summer School, to give a flavour of how it works, here: https://www.mssf.org.uk/archive/. 

We’d be really grateful if you might be willing to share details of the Summer School with members of the Harleston Choral Society and anyone else who you think may be interested. Last year we launched an offer whereby if new people registered for the Summer School and mentioned the name of their ‘home’ choir at the time of registration we in turn made a donation to their choir. I’m delighted that we were able to support Coventry Cathedral Choir, Dulwich Choral Society, the Addison Singers and the Cheltenham Bach Choir due to this initiative. We are pleased to relaunch this scheme for 2025. We will donate £100 to the Harleston Choral Society for every participant who registers for The Music Summer Summer School and Festival by 31st March 2025 who has not previously attended the Summer School and who mentions the Harleston Choral Society on their registration. We will pay any donations due once full payment has been made by the participant at the end of June 2025. To activate this donation, those registering for The Music Summer School and Festival should name their home choir (ie. the Harleston Choral Society) in the comments section of the Registration Form on our website at https://www.mssf.org.uk/ss25/register-booking/. 

And a cartoon version of Carmina Burana…..

Can be downloaded here as a printable pdf

Held On Wednesday 29^th January 2025 At The Dell, Billingford, IP21 4HL

1. Apologies for absence: Jenny Hyams, John Awty and Julia Awty.

2. Minutes of last meeting (6^th November 2024):  These were approved.

3. Matters arising: covered by items below.

4. Treasurer’s report (please see attached) 

Main points included:

• The subscriptions for the spring term should reach £3,000
• The forecasted cost of the summer concert is £5,000 with income around £2,000.
• Fundraisers will help.  The quiz last year made over £900, the Bonus Ball, over £550 and there were gift aid receipts of £450.
• The card reader was used for the first time at Christmas and 50% tickets were paid for this way.  It’s also been used for music purchases. 

5. 25^th Anniversary Events

• Lunch 25^th January.  This was a great success.  Members had each brought a plate of food which resulted in a wonderful buffet.  Stella had provided a beautiful cake bearing our anniversary logo. Nathaniel Gee made a speech and Julia read out a speech that Chris had sent as he was unable to attend.  Fiona organised a raffle which raised £142.
• Archives. These were displayed on a table near the stage. They comprised of beautifully curated display boards and 2 folders of posters, programmes and other items of interest from over the years.  They generated a great deal of interest and conversation throughout the afternoon.  
• Quiz. This will be on the 22^nd March 7pm for 7.30pm start.  Fiona will run the raffle and will ask members to bring in prizes on the night or the Monday rehearsal before. 

Heather offered to provide some flyers to go on the seats at rehearsals. They will have Caroline’s contact details and people will be required to book either singly to make up a team or as a ready-made team. 

Julia will make Lasagne and committee members will provide puddings. 

• Summer Concert 

At Harleston Sancroft Academy on 28^th June 7pm with the usual Friday evening and Saturday afternoon rehearsals.  We will be using the main hall and the adjoining cafeteria area where drinks will be served.

Pianos – We are hiring 2 pianos which will arrive on Friday afternoon.

Staging – We will be using the school’s staging.

Parking – There is some parking at the school and nearby streets within walking distance of the school.  The ‘rec’ car park across the road will close at 9.30.

School Choir- There will be a small choir of school pupils singing with us for part of the performance.

Poster design – We will ask if the pupils can make some posters featuring our 25^th Anniversary logo. These can be displayed around the school. Heather will be working with Paul to design our own posters. 

Banner – John F will organise this.  It will hopefully go up on the school railings.

Percussion – We now have a group of percussion players.

Publicity – Advertising will be via social media, local publications, Diss Express, ARTSeast and community newspapers etc.  

Raffle – It had been decided at the Music SC meeting that we would revert to asking voice part members for prizes.  This will comprise of 3 from the Sopranos, 2 from the Altos, 1 from the tenors and 2 from the basses.  

• Christmas Concert 

On 6^th December 7pm Handel’s Messiah

The 3 soloists and orchestra (string quartet and 2 oboes) provisionally booked.

We will be singing Part one.  There had been requests from members that we sing the Hallelujah Chorus as part of the programme.  We agreed this 

should be sung as a stand-alone encore.

Justin has invited choir members to choose 3 favourite carols and the highest-scoring will be sung in the second half.  

6. Making Music Platform

Jo reported that John has received an email to say that our application is progressing.

7. Facebook

Nikki has set up our Facebook page and has posted photos of our Anniversary lunch.  She will keep this up-to-date, adding anything she feels relevant.  She suggested that some of her photos can be put on the website for those that don’t use Facebook.

8. Microphone for announcements and MD

Some members have said that they can’t hear Justin or other announcements.  We are looking into the technicalities of using a microphone.

9. Members’ feedback – There was none.

10.The next meeting will be held on Monday 31^st March at 2pm

Saturday 25th January 2025. St James Village Hall

FRONT OF HOUSE

Throughout the time the Choral Society has been running, it has always been necessary to have a ‘Front of House Team’ for the performances. We are indebted to the many volunteers who have helped with ticket checking and sales at the entrance; selling programmes and raffle tickets. At the interval, selling and serving the refreshments! Now, we include a glass of wine, or soft drink, and a programme in the price of the ticket, a much better idea!

Choir Member Memories CAROL – SOPRANO

The Anne Gee years are particularly well documented in the Archives and are inspiring. It’s amazing that the choir produced three concerts a year at various venues. In 2002 Anne also organised a “Come and Sing the Messiah from Scratch” event at Wingfield Church. The proceeds were donated to a local charity. One can sense the excitement and energy generated by the formation of Harleston Choral Society. There was an audience who appreciated the opportunity to hear choral works in their own community. It is good to know that 25 years later our concerts remain popular and well attended.

Choir Memories RUTH – SOPRANO

I was fortunate enough to have attended the first concert performance of the Harleston Choral
Society and sitting in the audience listening, made me realise how much I had missed singing
with a choir. At the age of ten I joined the church choir of St John the Evangelist, in
Colchester. Under the direction of Mr Harry Pitt, I sang with them until I moved to north
Suffolk in 1975. Here, in Harleston was the opportunity to sing with a choir again! No
auditions…..just come along and sing! I joined in 2001 and have had the privilege of meeting
and working with some extremely talented people and being part of the team, as secretary for
a several years, helping with catering for orchestras and soloists, doing the bonus ball. Being
the Friends secretary for a number of years. Calling on local businesses and trying to sell
advertising to fund publishing the programmes. Above all it has been the joy of singing, at
the beginning of a new season to pick up a score and not even know the first note and then a
performance with orchestra and soloists. Needless to say, there have been the times when
things haven’t gone quite to plan but we won’t mention those. How good we all feel at the
end of the concert of something accomplished! The friendships that have been forged. The
strong health benefits from learning how to breath and stand properly, and it is acknowledged
the mental health improvement gained from singing!

Choir Memories JENNY – SOPRANO

The year 2000 was a very significant year for me: I enrolled at UEA to do a part-time History degree; I started the Patient Participation Group at my local GP practice; and I became one of the original members of Harleston Choral Society. HCS was founded by Anne Gee in January 2000, after a one-day workshop in Wensum Lodge in Norwich, when she managed to get us to sing Vivaldi’s Gloria in one day ! Anne, who died in 2010, strongly believed in teaching people to sing, especially those who were unaware that they could actually sing. She was a pioneer of this approach to teaching and encouraging amateur choirs, which she called “singing for those who can’t”. But for Anne’s vision and enthusiasm Harleston Choral Society would not exist today, and you would not be able to enjoy the experience of live choral music in Harleston.

Choir Memories Pat Soprano

With a certain amount of intrepidation, off I went to Harleston. It seemed when I arrived at the primary school there were quite a few other people who felt the same way. I had seen a poster in the garage in Fressingfield, inviting anyone who wanted to join a choir to go along and sing the ‘Messiah’. I was familiar with the piece because it was one of my father’s favourites. I had never sung it before, but I thought “What an opportunity – shall I have a go?” We filed into the hall of the school and Anne Gee greeted each one of us. At a table, a lady was taking names and which voice we would feel comfortable singing. Then we shown where our section would be and then we took our seats. Once everyone had been booked in, Anne had a unique way of getting us relaxed and into the mood to sing. We all stood up and turned to our left, so we were looking at the back of the next person. She told us to close our eyes and then imagine ourselves on a lovely warm sunny, sandy beach with the sea lapping at our feet, holding a glass of a lovely long cool drink! You could almost taste it! We then came back to reality and began singing ‘Messiah’. Halfway through the evening we had a break, when two ladies offered us, tea, coffee or a cold drink. They actually made the tea in the school office kitchen, in a teapot of course, all in 20 minutes. At the end of our practice. Anne would thank Jenny, our accompanist on the piano, and we would give them both a rousing applause. We still do that to this day. I really enjoy those two hours a week singing with other people and I have met some lovely people over the years. I have to say the pieces that have really become my favourites are ‘Messiah’, ‘The Creation’, and ‘Elijah’. Amongst all the other works we have sung, I even braved it one year and sang a small solo in ‘Dido and Aneaus’! Singing pieces in Latin was quite a challenge, nothing phases us now though, we may not always know what all the words mean, but as long as the music and singing is enjoyed by our audiences, that’s what matters I have missed a few concerts through illness, but through all the years, I still keep coming back.

TIME LINE OF PERFORMANCES

FROM 2012 TO PRESENT

JULY 2023:

Summer Concert – Haydn: ’Stabat Mater’ and a selection of Mozart opera arias, choruses and

ensembles, and – as a tribute to our new King – Handel:  ’Zadok the Priest’

DECEMBER 2022:

Christmas Concert – Ronald Corp: ’A Christmas Mass’, Christmas carols

JUNE 2022:

Summer Concert – Fauré: ‘Requiem’ and solo pieces

DECEMBER 2021:

Christmas Concert – Excerpts from the ‘Messiah’, carols and choral classics.

DECEMBER 2019:

Christmas Concert – Chilcott’s: ‘Twelve Days of Christmas”’ and ‘Behold that Star’ and Vaughn

Williams: ‘The First Nowell’

SUMMER CONCERT 2019:

An Evening with Henry Purcell. Purcell: Dido and Aeneas; three anthems (‘Thou knowest Lord

the secrets of our hearts’; ‘Remember not Lord our offences’; I was glad) and ‘O Sing unto the

Lord’.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2018: ’Blessed be that Babe’. Handel: ’Messiah’ [part 1],

Telemann: ’German Magnificat’.

SUMMER CONCERT 2018:

Rossini: ‘Petite Messe Solennelle’

CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2017:

Bach: ’Orchestral Suite No 4 in D Major’, and Bach: ’Christmas Oratorio’

SUMMER CONCERT 2017:

Mozart: ’Requiem’ and Haydn: ‘Maria Theresa Mass’

CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2016:

Vivaldi: ’Gloria’, Faure: ’Cantique de Jean Racine’, ‘The Shepherds’ Farewell’ from

Berlioz: ‘L’Enfance du Christ‘, Franck: ’Panis angelicus’ and carols

SUMMER CONCERT 2016:

Bach: ’St John Passion’

CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2015:

Handel: ’Messiah’

SUMMER CONCERT 2015:

Brahms: ’Requiem’

21 JUNE 2014:

Haydn: ‘The Creation’

29 JUNE 2013:

Mendelssohn: ‘Elijah’

16 JUNE 2012:

Handel: ‘Zadok the Priest’, Vivaldi: ‘Gloria’, Vaughan Williams: ‘The Old Hundreth Psalm

Tune’, and Mozart: ‘Coronation Mass’

<p><strong>FIONA– ALTO</strong></p>
<p>
Fiona Bartlett is a Founder Member of Harleston Choral Society (HCS).	She joined the Choir
for its First Rehearsal in January 2000.	This was at Canon Pickering Junior School which was
later called Harleston Primary School and is now Harleston Sancroft Academy Primary
Phase.	There were a lot of members who joined on the first night and some are still
members 25 years later.
Fiona has seen a lot of members coming and going for various reasons including the
deceased of the Membership.	In Fiona’s time at HCS there have been 7 Music Directors and
6 Accompanists. There have been lots of works by different composers throughout Fiona’s
years with HCS but her favourite year was when we did 2 concerts when Stella Brownsea
took the choir on for a year.	The choir did a Gilbert and Sullivan Evening for the Summer
Concert.	This was excerpts from G&S operas, and Trial By Jury was performed by the Choir
as the Chorus, and several Singers that Stella knew from Music Societies she worked with
doing the principal parts.	For the Christmas Concert with Stella the Choir did St Cecilia
Mass by Charles Gounod, and Carols sung by the Choir and Audience accompanied by an
amateur Orchestra made up of Players from Societies Stella worked with.</p>

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