Wonderful night of summer music

The capacity audience, which included Bexhill Town Mayor Cllr Simon Elford accompanied by his consort Mrs Tanya Elford, and Stuart and Deirdre Earl, was treated to a mix of spiritual and secular songs, accompanied by musicians, Mavis Foskett, Elizabeth Bush and Gerald Witts.

The choir opened with a spirited rendering of Joyful, Joyful, made popular in the film Sister Act. This was followed by Abba hit, Thank You For The Music. Changing the tone, the choir sang a trio of pieces, I Believe, then Rise, Shine, Give God The Glory and My Jesus, I love Thee, and a Rutter piece, Look At The World.

A change of mood heard the choir sing a medley of songs from Joseph And His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. To celebrate the 90th birthday of HM The Queen, the choir was pleased to present Gerald Witts’ compilation of the music of Sir Arthur Sullivan with a royal theme, played on the church’s Father Willis organ, followed by enthusiastic flag waving and singing as audience and choir joined together in Jerusalem, Land Of Hope And Glory, and God Save The Queen.

Choir member John Knight read a poem he had sent to Her Majesty, and for which he received a gracious reply. To finish, the choir sang He’s The One, A New Name In Glory, and You Raise Me Up.

The choir was led by Mr. Pat Reigh, the appeal made by Sandy Willard, and Barry Turnwell was our inimitable MC. Choir secretary Chris Cox said: “There was such a wonderful atmosphere in the church, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, choir and audience alike. The sum raised for MNDA was phenomenal!”

The Christchurch Singers is a 40 strong four part choir made up of members drawn together from Bexhill and St Leonards, which meets together weekly on a Thursday from 7.15-8.30pm to practice. Based at Christchurch Methodist Church, Springfield Road, Bexhill, the choir perform two concerts a year, Summer and Christmas, and members choose a different charity each time to benefit. Since 2008, £12,052 has been raised for local charities.