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On 25th May Vocal Expressions said a sad goodbye to Kate, our Musical Director, for the past 4 years. We would like to thank her for keeping us going through lockdown, working hard to help us improve as a choir, and introducing us to some lovely new music, by young female composers, which we really enjoy singing.
We wish you a very happy and successful future, Kate.
Our final concert with Kate at the helm was a great success. Our guests the Mastersingers were fantastic, the audience was both numerous and appreciative, and VE rose to the occasion, putting on a fine performance. The concert raffle also raised £251 for Holme Valley Mountain Rescue. Thank you to everyone who contributed beforehand and on the night, and a special big thank you, Kate, for working so hard to improve our singing, for seeing us through lockdown, and for the beautiful music you have introduced us too. Good luck in everything you do in the future.
The choir held its annual workshop at the Red Lea Hotel, Scarborough on 10th-12th February. as you can see we worked hard to learn some lovely new music selected for us by our MD, Kate. As usual we also enjoyed socialising together in the breaks and at our Saturday evening dinner, when we were entertained by choir members and played some hilarious games. Thank you to our Social Secretary, Sandra, who once again organised everything impeccably so that we could have a productive and fun weekend.
In 2022 Vocal Expressions selected Kirklees Young Carers as the charity they would support. The Choir are proud to have raised a total of £2515 for this worthy cause. Kerry, from KYC attended our rehearsal on 12th January 2023 where she was presented with a cheque for the balance of the total raised. She explained that among other things, the funds had been used to provide the young carers and their families with a lovely day out at Flamingo Land last summer, which greatly benefited all who attended, and a further trip is planned for summer 2023.
Our Christmas concert this year was held at Holmfirth Methodist Church, who made us most welcome. Unfortunately, Kate, our MD was unwell, but Lloyd our accompanist stepped up to both conduct and accompany us (no mean feat!). Our guest was the talented flautist, Simeon Wood, who was most entertaining, and the concert was a great success and enjoyed by all.
On 15th December 2022 many members of the choir joined the patrons of our local pub, the Pickled Pheasant with a Christmas Sing-a Long to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
On 19th October many members of Vocal Expressions, with some partners and friends met up at the Bengal Spice restaurant, Holmfirth for a social evening with the aim enjoying some very good curry and each other’s company, while at the same time raising more funds for their chosen charity Kirklees Young Carers. A well supported raffle and generous donation from the owner of Bengal Spice mean that a total of £189 was raised. A good time was had by all as you can see. Thank you to Sandra, our hard working social secretary for another well organised and enjoyable event.
The final anniversary walk took place on 9th September round Greenhead Park, Huddersfield. The weather was fine and everyone enjoyed a very pleasant amble on good paths between neatly the trimmed lawns and attractive flower beds, which Kirklees Council had thoughtfully planted in the choir colours!! Naturally this was followed by coffee and cake in the conservatory .
Many of the walkers had sponsorship and the final amount raised by the walk will go to Kirklees Young Carers - VE’s charity for 2022.
On 23rd July Vocal Expressions had “Everything off to a Tea” at St David’s Hall Holmbridge. The audience were well entertained with: a selection of songs from the choir; the skilful playing of two unusual piano pieces from Lloyd, our accompanist; an amusing monologue from choir member Nicky; and a rendition of the VE Cream Tea concert to the tune of ‘In an English Country Garden, written by our social secretary, Sandra.’
This was followed by lots of homemade cake and scones, and plenty of tea. All in all a most enjoyable afternoon and a great success. Can we do it all again next year please?
