What we did in 2025
The year began with our customary contribution to Aslackby's Plough Sunday service, the occasion being far better than the weather (again). This was Brian's last outing with us, and Vaughan nobly stepped into the breach as conductor pro tem, leading us through the year with style and enthusiasm. In addition existing Quire members have tried their hand at conducting with the kind support of Vaughan. The search for a permanent Conductor/Music Director continues.
In May the Spalding Methodist Chapel provided an excellent venue for our 'Fiddles and Fens' performance. The attentive and enthusiastic audience clearly appreciated both the music and the local history associated with West Gallery singing. The concert included items from the Collection of the Spalding Gentlemen's Society and pieces researched and made available by Ken Baddley. It was marvellous to see Ken at the performance. We very much appreciated his attendance and kind support. We even received a 'shout out' from Emma Clarke on her BBC Radio 3 Saturday morning Breakfast programme!
In July we thoroughly enjoyed a sell out performance at St Andrews’s Church, Dowsby. This followed by excellent refreshments in the Memorial Hall. For the audience and Quire. Thank you to all members of the Dowsby community for all their support and hard work in making the whole occasion so successful and memorable.
Unfortunately the third planned performance for the year was postponed. Our hosts were most apologetic and we hope to visit their Church in the future.
There was a fantastic turnout in December at St James’s Church, Aslackby for their annual Carol Cafe welcoming friends of Dementia Support South Lincolnshire.
Members also supplemented their singing ration by participating in the Mid Shires Quires' Day at Byfield, Northamptonshire, hosted by Immanuel's Ground; the WGMA Singing Weekend at Claverdon, Warwickshire; 'Rylstone Psalmody' in far North Yorkshire; and the John Moore Quire's singing day in Broseley, Shropshire. Each of these occasions was a delight and well worth making the effort to attend.
Quire membership continues to prosper. It is marvellous to welcome new members and returnees to the Quire.