All posts by Andy Moyle

Outing to Island Hall, Godmanchester 20th May

The weather couldn’t have been better when a group of members and guests visited Island Hall in Godmanchester.  Island Hall is the ancestral home of Christopher Vane Percy and his family who are the 7th generation to occupy the house.  Following its decline during the Second World War the house was taken over by the Council and used as emergency housing.  Saved by the Herrtage family in 1979 who were responsible for restoring the structure of the house to  its original eighteenth century design, the current owner who is a highly recognised Interior designer, has brought the property back to its original glory.    The beautiful grounds extend down to the river and ‘island’ and after a tour of the gardens, we enjoyed afternoon tea in the very grand Hall and then we had a relaxed wander around the interior of the home.

 

Island Hall 20 May 2018

Choir

 

Previous Events:

On 18th July the choir members, looking really colourful in their array of summer dresses,  sang at their Music Director Jan’s wedding in St. Peter’s Church at Barton.  Traditionally Jan arrived 5 minutes late and looked absolutely stunning when she walked along the isle to join her husband-to-be Russ.  The choir were seated in the Choir Stalls so had an excellent view as the couple took their vows.  Then Lyrical Voices sang their hearts out with ‘All of Me’ by John Legend, a favourite of the happy couple, while Jan and Russ signed the register.  This beautiful song still lingers on our lips and we would love to sing it again at an appropriate time.  

Lyrical Voices with Jan
Lyrical Voices with Jan

After rehearsing for the W.I. Centenary competition but failing to make the finals, our members are now looking forward to new musical ideas and new challenges.  We finished 2014 with two events in December: firstly, entertaining our friends and family to Christmas carols and inviting them to sing along with us.  We also enjoyed a lovely evening with mulled wine and mince pies being served.  We then visited the local Day Centre where we sang traditional carols and once again enjoyed a very social afternoon with their members.

Performance at the heats for the W.I. Centenary Singing for Joy competition at West Road, Cambridge
Papworth Everard and Elsworth W.I. Choir

Papworth & Elsworth WI, Cambridge

We aim to continue to support the local community as in the past and we are currently looking at ways to enhance our performances. Group singing is cheaper than therapy, healthier than drinking/smoking and certainly more fun than working out. It is the one thing in life where feeling better is pretty much guaranteed. There are many benefits from singing: physically, emotionally and socially: in truth vocalizing promotes well-being, it brings people together, so go on, give it a try!

The “Making a Difference Locally” Scheme (M.A.D.L.) run by the Nisa Store in Papworth presented a cheque for £500 to the Papworth & Elsworth WI choir.  The grant enabled the purchase of an organ for the choir who sing weekly in Papworth and also at various venues in the local community.  We are so grateful to Mr Dilip Maher, owner of Nisa Stores, who presented the cheque to Joyce Burton on behalf of the choir and also South Cambs District Council who have provided a grant of £800 from the Community Chest fund.

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