Local news
Raynes Park Afternoon Townswomen's Guild - January 2015
Did you know that a harp has two pedals – one on each side? Not only that, but each pedal has three settings, for a flat, natural or sharp note! Following her talk members and visitors were able to examine Mrs. Margaret Watson‘s harp in detail at our meeting in November. I think next time we watch a full orchestra with a delicately tinkling harpist in evening dress, instead of admiring her neck, shoulders and cleavage we may well be wondering about the activity under the long skirt! Mrs. Watson’s programme included a wide range of musical styles to show us how versatile (and loud) the harp can be as a solo instrument – classical, folk and a rollicking arrangement of Glen Miller’s Chattanoogo Choo Choo, when she put the long bass strings through their paces. Great fun.
Eleven members enjoyed more rousing bass notes as we waited to file out of St Martin’s-in-the-Fields following the Townswomen’s Guild National Carol Service on Saturday, 6th December, when the organist played the Toccata from Symphony No. 5 in F major. Eventually, when encouraged, reluctantly and bashfully a young man called Richard Moore appeared from behind the large organ screen and the ladies remaining in the church showed their appreciation. He was in fact the only man taking part in this service, the Reverend Katherine Hedderly officiating, with readings by TWG national trustees, the National Chairman and other executive committee members and with the TWG North Middlesex Federation Choir singing many anthems. The Church was absolutely full and we agreed it was good to share this experience with so many other TWG members.
Twenty-four members joined together to enjoy a Christmas lunch at The Watchman in New Malden on 4th December. Spread over three large and one small table which just fitted into the small room by the entrance, this was another relaxed and friendly occasion.
Returning to the musical theme the two members who investigated the free lunchtime concert at St Mary le Bow in Cheapside were impressed by the small choir of 4 ladies who sang beautifully, filling the church with the sound of traditional carols and more modern pieces for about 45 minutes. The acoustic in the church appears to be particularly good so it is felt we should monitor the lunchtime concert programme for future events of interest.
And finally on the evening of Thursday, 11th December a group of 16 braved the cold wind for a return visit to the Lovekyn Chapel, Kingston, this time for ‘A Georgian Christmas’. In this intimate space the Lovekyn Consort – a chamber quartet consisting of Harpsichord with Baroque Flute, Violin and Cello and Elin Harries (Soprano) – gave us a polished, varied and educational programme of Georgian winter and Christmas music.
The next monthly meeting will be held at 1.30 pm at St Saviour’s Church Hall on Thursday, 15th January 2015. Visitors and new members are always welcome. Please telephone if you would like more information about what we do. We look forward to seeing you.
Dorothy Raymond
Tel: 020 8395 9489
