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Tuesday 25 October 2011

Choir for Hire!

Last Christmas we sang at Elsie Hazell Court, a sheltered housing accommodation in Freshbrook, and we must have done something right because they asked us to come back again!

A bit about Elsie Hazell Court

 
Elsie Hazell Court is Swindon Borough Council’s only sheltered scheme in the Freshbrook area of the town and contains 34 one bedroom flats. They aim to provide as much independence as possible to their residents whilst providing a safe environment for them.
They boast that they offer regular entertainment for their residents, including coach trips, carpet bowls, coffee mornings and afternoons, bingo, and regular evening entertainment…

Last Thursday we were that entertainment!

Part of what Makin’ MuZic aims to do is to bring music to people who wouldn’t normally get a chance to hear it - those who like the entertainment delivered to their doorstop!


It also gave us a chance to show off our lovely new ‘Makin’ MuZic’ t-shirts!
Don’t we look swish!


Being a bit early for carol singing (yes it is too early for Christmas – don’t believe the shops!) we decided to take our July concert repertoire to Elsie Hazell Court.
This included a couple of folky tunes – The Ashgrove and Lowlands away, along with some bouncier numbers including Daydream Believer, Don’t Stop Believing, Fly Me to The Moon and The Rhythm of life.

The atmosphere was very welcoming, and we found ourselves feeling much more relaxed than we had been at our own concert – so much more relaxed that Soloist Julie decided to try a little freestyling during one number (‘Lonely world’ Julie – LONELY world!) Just Keeping things fresh!

We weren’t the only ones entertaining that night, Elsie Court resident, Henry decided to show us youngsters what he was made of; he gave us a tune or two on his violin, and treated us to a lovely rendition of Danny Boy.
If we hadn’t insisted on taking the floor again I’m sure given he’d have had us all up dancing next.

Afterwards we were invited to share in a spot of supper and a chat with the residents. Here I was once again serenaded by Henry who I think is angling for a spot in the choir... Possibly a solo spot...

Was lovely to hear how much everyone enjoyed the evening, not just the residents but the choir members themselves.


And not only for the cake.


Before we left we found ourselves already planning our next visit – So see you soon Henry – fiddle at the ready!

5 comments:

  1. May I just say Jenny, I think that is my favourite picture of you, ever :-)

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  2. Ha ha you are too kind Laura - is this revenge for me posting the video on youtube of our performance at the Octagon Cafe where you come in slightly early on one of the songs?!!

    Great article - and (mostly) fab pictures :-) It was a really lovely evening.

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  3. Oh yes - The Blair Witch style video! I had forgotten about that! Or maybe subconsciously I hadn't... Mwah-ha ha!

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  4. I am still just a bit concerned that someone will ask us to do an office floor move...

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  5. It was really great singing at Elsie Hazell. The residents were so friendly and welcoming and clearly delighted with our singing. One lady said that there had only been about 3 musical events since she arrived there 18 months ago, and that we were 2 of them!

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