Southwell Rotary Club

Last night we performed at the Saracen's Head Southwell, for the annual Southwell Rotary Club Christmas Dinner. What a wonderful audience.

We sang around the tables as they had their meal, then after a short break, we did a more formal set, including all the idiocy and silliness that we are well known for. During this set, the Rotarians were "hijacked" by the Lions Santa Claus, who went around the tables collecting for charity, while we provided a festive backing by singing Jingle Bells.

I was especially pleased to see Santa, as it gave me an opportunity to give him my presents list and save a stamp.

We would like to say a big thank you to William for inviting us, and for the wonderful hospitality we were shown.  Also a big thanks to the receptionist at the Saracen's Head who kindly opened a room for us to warm up in.

This was our last performance of 2009.  We are all looking forward to a break over Christmas before we start learning new material for 2010.

Merry Christmas everybody

Lions Party Southwell

An excellent afternoon spent entertaining the over 60's at the Lion organised party held in the Southwell Minster School.

On the bill were the Lions themselves, who sang some songs from the thirties and forties, and then the Palace Singers from Newark who got the audience singing and were really enjoyable, with one of the most active musical directors I have ever seen.

Besides doing our regular spot, complete with jumping off the stage and dancing with some audience members, we aired our Chrismas package for the first time this year, and then sang a selection of carols with the Lions. A highlight was when we told the audience it was Rob's birthday, and without any prompting, the audience sang "Happy Birthday" to him.

I have to say that we get much more enjoyment and fun singing for an appreciative audience like this then we ever get from singing in barbershop competitions or even to a barbershop audience. This is where we feel "at home", and where we get a genuine rapport with the audience. Additionally, we are very aware that because of mobility and health problems, this particular audience is limited in it's choice of live entertainment. We feel humbled and honoured that we were enable to spend an afternoon with them and give them a few smiles. 

After the show, we adjurned to the excellent Saracens's Head,  to check it out in readiness for our forthcoming appearance there at the Rotary Club annual dinner (actually, we just went there for a pint!!).

Our next performance is with the Major Oak Chorus at a Freemasons dinner at the Goldsmith Street Masonic Hall in Nottingham, and then it's a WI event at Gotham (near Nottingham) on the 10th December.

 

Nov-December appearances

Hello everybody


We are at the Cornmill Beeston on Sunday 22nd November and again on Sunday December 13th, from 2.00 till about 4.00 on both dates. If you are in the area, drop in and say hello - the food is delicious and Andrew the landlord and his staff will make you really welcome.

On Sunday 29th, we are at Southwell Minster School at the Lions Christmas Party. This is a party for the local over 60's, and we are proud to be singing with a whole host of other groups, including (so I am imformed) the Southwell Rugby Club!! Can't wait to see what Mick makes of that!!

Other than these performances, we are singing for the WI, the Rotary Club (again in Southwell), and the Free Masons (with the Major Oak Chorus). All are Christmas events so there will be much Ho HO Ho'ing and hopefully Christmas Cheer.

Although we are now fully booked for November and December, we are available throughout most of 2010, so if you are interested in booking us for your event, please email me on ron@special-blend.co.uk  and we'll happily discuss your requirements.