Wellesbourne Choral Society

We start a new session of rehearsals on Tuesday 7^th September 2010, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Methodist Church in Bridge Street, Wellesbourne. We always welcome new members but particularly need singers for the contralto, tenor and bass sections. No audition is necessary and you don't have to be able to read music. This year, our December concert will consist of carols, some Christmas songs and a modern cantata, “Night of Miracles”. Then, at Easter, in a shorter concert, we will perform several anthems and the “Gloria” by Vivaldi, which is a very cheerful and tuneful work.

Our final concert, in May, will have a selection of English folk songs and madrigals, with the main work being “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat” by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

We are a very friendly choir and would very much like more singers to join us. If you are interested, please come along to the first rehearsal to see if you would like to sing with us. You will be made to feel very welcome.

If you would like more information about the choir, please contact our musical director, Margaret Cox on 01789 841826.

Charlecote Park

The BBC Antiques Road Show is coming to Charlecote! Mark Thursday 16^th September in your diary and start looking in the attic now! The entry will be free of charge, but the House will not be open that day. More details in next month's newsletter.

Did you see the Falcons on their July visit to Charlecote Park? If not, try to visit on Sunday 19^th September (normal Park admission fees). The popular Children's Club will take place on Tuesdays again this year – starting on 27^th July until Tuesday 31 August – come any time after 11am, (normal Park admission fees).

On 31^st July and 28^th there will be a “Walk with the Gardener” (normal Park admission fees apply).

For further details of opening, events, etc please contact Charlecote Park on 01789 470277 or visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-charlecotepark .

Charlecote is looking into the pros and cons of introducing Dog Walking in the Front Park. The consultation period extends to the end of August and all views will be taken into consideration before even a trial period could start. Please make sure your views are noted by writing to “Charlecote Park, Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9ER” or sending an email to charlecotepark@nationaltrust.org.uk .

Stour Singers – the 35^th Season

Following their successful collaboration with Stour Singers in May this year the celebrated Orchestra of the Swan will return to Shipston on 11 December 2010 to partner the choir in a programme of Christmas Music for All. This is a tribute to the town and in particular conductor Richard Emms, who founded Stour Singers in 1975 and is entirely responsible for developing the society into a formidable musical force. The main work in December is Benjamin Britten's Saint Nicolas in which the title role will be sung by Richard Dowling, a brilliant young tenor you may have heard in broadcasts by the BBC Singers.

Then on 14 May 2011 there will be an opportunity to hear Mendelssohn's dramatic oratorio Elijah, first performed in Birmingham on 26 Aug 1846 and a close rival to Messiah in popularity for 100 years.

The Cherwell Orchestra will accompany the Singers on this occasion. If you are a music lover please make a note of these dates and, if you intend to come to both concerts, perhaps become a ‘Friend of Stour Singers’, a scheme based on discounted ticketing – details from Vic Twyman, tel:01608 664215.

For Elijah there is an amazing line-up of international soloists. Richard Dowling returns to join Irish soprano Sarah Power, Swedish mezzo, Mae Heydorn, and the distinguished Welsh operatic baritone, Jeremy Huw Williams.

If you enjoy singing or have always hoped for an opportunity to sing in a choir, a warm welcome awaits you in Stour Singers. No auditions. Practice CDs enable you to learn at your own pace. Rehearsals this season are on Thursday evenings, 7-9pm in the Community Lounge of Shipston High School starting on 16 September 2010. Please visit the website - www.stoursingers.org.uk or contact Vic Twyman, tel 01608 664215 to resolve any doubts or for further details.

COMPTON VERNEY

Compton Verney

Stratford's award-winnning art gallery

Reader special offer - 2 for 1 admission* Print off a voucher at www.comptonverney.org.uk/2for1 * admission ticket of lesser value is free.

Opening times and prices:
Compton Verney is open from 27 March until 12 December 2010. Tuesday – Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 11am–5pm. Admission to Compton Verney is £8 Adults, £6 Concessions, £2 Children, £18 Family. Under 5s are free. Admission includes entry to the gallery and grounds. The gallery is home to six permanent collections and a changing exhibition programme.