Archive - Originally posted on "The Horse's Mouth" - 2007-03-24 08:56:27 - Graham Ellis
The Newport Male Voice Choir came by coach to Melksham last night, and sang at the Mayor's reception - an annual event at the assembly hall, this year raising money for Alzheimer's Charities.
Watching the singers on the stage, I couldn't help noticing the wide range of facial expressions - some singers scarcely opening their mouths, and others highly animated. I *think* I could make out some of the individuals in the singing - associate the mouthing with the sounds ... but really I can't be sure. And perhaps that's how it's supposed to be with Choral singers.
I don't know what the "collective" is for a group of Mayors. Is it a "school", a "crowd", a "flock" or a "quorum"? But anyway, there were current "chains" all over the room - mayors and mayoresses from all the neighbouring towns (well - either that or some people with some very odd jewellery senses) and many former mayors of Melksham too - at one point three of them gathered round our table. I have to admit to not being terribly good with names - "who was that" I whispered to Lisa on a couple of occasions after someone had addressed me by name. And it was councillor this or that. Ooops!
Of course, you can't shut a Welshman with a pint of Guinness up so after the two halves of the program, and a brief trip to the bar, the choir helped finish up the food .... and gave their choral thanks through another medley of numbers. I have to admire their obvious joy in singing, and their dedication in coming over to Melksham - as a large group - to entertain us through the evening. Thank you, the Newport Male Voice Choir.
