At the annual general meeting of Hemyock Singers the decision was made to look at formalising the separation of the Group.
Reflecting on the history of Singers, Chairman, Janice Bawler, reminded the meeting how the group had evolved over almost 40 years. What had begun as a Music Appreciation Club within Hemyock Leisure Centre had grown into a highly successful Society putting on choral concerts and on stage, award winning musicals. Today the success continues with entertaining concerts, plays and pantomimes. Membership was still growing but it had become apparent that whilst some members greatly enjoyed singing others preferred only to act. Sub committees had worked well with each making it's own decisions but for a number of years members had felt that a division within the group was inevitable as each pursued their particular interest.
Ron White for the Choral Group, Sally Cartledge for the Stage Group, and the Chairman gave reports highlighting some of the years events which had included performances of Haydn's 'Creation' and Mozart's 'Requiem', a supper concert featuring 'Showstoppers' , a murder mystery evening, and the hilarious play 'Surprise Package'. A special evening had seen members give their thanks to retiring pianist Joan Lawrence and Monica Smith was thanked for organising the groups beautifully decorated tree at the Festival of Trees in St Mary's. Following the Choral Group's concerts donations had been made to St Margaret's Hospice New Build Appeal and St Mary's Church. The retiring collections at concerts given at Uffculme had been for the Karen Action Group.
Thanks were given to all the many people seldom seen but whose help was invaluable to the success of every performance and to the public whose continuing support was greatly appreciated.
Janice Bawler