Hope's Auction Mart, Wigton

Last Saturday evening the 6th May, it was my particular pleasure – along with almost 200 other patrons, to go along to witness 26 very brave “Stout-Hearted Men” and 3 Lovely ladies who had overcome their fear and braved the experience to venture into the “Bullring” of Hopes auction mart in Wigton – fortunately NOT to be auctioned off thank goodness, but to provide a very enthusiastic – and delighted to say – capacity audience, which, on this special occasion included the Provincial Grand Master of Cumberland and Westmorland Freemasons, Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Bro.

Norman James Thompson and his wife Janet into this unusual setting, with a most entertaining and well- chosen programme of both Classical and light Operatic music to suit everyones tastes. These 26 men, resplendent in their Red Blazers, were the 25 members of the Dalston Male Voice Choir and their Conductor, Mr Michael Deakin,(in Black). The Three ladies were :- the Choir accompanist Lorraine Gash, Guest Soprano Soloist Michelle Dodds and her accompanist Ruth Wright.

The Choir were introduced to the audience by compere David Wood and they opened the concert with Rogers & Hammersteins very lively number “It’s a Grand night for singing” which had the audience tapping their feet straight away. In contrast, two quieter numbers followed and the choir finished their first session with “Give me that old time religion” after which the choir received a loud applause.

The beautiful Soprano soloist Michelle Dodds was then introduced and her first song Ave Maria really showed off the beautiful tonal quality and expression in her voice. Her next song “Vittoria, Vittoria,”was sung in a total but joyful character, and her last song was another favourite “Under the Greenwood Tree” after which there was much applause.!!

On resuming the stage again, the beautiful New Moon outside really did shine down on their next three numbers:- the Stout Hearted Men. Lilly of the Valley, The Rose, and Sloop which really did bring the colour and expression out of the music and for which the way the Conductor Mr Michael Deakin had interpretated the story of the pieces for which both Conductor and choir alike received applause.!

On resuming the stage for her final numbers, Michelle Dodds chose “I could have danced all night” from My Fair Lady, “Only Love”, and her final number “Both sides Now” ended a wonderful evening for her for which she was loudly applauded. A very special applause was given to her accompanist Ruth Wright.

Mr Raymond Fearon, the Male Voice Choir Chairman, and also the Worshipful Master of Wigton St.Mary Lodge, who, along with members of the Lodge had helped to organise this very successful event, was called to say a few words of thanks to everyone who had helped in any way to make the evening such a success particularly the artistes who had performed this evening, Michelle Dodds, Ruth Wright her accompanist, and a special mention to Lorraine Gash the resident Choir accompanist for her contribution, not only tonight, but all the year round in rehearsals. He went on to present gifts of flowers to the artistes – and a bottle to the Conductor.

Artistes and audience alike retired to The “Stocksman”Bar where excellent refreshments were served and raffle executed and at around 9-25pm, The Male Voice Choir Re-assembled and finished the lovely night off with three short items:-Speed your Journey, Old MacDonald, and “Softly as I Leave You”

Congratulations to all concerned. A really brilliant occasion.!! When’s the next one.?