On Sunday 9 September, in ideal balmy weather, 130 guests enjoyed a garden party organised by the Friends of Romsey Abbey Choir in the grounds of the Abbey School.
Signs in the centre of Romsey tempted several passing visitors to venture over to the garden party; they were warmly welcomed by other guests. The choirboys entertained with some music: One hand, one heart from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein and Psalm 23 by Howard Goodall, better known as the theme from The Vicar of Dibley. One of the youngest boys, Julian Orchard, also sang a solo: the folksong Sally Gardens as arranged by Benjamin Britten.
The event raised some £400 for the choir’s visit to Rome in 2009 via the sale of cream teas and a raffle.
At this event its fundraising 100 Club gained its first members. Julie Linehan, its organiser, explains: ‘This is intended to be a bit of fun with a serious purpose: one half of subscriptions each month goes to choir funds and the other is distributed as cash prizes to winners of regular draws.’ New members are very welcome; if you would like to join, please email Julie.
