The St Andrew's Singers and the Music Group practising for the presentation of excerpts from While Shepherds Watched.

St. Andrew's Singers on tour in the UK 

The Singers & Music Group took to the road again on Sunday 21st October 2007. It was an early start, leaving Worcester by coach at 7.15am.  The early mist soon gave way to sunshine and we all enjoyed a relaxing journey through the Shropshire and Cheshire countryside as we left the motorway and used the A41 into Chester.

After a short rehearsal and much needed cup of coffee we presented "From Pharaoh to Freedom" at Wesley Methodist Church in Chester. The acoustics were good and we all enjoyed playing and singing. The presentation was well received.  Afterwards we had time for some sight seeing and lunch. The Church was in the City Centre near to the shops, the river and the Cathedral so we all managed to see something of this lovely city. We left about 3.00pm to travel to Wellington in Shropshire where we had previously presented "Saints Alive" - in fact it was at that very presentation in 2005 that we were invited, by Bill DeMoss, to visit West Virginia in 2006.  We were welcomed with a good Methodist tea before singing at their evening service at 6.00pm. 

St Andrew's Singers 

Just time, afterwards, for a quick coffee before journeying back to Worcester. It had been a tiring day but one which we had all enjoyed.  Since then, Bronwen has received several phone and e-mail messages in appreciation of our performances and I print just three of them below:

"It was great to have you with us on Sunday and there were lots of appreciative comments afterwards - your hard work and high standards were obvious to all and much enjoyed. With all good wishes - Gordon Etheridge - Minister"

"Just a note to thank the choir and music group for their inspirational rendition of "From Pharaoh to Freedom", this morning, in Chester at Wesley. I thought it was WONDERFUL, your interpretation was so lively and you obviously all enjoyed it so much. Special mention for the conductor who must have worked so hard to bring out the best in everyone and to hold the whole thing together. Many thanks to the choir and music group for being prepared to give up their Sunday to come over to Chester and give us this work. With MUCH appreciation and thanks again to all concerned.  Celia Burley "

"Dear Bronwen, on behalf of those of us at Wellington who attended the St Andrews Choir performance, I'd like to extend a very big thank you to you all. The evening was a great success and thoroughly enjoyable. We hope to see you all again at a future concert.  Love in Christ  Diane Parkin - Senior Steward"

Singers off on 2008 US tour, but perform before leaving

Before embarking on a seven-day tour of North Carolina and West Virginia, USA, the St Andrew’s Singers performed

From Pharaoh to Freedom

the Roger Jones musical - prior to flying out later in the week.

The performance took place in the Sanctuary at St Andrew’s on Tuesday 19 August 2008 at 7.30pm with an audience of over 80 people in attendance - made up of members of the public and the church congregation.

There was no charge for the event, but a voluntary collection for the Cameroon Water Aid Appeal and the church heating refurbishment fund took place. Light refreshments were available in the church hall after the performance.

US Tour

The St Andrew’s Singers travelled to Charlotte in North Carolina on 23 August and were hosted by families from a number of Methodist churches in the two states. Members of the 25-strong group paid their own airfares, but some fundraising took place over recent months to help with additional travel and incidental expenses.

St Andrew's Singers - the group visiting the USA

Article in Buzz: http://www.methodist.org.uk/static/html_emails/buzz67.htm

The St. Andrew's Singers & Music Group have safely returned to Worcester after what can only be described as a 'fantastic" visit to West Virginia. They performed concerts at five Churches throughout the State, met the State Governor, appeared on television and radio and saw the most beautiful scenery imaginable.

The people were most welcoming at all the venues and the hospitality was wonderful. Each member stayed with five different families and all the hosts were so enthusiastic in their welcome and the accommodation could not have been better. Many friendships have already been made and letters and e-mails are flying across the Atlantic even as you read this.

During the trip both David Bower & Lesley Vine kept diaries, they have already compared notes and David will be producing a special edition of the Newsletter during July, complete with many photographs, so that you can all follow the events of those 7 days in May & June 2006.

The St. Andrew's Singers & Music Group would like to thank everyone who supported them in so many ways on both sides of the "pond" and thank you all for your prayers and good wishes.