Warm applause welcomed The Wyndham Singers when they made a return visit to the parish church, Hemyock for a concert in support of the Friends of St Mary’s and Hospiscare. The final amount raised was £627 which is to be equally shared between the two.

The event was introduced by choir member Roger Lambert and dedicated to local musician and church organisations/choirmaster of St Mary’s Ron White who was unable to be present.

A representative from Hospiscare, spoke about the work carried out by the organisation and thanked people for their support.

Musical Director, Charles West, led the Singers into their first unaccompanied number Let My Prayer Arise reminding those present of the excellent diction and harmonies produced by this group of 18 men. Panis Angelicus was followed by Harbour. This was written for Syrian refugees but is now being dedicated to the Ukrainian situation.

The audience were then introduced to The Stropes - a group of four men from within the choir. Their rendition of the Supremes hit Baby Love soon had the feet of those present tapping in time and with Diana Ross due to appear at Glastonbury it was almost expected she would suddenly appear! Their barbershop style singing continued with Lullaby followed There’s a Girl that I Love before the men melted back into the group.

Prior to the interval when refreshments were served by the Friends, the Singers delighted with Cavatina written by Cleo Lane and Stanley Myers’s before bursting into The Kinks joyful number Sunny Afternoon which found many of the audience gently swaying from side to side in time with the music.

The unaccompanied Rocky Road to Dublin was a delightful number to open the second half of the concert with followed by Both Sides Now and What a Wonderful World . Whether accompanied on keyboard by their MD or unaccompanied the Wyndham Singers continued high performance ensured those present were guaranteed an evening to remember.

In their own style the group sang Happy Birthday to someone who had recently celebrated their special day.

The Stropes second appearance proved to be another highlight as in their own inimitable style they performed Till There Was You, Moonlight Bay and Dream A Little Dream of Me a song covered by many artistes including Mama Cass , all bringing warm applause.

Billy Joel’s She’s Always a Woman began the evening finale before The Rose and then the Top of the World closed the concert. Thanks we’re expressed by Sarah Folland, a member of Friends , for a very enjoyable and successful evening.