BGS Christmas Party

HI Folks,

As I am over here in the tropics enjoying an Aussie Christmas Break, I leave it to Denis to provide a summary of the festive celebrations at the last BGS meeting. Wishing all BGS members, non members and blog lurkers a very Merry Christmas. See you in January!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Only about a dozen of us gathered for this Festive occasion. Our numbers were possibly reduced by the epidemic of heavy colds and 'flu, but more likely by the final of Strictly Come Dancing, which coincided with our meeting time.

Ray Butcher unfortunately succumbed to either a cold or 'flu bug on the Saturday morning, so he was unable to attend. However, Den had brought some Christmas Carol ensemble music, which we all enjoyed playing for about half an hour. After this there were solo offerings from some of the members, followed by the buffet and the now traditional quiz. A team effort by Dave and Janet Smyth saw them win the first prize, whilst Trevor Pike came second.

It was a good and enjoyable evening which appeared to leave everybody quite satisfied. We also gained two new members who will be welcomed in the January Newsletter.

Wealden Guitar Society Performance

Well folks tonight we had a real music feast cooked up for us by the Wealden Guitar Society courtesy of head chef, Ray Love. (And he was much more restrained in his language than Gordon Ramsay!!) For those of you who missed the meeting you can download your portions by clicking the links. (The files are mp3 files - suggest that you download Quicktime or Itunes for best results)

BGS Starters

Like all good hosts, we thought we'd better provide our own starters prior to the main meal. Ray Butcher did a great job in leading the BGS members for a quick practice with a new piece in preparation for a battle of the sounds with the Enfield Society at the May Meeting. We had a very quick solo spot this evening with a medley of melodies from Len Ivell who had us 'begining the beguine' and then marching down to the Sunny Side of the street.

The next piece was a Pavan by Weiss, expertly delivered by Dave Hampton. We were now thoroughly ready for the main course which arrived promptly at 8pm!. The menu is reproduced below!

Wealden Guitar Society Music Menu

The Sage Leaf

a delicious treat prepared and delivered by Tom, David, Liz and Ray

Smoke Rising

a tasty number prepared by Chris (and nothing was burnt!!)

Oh Mistress Mine

based on the Thomas Morley recipe cooked and and presented superbly by Tom, Diana and David

Summertime arrangement from Porgy and Bess

prepared and served by David Liz and Ray (based on Gershwin's recipe)

Latin Rondo

a taste of South America from David, Tom, Liz and Ray

Prelude 3 (Villa Lobos) with a side dish from Sergio Assad's recipe book

prepared and served with panache from Miles Roberts

One Hand One Heart from Bernstein's West Side Story

arranged by Ray Love and served by Ray, Val and Charlie

Pavan from Ravel's recipe book

A tasty little French dish prepared by David and Tom

Unchained Melody

arranged by Ray Love and served by Val and Ray

Latin Number and a pudding (aint she sweet)

arranged, and served by Colin

Sweets
Autumn Leaves

prepared by Tom, Liz and Ray

Iceland Piece

A tasty dessert served by Shalom, Eileen, Val and Charlie

Needless to say it was a great evening of entertainment and special thanks goes to Ray Love and the Wealden Society for preparing such a tasty musical menu. Michelin stars all round!!

While the Wealden Society catered for our musical appetites, a special mention should go to Trevor Pike for organising and providing the actual refreshments for everyone. Thanks again Trevor!!

Meeting March 19th Update

As promised in the last newsletter, here is a recording of Tommy Page's performance of Maria-Luisa Julio Sagreras Mazurka Opus 9 Number 2.

Unfortunately we missed out on getting a recording of the Widmore ensemble. Hopefully we will have better luck with the Wealden Ensemble this Saturday.

Thanks to Stephen Pearson for the MP3 file