Thameside Harmony Chorus

28 July - Thameside Harmony Chorus

I don’t suppose many of you knew that Pat Irving is a member of a ladies harmony chorus ensemble. The chorus was formed in April 1986. It didn’t have a name for its first six months but was then ‘christened’ “Thameside Ladies Barbershop Chorus” That was obviously a bit of a mouthful so in 2008 the name was changed to “Thameside Harmony Chorus”. The White House Community Association is their rehearsal venue which is shared with Magna Carta, the men’s barbershop chorus.

On the evening of Wednesday 27th Pat brought some 18-20 members of her chorus to the clubhouse for a recital. Given that we had only been expecting half a dozen this came as a bit of a surprise but AQSC is nothing if not flexible and they were all fitted in. The audience numbered about 30 members which was not a bad turn out for a Wednesday evening.

The first half was performed out on the quarterdeck which was a bit different and by the time supper was announced I think the members were beginning to get into this harmony chorus thing.

Diana’s supper was excellent, as always. The ladies of the chorus and the members got stuck into various cheeses, French bread, tomatoes, grapes, sausage rolls, mini quiches and cakes. The chorus themselves seemed to favour water while the members kept the bar staff on their toes.

The second half was inside, the evening beginning to get a little cold and rain threatening. After a number of songs the evening ended with the chorus mixing with the audience and encouraging them to sing along. Some nervous faces to be seen at this point. Rodger and George then thanked the chorus on behalf of the club.

By 10:30pm everything was cleared up and the evening came to an end. Thanks to Pat Irving for arranging the Thameside Harmony Chorus visit, to Diana and helpers for supper, to George for handling the financial side of the evening and to Pete and his barmen for keeping everybody ‘topped-up’. A very good and different evening.

Mike (Tone Deaf) Baker