Gloucestershire News, South Gloucestershire News - from the Gazette Series

Fine day for promenade

From the archive, first published Friday 5th Aug 2005.

THE Thornbury Orchestra was in fine fettle recently when the town hosted its own Promenade concert.

Around 200 people attended the concert held in lovely sunshine in the grounds of St Mary's Primary School.

The first half of the programme was cheerful and exciting with Rossini's Barber of Seville, Curzon's In Malaga, the Blue Danube Waltz by Strauss and Brahms' Hungarian Dances.

After breaking for picnics the audience was entertained by local singing group Goode Companye, who sang with perfection such favourites as Teddy Bear's Picnic, Boogie Woogie and the Vicar of Dibley.

After the break the concert reverted to the traditional Promenade format, with stirring renditions of well-known British compositions. Flags waved and people joined in with the singing of Rule Britannia, Land of Hope and Glory and Jerusalem.

The striking Union Jack waistcoat and matching bow tie, worn by conductor Christopher Hill, enhanced the patriotic theme. Local soprano Louise Hambly-Smith was Britannia, singing with clarity and exhilaration and entering into the spirit of the event with grand arm gestures and a magnificent dress.

Louise's singing was wonderful and the orchestra was delighted she was able to perform with them.

The organisers were very pleased that the event was so popular and that valuable funds were raised for the St Paul's, The Hackett, centenary fund.

The Thornbury Orchestra performed very well and the evening went with a swing.

The orchestra welcomes new members. For more information call Hugh on 01454 612453 or Naomi on 01454 260376.

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