Saturday 18 June was the date on which members of St Margaret’s Community came together to celebrate the 90th birthday of HRH Queen Elizabeth with an informal concert. The church was decked out with patriotic bunting in red, white and blue – as were the performers!
MC Hedley did a sterling job of opening the concert and introducing each of the acts. Our Children’s Choir gave us the upbeat “We Like Joyful Music” and the rather more contemplative “The Lord’s My Shepherd”. Grace, Molly and Lydia all presented amazing solo performances – Grace on the piano, Molly and Lydia sang beautifully. Aiden and Charlotte, two guitarists from Parrenthorn High School, also played a selection of delightful solos and duets.
Our organists Geoff, Tom and Nick all played demanding solo items – Geoff on the organ, Tom and Nick on the piano. Nick also accompanied many of the solo pieces. Catherine played a beautiful unaccompanied flute solo. Carol played a tango on her violin and sang a duet with Jennifer. Barbara sang two songs for us, and Marion recited a poem, “Tea wi’ Queen”.
Full audience participation was encouraged for a “last night of the proms”-style finale, consisting of “Jerusalem”, “I Vow to Thee, My Country”, We’ll Meet Again”, “Rule, Britannia!”, the National Anthem, and of course, “Happy Birthday, Queen Elizabeth!”
Delicious snacks and drinks were available during the interval, and huge thanks re due to all involved in their preparation, serving, and clearing away.
It was a happy evening of celebration, made possible by all the musicians that gave countless hours of their time for personal practice and rode the waves of nerves and adrenalin so willingly for the entertainment of others. Thank you to each and every one.
Some photos of the evening were live Tweeted from @StMaggieP and are also now on the church Facebook page, StMargaret Prestwich – have a look!
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 