What a way to celebrate the 21st Birthday of the Friends of Houghton Parish Church Trust – with a Music Festival. \u00a0The Trustees wanted to do something special this year and we certainly did!! \u00a0We tried to put together a programme that would suit everyone, from the choir reunion, and music from the 70’s and 80’s in the Kepier to choirs and coffee morning, handbells, brass band, and organ in church, Sunday supper in the Kepier and all greatly supported by members of the Friends, congregation and of course the generous people of Houghton.<\/p>\n
Tuesday 6th May Choir Reunion <\/strong>– After choir practice we made our way up to the Kepier Hall for our social evening. \u00a0We hoped that we would see one or two past choristers who had seen the invitation to get in touch. \u00a0We provided a buffet and Stand kindly opened the bar for us. \u00a0Would we get anyone? \u00a0Yes we did! Six or seven men turned up including the Rev’d Richard Davison who was a curate during Canon Gwilliam’s time and the beginning of Rev’d Peter Brett’s time with us. \u00a0After the ‘old boys’ caught up with each other and a birthday cake (made by Janet from the choir) was cut for Grank Gibbon whose birthday was that day they all went down to see the old photos of the choir in years gone by. \u00a0A trip down memory lane caused one man to be so overwhelmed and emotional being back in church and hearing the organ he could not put into words how he felt. \u00a0A lovely night and well worth doing.<\/p>\n Thursday 8th May Houghton Brass in Concert <\/strong>– A wonderful evening of great music. \u00a0The programme had a First World War theme, everyone was expected to sing along with a medley of WW1 songs. \u00a0Tom Gibson was delighted to be back with his band in church. \u00a0The night was well supported and both the band and the Friends were delighted with the evening. \u00a0The band is very professional and the sound in the church was excellent.<\/p>\n Saturday 10th May Coffee Morning <\/strong>– The morning began with St Michael’s hand bell ringers. \u00a0They played a great programme and were enjoyed by a large gathering of people who came for coffee, cake and scones and to listen to the music. \u00a0The handbells were followed by a selection of favourite hymns played on the organ. \u00a0I had many requests of old and new hymns and people sang along enjoying the variety of music. \u00a0As people were leaving, we had a full peal of bells from the tower played by Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Association of Bell Ringers.<\/p>\n Saturday 10th May Music of the 70’s & 80’s <\/strong>– Held in the Kepier Hall the music if ‘Zen’ performed live – a good night was had by all who boogied well into the night! \u00a0Thanks to Stan for organising this.<\/p>\n Sunday 11th May Thanksgiving Service for the Friends of the Church <\/strong>– We had a grand service, and it was made very special to have Peter & Elizabeth Fisher back with us. \u00a0Peter was instrumental in forming the Trust in 1993. \u00a0Gordon Stewart kindly played the organ and Rev’d Frances Wilson conducted the choir. \u00a0 Rev’d Margaret Lee led the service. \u00a0Gordon said to me in an email “Thank you so much for making my visit to Houghton so thoroughly enjoyable. \u00a0It was great to see you and to hear the evensong choir in such good form.” \u00a0This is a wonderful comment from the conductor of ‘Songs of Praise’. \u00a0The choir sang better than I have ever heard them sing; don’t know if it was because I was singing! \u00a0It was great to have Peter Crawford back with us.<\/p>\n Celebration Supper <\/strong>– After the Thanksgiving Service and the AGM of the Friends, fifty friends made their way up to the Kepier for what was a lovely meal, everythig was just perfect. \u00a0A lot of hard work from the ‘Next 900’ team. \u00a0Thank you! \u00a0We had a 21st Birthday cake which Peter & Elizabeth cut for us.<\/p>\n Monday 12th May Gordon Stewart Organ Concert <\/strong>–\u00a0Another great evening. \u00a0Gordon always manages to provide a programme for all to enjoy. \u00a0He set up his large projection screen so everyone could see him playing the organ from the body of the church. \u00a0Gordon came to Houghton on Sunday afternoon and practiced until the evening service. \u00a0He then was back in church on Monday at 10am for the day rehearsing for the concert. \u00a0“Thank you so much for making my visit to Houghton so thoroughly enjoyable. \u00a0It was great to see you and to hear the evensong choir in such good form, lovely to be at the dinner and with such friendly people, good to have a whole day with the Harrison, and a great privilege to play the Friends’ Recital again to such an appreciative audience! \u00a0A splendid couple of days”. <\/em>What dedication to achieve perfection. \u00a0Gordon will be here again next year.<\/p>\n Wednesday 14th May The Choirs Concert <\/strong>– We had music from the Gilpin Singers and the Church Choir. \u00a0A varied programme including music from ABBA and the Beatles to Mozart and Cesar Frank. \u00a0Both choirs were in good voice under the direction of Rev’d Frances Wilson the Gilpin Singers conductor. \u00a0Another event well supported and appreciated by the audience.<\/p>\n Members of the Friends, the congregation of the church and many of our friends in Houghton and beyond we thank you for making this festival a resounding success.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" What a way to celebrate the 21st Birthday of the Friends of Houghton Parish Church Trust – with a Music Festival. \u00a0The Trustees wanted to do something special this year and we certainly did!! \u00a0We tried to put together a … Continue reading