Choir rocks Christmas shoppers

The Croydon choir staged its traditional festive appearance at the Whitgift centre on two big pre-Christmas shopping days, December 4 and 17.  After a subdued start on Sunday December 4, the choir turned out in force on Saturday December 17, holding shoppers spellbound with sing-a-long performances of some of its most popular numbers, from There is Nothing Like a Dame to O Holy Night.  

CMVC sings for Whitgift shoppers

Among the early starters at the Whitgift centre were choir chair Kimball Ormond and seven members of the bass section.  Further choir members appeared in waves, the number reaching 20 at times.  In the afternoon choir stalwart Nev Clark treated the audience to several renditions of the Paul Robeson classic, Ol' Man River, which was strongly applauded.

The choir's two most recent CDs were in hot demand, thanks to the sales team headed by Dot Stevens, Margaret Jacob, Rita Sandland, Maureen Burtt, Gloria Rowe and Jean Cantrell.   Supplies were exhausted by lunch time and a fresh batch was summoned.  

Some purchasers asked for their CDs to be signed by choir members, and there were several enquiries about joining the choir.  The choir has now retired for its Christmas break.  Rehearsals restart on Thursday January 5 and the first concert of the New Year is at St John's, Old Coulsdon, on Saturday February 11.

Maureen and Margaret work the crowd: CDs were in hot demand

Seven CMVC bass section members: the choir engine room was out in force