SATURDAY APRIL 28TH 2018 at St Mary’s Church, Bolsterstone. 

What an amazing evening we had! We were delighted to have a very warm response from the audience, which included a very special gentleman who is celebrating his 100th birthday.

The concert was a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One with poetry, readings and music. Devised by Christine Herbert, directed by Rachel Atkinson, and performed by members of Waldershelf Singers, the programme included a selection of choral music from The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins. We were delighted to have a 12 piece orchestra of talented local musicians. Piano accompaniment was by Claire McAuley. A drumhead service was performed by young RAF cadets and the Royal British Legion.

A donation was made to the Royal British Legion at the close of the concert.

On Saturday 30th JUNE we had a fabulous evening at the Venue, Stocksbridge, singing songs from the Movies and Musicals with Millhouse Green Male Voice Choir and performing to a packed audience. Thanks to everyone who took part on stage and behind the scenes – a memorable night! We welcomed guests from the Stocksbridge Neurological and Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre, and afterwards were delighted to be able to make a donation of £550 from concert proceeds.

The highlight of this year has got to be our concert on 27th October in the wonderful environment of Sheffield Cathedral.

Waldershelf Singers were joined by Stannington Brass Band to perform Sir Karl Jenkins’ iconic work The Armed Man- a Mass for Peace in commemoration of the centenary of the end of World War One.

Stannington Brass Band, conducted by Derek Renshaw, opened the concert with the rousing Imperial Echoes
Waldershelf Singers, conducted by Rachel Atkinson, sang 3 beautiful and evocative pieces – His Eye is on the Sparrow, In Flanders Fields, and Total Praise, interspersed by 2 poems written and read by Christine Herbert, reflecting on the experiences of her family in the Great War. Stannington Band concluded the first half of the concert with Nimrod (from Elgar’s Enigma Variations) and I’ll Walk With God – a fitting crescendo ending.

Rachel conducted Choir and Band performing The Armed Man in the second half of the concert. This was unique as it was the first time a brass band has accompanied a choir in the UK for this work. They certainly did it justice, and made the whole evening very special. A truly memorable night!

In Flanders Fields (Poem by John McCrae) 1915

His eye is on the sparrow

Total Praise

Three Quiet Men by Christine Herbert

In the blink of an eye by Christine Herbert

We are grateful to all the choristers and musicians, especially guests from Vivacity choir, soloists from both choir and band, and Graham Wilkinson on the organ and Philip Sutcliffe on piano. Also thanks to the Dean and Cathedral staff for their hospitality, and both committees and front of house volunteers for their hard work. Hand made poppies were worn by all the performers, and were sold afterwards to raise money for the Royal British Legion.

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