Mid Devon Singers continue to grow

By The Mid Devon Singers, Halberton, Devon

MiDS have continued to grow, enjoying singing new songs, welcoming new members, whilst ensuring that everyone, including vulnerable members, feel safe and comfortable.
The Mid Devon Singers are easing, carefully, out of COVID restrictions, and have raised the cap on their numbers to 50 singers.  They therefore have vacancies, now, if you’re quick!  It remains a precondition of joining this friendly, and non-cliquey, social and musical group that members are fully jabbed; they have a monitor, visible to all, that measures the CO2 level, where they practice or perform.
Unfortunately the scheduled Spring Concert due to take place at Halberton on Saturday 26 March will NOT now go ahead as the group lost rehearsal time because of COVID related restrictions and absence. They are also mindful of everyone’s safety and feel that it’s safer to postpone, rather than risk having a packed Hall at Halberton in the days immediately after all restrictions are (planned to be) removed. Terry Payne, (Chairman and Musical Director) said “The safety of our members, guests and the public remains paramount”.
Preparations for a Musical Tapas Evening on Saturday 14 May are eagerly continuing.  There will be a very varied programme, bar and supper, in collaboration with Halberton Community Association. It’s not just the MiDs performing; they are inviting anyone who would like to perform to join them.
Terry Payne says “If you, or anyone you know, would like to sing, play or dance (in any style, any genre) please contact me directly ASAP”.

He continued “Young talented performers, of any age, are welcome; some are joining us from Bristol. The Village Hall will be set out cabaret style, the five blocks of items will allow drink refills in between and supper (between blocks 3 and 4) will be superb!  More information will follow; note that tickets will go very quickly when released”. Terry can be contacted on 01884 820081 or 07973 890947.
The Mid Devon Singers Summer Concert will be held on Saturday 25 June and their Summer BBQ will be held the following weekend. They are also hoping to perform at the Mid Devon Show (Saturday 23 July) and the Uffculme Show (Sunday 4 September).
The current programme of songs include:

Another Day in Paradise (Phil Collins)

California Dreamin’ (The Mamas and the Papas)

Can You Feel the Love Tonight and Circle of Life (Elton John)

Castle on a Cloud and I Dreamed a Dream (Les Miserables)

Dirty Old Town (Contemporary folk)

Donkey Riding (Shanty)

Fields of Gold and Russians (Sting)

Imagine (John Lennon)

Kama Chameleon (Boy George)

Here Comes the Sun (George Harrison)

I Feel the Earth Move; Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow (Carole King)

Lay all your Love on Me, Mama Mia and Thank You for the Music (Abba)

Look at the World (John Rutter)

Mr Guder; Sing and We’ve Only Just Begun (Carpenters)

Old Abram Brown (Benjamin Britten)

Over the Rainbow (Wizard of Oz)

Pavane (16th Century)

Scarborough Fair and Sound of Silence (Simon and Garfunkel)

Something Inside so Strong (Labi Siffre)

Sunday Love (Jazz)

Tell me it’s not True (Blood Brothers)

Tell Me on a Sunday; Whistle Down the Wind (Andrew Lloyd Webber)

The Long and Winding Road (Lennon and McCartney)

The Wind beneath My Wings (Henley/Silbar)

Tomorrow (Annie)

Will ye Go, Lassie (Scottish folk song)

Yesterday (Paul McCartney)

You’ll Never Walk Alone (Carousel)
Anyone wishing to join this inclusive and welcoming group doesn’t need an audition.  All ages and abilities are welcome; starters, teenagers and experienced singers from across the district and beyond. They meet on Fridays which they have found to be a good day for young singers and it’s free for them too. They sing a little of everything - all styles from past to present. Contact Stéphanie (Membership) to see if there is space, through singers@halberton.org or Facebook or Terry Payne.

If you would like the Mid Devon Singers to perform, contact the Concert Secretary through singers@halberton.org